These 7 Ava Daniels moments from Hacks will make you a fan of Hannah Einbinder

Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max
Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max

Ava Daniels, played with sharp precision by Hannah Einbinder in Hacks, is a character who captures attention right away. At first, she comes across as sarcastic, blunt, and sometimes just overconfident to a fault. But throughout the unfolding of the series, we see Ava peel through the layers and reveal many more traits of vulnerability, determination, and wit that make her unforgettable.

The volatile chemistry between Ava and comedy legend Deborah Vance drives the show, mixing laugh-out-loud clashes with surprising emotional depth.

What makes Ava stand out is that she is a real character—her struggles, her comebacks, and her growth by and large mirror what many young people face today in their attempts to find their place in the world. Here are the seven most unforgettable moments that will entertain you and ignite your fandom for Hannah Einbinder.


These 7 Ava Daniels moments from

Hacks will make you a fan of Hannah Einbinder

1) Ava risking everything by leaking Deborah’s emails

Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max
Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max

One of Ava’s boldest and most reckless choices comes when she impulsively leaks old, emotional emails about Deborah to TV producers. It's a stunning betrayal that might have ended her career and friendship with Deborah on the spot. Hannah Einbinder brings the guilt and fear with unflinching honesty, revealing Ava's impulsive nature crashing into her ambition.

What makes this scene unforgettable is the way it realigns their relationship, putting Ava in her place while demonstrating that growth can occur through the messiest of mistakes.


2) Ava’s sharp and sarcastic comebacks

Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max
Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max

One of Ava's greatest strengths is her uncompromising sarcasm. She doesn't pull any punches when she believes Deborah's jokes are stale or when the industry is being unfair. Hannah Einbinder's delivery renders these zingers laughable, but they also deepen Ava's character. She's not attempting to be cruel; she's defending what she thinks is original comedy.

Throughout much of the series, Ava's quick wit forces Deborah to reexamine her act, vindicating Ava's position as anything other than an assistant. These zingers also resonate with young viewers, who recognize their own frustrations with systemic issues in Ava's comedy.


3) Struggling to fit into Deborah’s world

Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max
Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max

Ava's journey is also one of finding her place in an atmosphere that is utterly foreign to her. From Deborah's decadent Vegas mansion to the high-strung routines of show business, Ava constantly finds herself not belonging. Hannah Einbinder makes Ava's unease humorous but palpable, particularly when she struggles to fit in without sacrificing herself. Her struggle is also reflective of the difficulty many young professionals have when they enter established fields.

Time passes, and Ava finds ways to adapt and give back. This is where her story demonstrates growth, resilience, and how learning to compromise does not equal sacrificing your identity—it equals discovering your own space.


4) Ava confronting her parents’ lack of support

Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max
Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max

Ava's most poignant struggle is her contentious relationship with her parents. Rather than support, they repeatedly brush aside her comedy career and refuse to acknowledge her decision-making. This surfaces in a number of scenes, where Ava's exasperation and sorrow expose a more sensitive side beneath the sarcasm.

Hannah Einbinder plays these scenes with quiet honesty, capturing the pain of chasing a dream without real family support. It's relatable for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood at home, making Ava's journey even more impactful.


5) Ava and Deborah’s road trip chaos

Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max
Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max

Ava and Deborah take to the road for a comedy tour in Season 2, and the ensuing chaos is pure gold. From bus trips on end to endless arguments, their escapades bring out the worst and best of their relationship. Ava gets frustrated time and again, but she also demonstrates loyalty by sticking with Deborah even during difficult times.

Hannah Einbinder infuses these scenes with a combination of humor and exasperation, making Ava accessible to anyone who's ever been stranded with a challenging travel companion. These road trip encounters also show Ava's development and how she and Deborah gradually form a true team.


6) Ava finally gets credit for her comedy

Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max
Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max

By Season 2, Ava's writing is no longer pushed under the rug or dismissed. Deborah finally grants her the recognition she deserves. Deborah's new stand-up routine, constructed primarily out of Ava's work, receives laughs and applause on stage. The first time Ava witnesses Deborah succeed with her material is not only validating, it's also emotional.

It's not just about being funny; it's about being recognized as a legitimate creative force. Hannah Einbinder gets the combination of relief and pride just right, capturing Ava's transformation from peripheral writer to established comedy voice.


7) Ava’s heartfelt bond with Deborah

Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max
Hacks | Image Source: Home Box Office Max

Early on, Ava and Deborah have trouble standing each other. But through the course of the show, their connection deepens into a family-like one. Perhaps the most heartwarming part is when Deborah defends Ava or demonstrates she cares in small, noteworthy moments. Hannah Einbinder does particularly lovely work bringing Ava's combination of shock and appreciation. This connection shows that Hacks is not simply a comedy about jokes—it's a comedy about people connecting across generations.

By the later seasons, Ava’s respect for Deborah is clear, and viewers can see how their bond transforms them both. This warm development makes Ava one of Hannah Einbinder's most standout performances.


Ava Daniels may have started out as the sarcastic outsider in Hacks, but she soon became one of the most relatable and inspiring characters on the show. With humor and honesty, and a pinch of vulnerability, Hannah Einbinder makes Ava unforgettable. Her journey with Deborah Vance is more than just a comedy; there is growth, respect, and finding one's voice in a world that tends to underestimate you.

These moments are proof of why Ava stands out and why Hannah Einbinder continues to garner fans with her fresh and fearless approach to acting.

Edited by Ritika Pal