Latest news with #Hacks
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Hacks' shocking season 4 finale has me convinced season 5 will be the show's best yet
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. "Hacks" season 4 finale just wrapped up on Max, bringing to a close a chapter of the hit comedy drama that has, frankly, been treading water at times. Don't get me wrong, the show remains excellent. A relatively stale season of Hacks is still one of the funniest things on TV or the best streaming services. But now I'm more excited for the future of the show than ever, because the end of season 4 — including its shocking climax — has me hopeful that this show is ready, like its main character Deborah, to finally get back to its peak. Spoilers for "Hacks" beyond this point Let me reiterate: At no point has this show been bad. But the first two seasons of "Hacks" are some of the best from a comedy series ever. They were brilliant, fresh and constantly had you on alert for what was coming next. The past two seasons, though? Well, as Deborah made the transition from the queen of standup to the queen of late-night TV, the show entered a bit of a holding pattern. In retrospect, this holding pattern may have occurred because the show knew it didn't want Deborah's story to end there. But it still felt like the show's writers were finding excuses to keep the late-night show storyline going. That storyline ended with a bang in last week's penultimate season 4 episode, and now Deborah can't work at all, let alone on a late-night talk show. That penultimate episode marked the end of one era of "Hacks," and this season finale is all about transitioning to the next era of the show. We see Deborah and Ava leave Hollywood and Vegas behind to recreate their Vegas years in Singapore. We get the not-so-subtle metaphor of the Tropicana imploding while everyone watches. But with the episode about to end, Ava and Deborah seem ready to split again, continuing the push-pull, will-they-won't-they of their mother-daughter/mentor-mentee relationship that we've seen all season long. The cycle seemed set to repeat, with Ava headed back to Los Angeles with her tail between her legs and Deborah once again a "hack," but this time in Singapore instead of Vegas. However, "Hacks" chose that moment to remind us why this show is so good. Ava wakes up to Jimmy calling to say that TMZ is reporting that Deborah is dead. That's the kind of twist "Hacks" used to hit us with. I was immediately brought back to season 1, when Ava spends a whirlwind, possibly perspective-changing night with a guy in Vegas, only to find that he'd jumped to his death while she was getting coffee. Of course, Deborah isn't dead, something we knew given that the show was renewed for season 5. But she's is pissed about the TMZ obituary saying she killed late-night TV and then retired to Singapore, and she's ready to get back to the top of the comedy world — consequences be damned. That's a show I'm looking forward to watching, and it's why I can't wait for "Hacks" season 5. Stream "Hacks" now on Max 'Your Friends and Neighbors' season finale proves there are no consequences as long as you're rich and look like Jon Hamm 'The Last of Us' season 2 finale live — reactions, who survived, recap and more 'The Studio' season finale cements it as the best comedy of the year so far — and I can't wait for season 2
New York Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Dan Bucatinsky details his cherished bond with ‘Hacks' co-stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder
The curtain has closed on another season of 'Hacks.' Dan Bucatinsky, who plays Rob, the executive producer of 'Late Night with Deborah Vance,' on the comedy/drama, is getting candid on wrapping Season 4 — and the best part of filming the Max series. 'It was the relationship that I was able to form with Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder,' the actor, 59, exclusively told The Post at the 2025 Astra Awards. 'That friendship is one that I will cherish. Being able to get to know them off camera, then get to play with them on camera, was a dream.' 9 Dan Bucatinsky in 'Hacks.' Max 'So much of my job on that show was playing the guy whose job it was to wrangle these two forces,' Bucatinsky explained. 'I'm a dad of two, so I was playing dad a little bit on the show as well. But the gift really was being part of that community that felt very strong both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.' The show follows the friendship between Smart, 73, who stars as legendary Las Vegas comic Deborah Vance, and comedy writer Ava Daniels, who is played by Einbinder, 30. 'They move very, very fast, and there is so much material being shot, and they are shooting multiple episodes at the same time,' he explained to the Post. 9 Dan Bucatinsky as Rob in 'Hacks.' Max As for their downtime, the 'Scandal' alum and his costars 'would hang out in this little greenroom area' by their chairs. 'We would talk. We would keep each other warm,' he recalled. 'We would go get tea. We would go get snacks. We would ask each other advice about everything. Recommendations of movies and documentaries and doctors. And talk about our kids and our pets. And it was really an opportunity in between scenes to really get to know one another.' 'Hacks' has been renewed for Season 5, with Smart recently expressing why she thinks it's a good time to wrap up Deborah Vance's story. 9 Dan Bucatinsky shares behind the scenes photos of shooting Season 4 of 'Hacks.' danbucatinsky/Instagram 9 Dan Bucatinsky behind the scenes of 'Hacks.' danbucatinsky/Instagram 'I think we've pretty much decided that five seasons is [it], and I think that would feel right,' she told E! News earlier this month. 'You never want to overstay your welcome.' Smart's portrayal earned her three consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy and three SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series. Bucatinsky, meanwhile, also has another onscreen role in mind. 9 Dan Bucatinsky posted videos to Instagram from his time shooting Season 4. danbucatinsky/Instagram 9 Dan Bucatinsky while shooting 'Hacks.' danbucatinsky/Instagram 'I want to play a villain,' he told The Post. 'I want to play a criminal, a villain or a cop. Maybe not a cop that is a criminal or a villain, but why not?' For 'The Comeback' alum, he would love to star opposite in a criminal cop thriller with a handful of A-listers. 'I loved working with Corey Hawkins so much on '24: Legacy.' I'd love to work with him again. But Lisa Kudrow has been a friend and partner of mine for 20 years, so I always love working with her again,' Bucatinsky detailed. 'I've really been lucky to work with a lot of great, strong women, and I really hope that continues because I am a fan of so many. Kristen Bell. I'd love to work with Kristen.' 9 Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee and Meryl Streep as Kay Graham in 'The Post.' 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection Top-notch craft service tables are important to him, too. And his favorite was on 'The Post,' which was directed by Steven Spielberg. 'I think that he managed to make an unbelievable craft service that I had never seen before,' he said of Spielberg on set of the 2017 film that told the story of The Washington Post exposing the Pentagon Papers. 'It was like being in a restaurant every single night and every single day and at lunch! It was exciting. And you'd expect nothing less from Spielberg and Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. It better be good.' These days, when Bucatinksy isn't acting in a hit television show, he's watching Bravo's 'Housewives' franchise. 9 Miranda Otto and Dan Bucatinsky in '24: Legacy.' ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection 9 Dan Bucatinsky at the 2025 Astra TV Awards. Getty Images The 'Under the Tuscan Sun' vet weighed in on Garcelle Beauvais leaving 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' after five seasons and Rachel Zoe announcing she is joining the cast for Season 15. 'Every season is an opportunity for a new piece of chemistry that either will work or it will explode and I'm sure they are hoping it will explode,' he stated. 'I'm a big fan. I've watched for years, and years, and years. I'm friends with some of them. I'm friends with Garcelle. So, I'm rooting for the franchise, and I'm rooting for all the women.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Studio' Emmy predictions: How many nominations can it get?
Seth Rogen just might get to make a few acceptance speeches after all. While his on-camera doppelganger Matt Remick was desperate to be thanked from the Golden Globes stage, the cocreator/star/writer/director of Apple TV+'s The Studio may not have to worry. The freshman comedy may well prove to be the spoiler in the much-anticipated Emmys rematch between Hacks and The Bear — especially given its deep cast of A-list stars, the high-wire act of those oners, and Hollywood's love of celebrating itself. SEE'The Studio' episodes ranked, from worst to best With eight slots for best comedy, The Studio is assured of a nomination — the only question is whether it will unseat the reigning champ, Hacks. As of now The Studio is in second place on Gold Derby's predictions charts, but it's verrrrry close — and this time out, there's no debate about whether these contenders are comedies. Both bring on the laughs, both are a love letter to/satire of the industry, and both are undeniable hits. More from GoldDerby Kathryn Bigelow's Netflix Oscar hopeful gets explosive title: 'A House of Dynamite' Golden Globes set 2026 awards timeline, Best Podcast eligibility rules Jeremy Allen White is 'Born to Run' in the first trailer for Bruce Springsteen biopic 'Deliver Me From Nowhere' Apple With just 51 submissions, there are only five slots up for grabs, but Rogen is in solid second here, too — just behind SAG winner Martin Short. Either of them are likely going to eventually unseat two-time winner Jeremy Allen White — though the well-timed, though as yet-unseen-by-critics season four debut of The Bear on June 25 could prove a narrative shift for the FX series. But Rogen, who's been making the rounds on the FYC campaign trail, will undoubtedly hear his name called on July 15 for his bumbling, hapless studio executive. "It doesn't feel like I am having to shift gears between acting and writing and producing and directing," Rogen told Gold Derby. "As I'm acting, I'm also directing the scenes in a very subtle way, and I'm also rewriting the scene sometimes. And so to me, I actually think I feel the most comfortable when I'm doing all those things." SEESeth Rogen on taking big swings with 'The Studio': 'Are people just going to think this looks insane?' Who doesn't love Catherine O'Hara? She swept the TV awards cycle in 2020 for Schitt's Creek, and is a favorite among both audiences and her fellow actors. Which is why she's well-positioned for a double nomination this year — as supporting actress for The Studio, and for her guest turn on The Last of Us. (She can do drama! She can do comedy!) The only question is whether her costar and another potential double nominee can get in as well: Kathryn Hahn, who's in seventh place in our odds for supporting actress for The Studio as well as lead actress for Agatha All Along. Luckily, this category will have a deserving seven slots to fill, especially considering the competition from Hacks (Hannah Einbinder), The Bear (Liza Colon-Zayas), Abbott Elementary (Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James), and Shrinking (Jessica Williams). (Costars Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Chase Sui Wonders were submitted in the category as well, but likely won't make the cut.) Apple TV+ Will we get to hear the magic words "Thank you, Sal Saperstein"? Ike Barinholtz stands in fourth place in our odds, comfortably secure in another seven-slot race; he, too, will have to fend off a two-time champion from The Bear, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, against the potential mid-summer momentum of Season 4. But the real surge may belong to Harrison Ford, another acting overachiever this season, who pulled double-duty with not only his well-hailed comedic turn in Shrinking but also weathered the winters of Taylor Sheridan's 1923 opposite another name familiar to award voters: Helen Mirren. The competition here also include Hacks star Paul W. Downs, Abbott Elementary's Tyler James Williams, and Ford's Shrinking costars Brett Goldstein and Michael Urie. SEE'Every actor likes to play a villain': Ron Howard on playing himself in 'The Studio' Apple TV+ Has one show ever swept an entire category? Unlikely, yes, but given The Studio's powerhouse lineup of cameos, it's not inconceivable that the majority of the six slots will go to at least two, if not three, of these names: Bryan Cranston, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Dave Franco, David Krumholtz, Anthony Mackie, Nicholas Stoller, Zac Efron — and yes, Matt Belloni. (If only rival studio head Ted Sarandos had been submitted!) The race is Cranston's to lose — and Howard could even get nominated for playing himself twice. He's so good at playing himself, he did it also on Only Murders in the Building. 'I'm not quite that affable and fun-loving, nor am I the hard-ass in The Studio,' Howard told Gold Derby. 'I think I land somewhere in the middle.' Apple TV+ Name recognition always rules in this category, and The Studio's casting team worked their magic: Zoe Kravitz, Sarah Polley, Greta Lee, Olivia Wilde, and Rebecca Hall are all on the ballot. Currently ranked No. 7 in our prediction charts, Kravitz is the closest to breaking in to the magic six slots, with Polley and Wilde close behind. Years past have shown that single shows tend to sweep up the lion's share of nominations, so perhaps that will propel one or more of them to make the cut. But here again, they'll have to overtake buzzy performances from — you guessed it — Hacks (Julianne "Dance Mom" Nicholson) and The Bear (Jamie Lee Curtis). Not to mention Cynthia Erivo, who should get five slots alone for playing quintuplets on Poker Face. Apple Playing it safe — and strategic — The Studio submitted just one episode, "The Promotion," for writing, penned by Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez. It's the pilot that sets the tone, establishes the characters, and raises the stakes for the rest of the season — it's hard to imagine the show being nommed without the episode that put it on the map. As for the competition for the six slots, last season's winner, Hacks, too, also laid all its cards on just one episode: season 4's penultimate "A Slippery Slope," where all of the tensions that have been bubbling finally burst through. The Bear opted for two: "Napkins," Tina's backstory, and "Ice Chips," Natalie's labor episode. Strategy matters, here, too — and here again, The Studio went for its strongest directorial effort, "The Oner." Much ink, digital and otherwise, has been spilled over how the episode about a oner was shot as a oner, so suffice it to say that Rogen and Goldberg's directorial achievement here will not escape voters' notice. Vying for the other five slots: three episodes from The Bear which did earn two category noms last year and again, "A Slippery Slope" from Hacks. 'There were a few moments where I almost lost my mind, and then I reminded myself that I am the one who chose to do this,' Rogen said. 'Weird for me to get mad at someone for that. But it really was an amazing team effort.' SEESeth Rogen explains how 'The Studio' pulled off its one-shot episode But wait, there's more: With its intentionally retro feel, The Studio is a natural contender for production design, cinematography, casting, costumes, and even hairstyling. "Everyone else in the show is like a throwback and dresses in a nostalgic kind of way," Rogen said at the FYC panel for The Studio. "But the idea was that [Kathryn Hahn's character] would be on the crackling edge of fashion. ... The hair, though, became a whole thing I had nothing to do with. I just went along for the ride." Best of GoldDerby 'It was wonderful to be on that ride': Christian Slater talks his beloved roles, from cult classics ('Heathers,' 'True Romance') to TV hits ('Mr. Robot,' 'Dexter: Original Sin') Sam Rockwell on Frank's 'White Lotus' backstory, Woody Harrelson's influence, and going all in on 'this arc of Buddhist to Bad Lieutenant' Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh admit they 'never had the audacity to realize' a show like 'Deli Boys' was possible Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TV's double threats: 10 actors eyeing nominations for both comedy and drama at the 2025 Emmys
The 2025 Emmys could have viewers seeing double when nominations are announced on July 15. This year, several of TV's most versatile stars — true double threats — are vying for spots in both comedy and drama categories. From Catherine O'Hara's wildly contrasting roles in The Studio and The Last of Us to Jon Hamm's dual turn in Your Friends and Neighbors and his hosting stint on Saturday Night Live, the race is shaping up to celebrate TV's finest multidimensional talent. Historically, it's not uncommon for an actor to score two Emmy nominations in a single year — but being recognized for both a dramatic and comedic performance in the same year is far rarer, and winning both is nearly unheard of. In fact, only two actors have ever managed a double victory of this caliber: Colleen Dewhurst (Murphy Brown and Those She Left Behind in 1989) and Allison Janney (Mom and Masters of Sex in 2014). More from GoldDerby Alan Cumming would be the 4th person to repeat in Best Reality Host: See fresh Emmy odds Dolly Parton adds honorary Oscar to her trophy shelf: A look back at her legendary awards history 'It was wonderful to be on that ride': Christian Slater talks his beloved roles, from cult classics ('Heathers,' 'True Romance') to TV hits ('Mr. Robot,' 'Dexter: Original Sin') Using Gold Derby's latest odds, we've rounded up this year's most likely double nominees for comedy and drama — showcasing performances that stand out for both laughter and heartbreak. The two-time Emmy winner (Schitt's Creek, STCV) is back in the spotlight — and doubling her chances — with two standout roles: as Gail Lynden, a resilient therapist in HBO's post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us, and Patty Leigh, the hilariously chaotic former head of Continental Studios in Apple TV+'s new comedy The Studio. O'Hara is positioned well in both races, currently ranked second for Best Drama Guest Actress, trailing her The Last of Us costar Kaitlyn Dever, and third for Best Comedy Supporting Actress, behind Hannah Einbinder (Hacks) and Liza Colon-Zayas (The Bear). The two-time Emmy nominee (Fallout, Justified) is seeking his first statuette from the TV Academy — and his best chance comes with HBO's red-hot The White Lotus. Goggins is currently the frontrunner for Best Drama Supporting Actor for his compelling turn as Rick Hatchett in Mike White's celebrated mystery series. But he could also nab a nomination for comedy, with two opportunities to break into the race: Best Comedy Supporting Actor for his scene-stealing role as Baby Billy in HBO's The Righteous Gemstones (where he's ranked 12th) and Best Guest Comedy Actor for his memorable hosting stint on NBC's Saturday Night Live (currently ranked 18th). A previous Emmy winner for her heartbreaking performance in HBO's limited series Mare of Easttown, Nicholson is now turning heads in comedy. Her best shot this year comes with her hilarious portrayal of "Dance Mom" in Max's Emmy-winning comedy series Hacks, where she's currently ranked second in the Best Comedy Guest Actress race, just behind reigning champ Jamie Lee Curtis (The Bear). On the drama side, Nicholson is also in contention for her role in Hulu's political thriller Paradise, playing the complex and morally conflicted Sinatra opposite Sterling K. Brown. She currently ranks 12th for Best Drama Supporting Actress. An 11-time Emmy nominee including both comedic and dramatic performances (The Office, The Morning Show), Carell is no stranger to accolades — but he's still chasing his first win. This year, he's back in contention with two standout performances: as the conflicted Nick in Netflix's comedy The Four Seasons and for his emotionally charged (and darkly comedic, but let's call it dramatic) turn as Randall in HBO's TV movie Mountainhead. Carell is currently ranked eighth for Best Comedy Actor and and 10th for Best Movie/Limited Series Actor. The three-time Emmy nominee (Hacks, Flipped) has been recognized twice before for her role as DJ Vance in Hacks, so it's no surprise Olson is back in the conversation — this time ranked fifth for Best Comedy Guest Actress. However, Olson is also making waves on the drama side, ranked 10th in Best Drama Actress for her portrayal of Morgan Gillory, an intellectually gifted cleaning lady who becomes a police consultant, in ABC's High Potential. A three-time Emmy winner (Orange Is the New Black, Mrs. America), Aduba is a perennial awards favorite. This year, she's vying for recognition in two standout roles: as Cordelia Cupp, an eccentric detective bringing laughs and intrigue in Netflix's comedy series The Residence, and as Clarice, a perfectionist pianist navigating the complexities of her marriage in Hulu's The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat. Aduba is currently ranked ninth for Best Comedy Actress and 12th for Best Movie/Limited Series Actress. Hot off his Emmy win last year for The Bear, Bernthal is back to defend his title as Best Comedy Guest Actor, currently ranked second behind Bryan Cranston (The Studio). Once again, he portrays Mikey Berzatto, the troubled but charismatic older brother of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Natalie (Abby Elliott), whose battle with drug addiction and tragic death loom heavily over the series. Bernthal is also a dark-horse contender for Best Drama Guest Actor, where he's ranked 26th for his brooding performance as Frank Castle/Punisher in Disney+'s Daredevil: Born Again. Returning to her Emmy-nominated role as Belinda in Season 3 of The White Lotus, Rothwell was even more captivating in Thailand than she was in Hawaii. She's currently ranked fifth in the race for Best Drama Supporting Actress. Simultaneously, Rothwell shines in Hulu's critically acclaimed comedy series How to Die Alone, where she stars as Mel, "a down-on-her-luck Black woman working at JFK Airport," making Rothwell a dark-horse contender for Best Comedy Actress. Hollywood legend Harrison Ford is still waiting for his first Emmy nomination, and this year he has two strong opportunities to break through. His best shot is for Apple TV+'s comedy series Shrinking, where he delivers a moving and humorous performance as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a therapist navigating life with Parkinson's disease. Recent nods from the Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards could help bolster his Emmy chances. Ford is also in the mix for his powerful dramatic turn as Jacob Dutton in 1923, Paramount+'s Yellowstone prequel from Taylor Sheridan. Currently, Ford ranks second for Best Comedy Supporting Actor behind Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), and 38th for Best Drama Actor. The Emmys have long had a love affair with Jon Hamm, who boasts 18 prior nominations (and one win for the final season of Mad Men in 2015). Just last year, he scored a double nomination for his dramatic roles in Fargo and The Morning Show. This year, Hamm has another chance to secure two nods, showcasing his range once again: as Andrew "Coop" Cooper, a disillusioned financier who turns to stealing from his neighbors after losing his job, in the Apple TV+ drama Your Friends and Neighbors, and for his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. Currently, Hamm is ranked 10th for Best Drama Actor and 14th for Best Comedy Guest Actor. Best of GoldDerby 'It was wonderful to be on that ride': Christian Slater talks his beloved roles, from cult classics ('Heathers,' 'True Romance') to TV hits ('Mr. Robot,' 'Dexter: Original Sin') Sam Rockwell on Frank's 'White Lotus' backstory, Woody Harrelson's influence, and going all in on 'this arc of Buddhist to Bad Lieutenant' Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh admit they 'never had the audacity to realize' a show like 'Deli Boys' was possible Click here to read the full article.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fans distraught as future of hit HBO series is revealed
The future of HBO 's hit comedy series Hacks as in jeopardy as the showrunner has doubled down on plans to end the show after its fifth season. Paul W. Downs, who co-created Hacks and serves as showrunner, opened up about the future of the critically-acclaimed series in an interview with Deadline. He confirmed that the plan from the beginning of Hacks was always to end it after its fifth season. However, he tellingly avoided stating if they would go through with the plan or not. 'Knowing that we're coming to a close in the universe of Hacks, we do want to serve all the characters in the ensemble and give them a proper farewell,' he said. 'So I don't know how many episodes that takes, but we do know where we're headed. We've always known the last scene of the last episode and we're still headed there,' he added. Fans are already distraught about the hit series ending and many weren't afraid to sound off about it on social media. 'Noooo this is my comfort show,' wailed one, while another begged, 'Please don't end Hacks! It's too good!' 'If this show ever ends, we are rioting in the streets,' raged another. 'I never want to think of Hacks ending,' cried a fourth, while a fifth fan added, 'Best show ever.' Hacks wrapped up its fourth season in May and a fifth season was then confirmed. Starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, Hacks follows the ups and downs of the relationship between a legendary comedian in her '70s and an up-and-coming writer who works for her. Last year, Smart received a standing ovation after she took home the award for Best Lead Actress at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards. After receiving the gong for her role in Hacks, the beloved star said that she was thrilled for the win and jokingly added, 'I just don't get enough attention.' She was nominated in the same category that also included The Bear's Ayo Edebiri, Palm Royale's Kristen Wiig, Loot's Maya Rudolph, Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson and Only Murders in the Building's Selena Gomez. After clinching the honor, she received a rapturous applause and gave an engaging speech. 'Thank you. Thank you so, so much,' she began. 'It's very humbling. It really is.' Evoking laughter from the audience, she joked: 'And I appreciate this, because I just don't get enough attention. I'm serious!' During her speech, she recalled how she felt when she first read the script for the Max series. 'When I read the script, I said, "This is everything I could possibly want for my next job.' She also quipped about the streaming service's name change during her acceptance speech. 'Casey and everybody at HBO... Max... No, I'm sorry. Just what we needed, another network,' as the audience roared with laughter. At the 2021 and 2022 Emmys, Smart also for her role as comedian Deborah Vance on Hacks.
