How Did Season 4 End? What to Remember Before the Final Season

Hacks Season 5 is almost here, and with it comes the final chapter of Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels’ (Hannah Einbinder) story onscreen.

As we await the HBO Max original’s arrival, we’re taking a look back on where things left off for the funny ladies at the end of Season 4’s eventful run. Fans may recall that Season 4 of Hacks revolved around Deborah and Ava’s late-night journey, which saw them at odds initially after Ava blackmailed her way into the headwriter position.

Eventually, the collaborators made up, and their show was quite successful despite a few bumps in the road with network requirements and obstacles. The late-night fun ended in the penultimate episode, though, as Deborah put her foot down against exec Bob Lipka (Tony Goldwyn), who asked her to fire Ava as her head writer.

Instead of doing that, she gave up the show altogether, standing for morals rather than bending the knee to please advertisers.

HBO Max

This blew up her future a bit, though, as her breach of contract prevented her from telling jokes or making money through telling jokes. Deborah found a loophole in the system, though, and discovered she could perform in Singapore, where she jetted off to with Ava in tow.

They enjoyed their time initially, but as the days wore on, Deborah’s life fell into chaos, and Ava was on the sidelines watching helplessly. When a death announcement for Deborah Vance popped up online, Ava rushed to Deborah’s hotel room in a panic, only to discover her friend had finally woken up to her negative cycle and was fired up when her online obituary didn’t present the legacy she wants.

Eager to make sure her fans know she didn’t really die, Deborah plans to return stateside with Ava, kicking off what’s sure to be a legendary comeback story. Don’t miss it for yourself as Season 5’s premiere is right around the corner.

Hacks, Season 5 Premiere, Thursdays, April 9, HBO Max