Hacks season 3 gets exciting release update: Here’s what we know

Fans of the Max series Hacks are patiently waiting for the highly anticipated third season to come out, and though the series was renewed for a new installment shortly after the last premiered, it’s been over a year since that exciting announcement and we’ve seen multiple filming delays.

However, we come bearing good news because we recently got confirmation that Hacks season 3 will be coming to Max in the first half of 2024! This is a bit surprising considering we know filming had been put on hold since the writers’ strike began earlier this year, but we’ll take the good news!

TV Line reported the news after HBO CEO Casey Bloys took part in a press conference on Nov. 2 to discuss the upcoming slate of programming for the network. Along with Hacks, other favorites such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Tokyo Vice will be returning in the first half of 2024.

Premiering in 2021, Hacks focuses on Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), an aging comedian who is told she needs to reach out to a younger audience to keep her Las Vegas residency. Enter Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), a young writer fired from her TV show for an ill-timed tweet. Despite early clashes, the two women soon bond as they travel the U.S. and endure the ups and downs of show business.

The show has won huge acclaim, especially for Smart’s performance. It’s earned her two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a SAG award.

What to expect from Hacks season 3

It’s expected the entire cast will be back for Hacks season 3. That includes Smart and Einbinder; Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, Deborah’s manager; Paul W. Downs as Jimmy LusSaque, Deborah’s agent; Rose Abdoo as Josefina, Deborah’s no-nonsense housekeeper; Kaitlin Olson as DJ, Deborah’s daughter; and Megan Stalter as Kayla, Jimmy’s dim-witted assistant.

There’s no word yet on any cast additions or if some past characters will return, as more news should come out when production finally gets underway.

The third season is likely to focus on a journey as Deborah enjoys her new success while Ava works on her new career. It will also show Jimmy starting up his own talent agency, aided by Kayla, who he puts up with because of the money she brings in. It’s probable that sooner or later, Deborah and Ava reunite, but the stories are likely to touch on various aspects of Hollywood life first.

The episode count for the next installment is being kept under wraps, but it’s likely to fall in the same number as the previous two years. Season 1 had 10 episodes, while season 2 was 8.

Filming timeline

Filming for the third season was put on pause in Nov. 2022 when Jean Smart underwent heart surgery. Thankfully, the actress recovered quickly and was set to return in March. But then the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike began, and showrunners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky (who all won Emmys for writing the show’s pilot episode) decided to shut production down until the strike was settled. Of course, after that, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) went on strike in July, which shut down productions across the country. That strike came to a close this month.

We’re in the dark regarding the remaining filming schedule for Hacks season 3. It’s entirely possible that the show is planning to pick up filming this year in time for a release in the first half of 2024. Considering it’s a comedy, it likely doesn’t need that much time in post-production compared to other series that use special effects like CGI.

Season 2 ending explained

The season 2 finale of Hacks had Deborah working to finally get her own TV special produced. It was a success (despite an audience member dying midway through) as she and Ava talked afterward. Ava was shocked Deborah fired her, but Deborah explained it was to let Ava finally seek her own life and success.

The ending showed Ava watching Deborah on QVC as she landed a new job writing for a TV show. She was also oddly saddened to hear Deborah was dropping the lawsuit against her as she wanted to see her mentor again. That could easily have been a series finale, but thankfully, season 3 will pick up from there.

As more news comes out, keep an eye on Hidden Remote to discover when Hacks finally makes its triumphant return to HBO. The first two seasons are now streaming on Max!

FanSided Entertainment Staff contributed to this report.