The Emmy-winning comedy Hacks returns for its highly anticipated fourth season, continuing the razor-sharp dynamic between legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her young writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). This season picks up with Deborah’s career at new heights following her viral comeback special, while Ava grapples with the consequences of her professional and personal choices. With creator Lucia Aniello back at the helm, Season 4 promises more biting humor, unexpected emotional depth, and the show’s signature exploration of generational clashes in the entertainment industry.
The entire main ensemble returns alongside exciting new additions, including Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Easttown) in a mysterious recurring role. This season expands beyond Las Vegas, following Deborah and Ava to New York and London as they navigate new creative partnerships, old rivalries, and the ever-changing landscape of comedy. Early buzz suggests this may be the series’ most ambitious season yet, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with poignant character development for its stellar cast.
Hacks Season 4: Complete Cast Breakdown
1. Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
Jean Smart continues her Emmy-winning portrayal of the iconic comedian, now facing unexpected challenges that come with her resurgence in popularity. This season explores Deborah’s adjustment to being “relevant again” while maintaining her hard-won independence, with Smart delivering both withering one-liners and surprising vulnerability.
The legendary actress reportedly improvised many of Deborah’s most scathing insults this season, while also bringing new depth to the character’s evolving relationship with Ava. A musical sequence in Episode 3 showcases Smart’s underrated singing talents in what insiders call “the most Jean Smart scene ever.”
2. Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels
Hannah Einbinder’s Ava faces her most complex arc yet as she balances loyalty to Deborah with her own creative ambitions. Einbinder masterfully portrays Ava’s growing confidence as a writer while still showcasing the character’s signature neurotic charm.
This season sees Ava navigating a serious romantic relationship for the first time, with Einbinder bringing authentic warmth and awkwardness to these new emotional territories. Her chemistry with Smart remains the show’s beating heart, particularly in their explosive argument in Episode 5.
3. Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus
Carl Clemons-Hopkins takes Marcus to bold new places as Deborah’s long-suffering COO, who begins questioning whether he’s outgrown his role. The actor brings quiet intensity to Marcus’ professional crisis, culminating in a stunning monologue about Black queer identity in corporate spaces.
Clemons-Hopkins worked closely with the writers to shape Marcus’ journey this season, ensuring his character’s evolution felt authentic. His deadpan reactions to Deborah’s outrageous demands remain comedy gold.
4. Paul W. Downs as Jimmy
Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy faces career upheaval when a scandal rocks the talent agency, forcing the hapless manager to reinvent himself. Downs shines as Jimmy stumbles into unexpected success, delivering his funniest and most layered performance to date.
The actor’s real-life experience as one of the show’s creators informs Jimmy’s behind-the-scenes industry struggles. His physical comedy during a disastrous Zoom meeting is already legendary among the crew.
5. Mark Indelicato as Damien
Mark Indelicato’s Damien gets more screen time this season as Deborah’s loyal assistant, showcasing both his comic timing and unexpected dramatic chops. A standout episode reveals Damien’s life outside work, adding new dimensions to the fan-favorite character.
Indelicato improvised many of Damien’s most hilarious asides, including his running commentary on Deborah’s dating life. His fashion choices this season (curated by the actor himself) are character-defining works of art.
6. Rose Abdoo as Josefina
Rose Abdoo continues to steal scenes as Deborah’s no-nonsense house manager Josefina, who finds herself unexpectedly bonding with Ava this season. Abdoo’s impeccable timing turns even simple line readings into comedy masterclasses.
A surprising subplot explores Josefina’s past as a performer in Cuba, with Abdoo showcasing previously unseen singing and dancing talents. Her silent reactions to Deborah’s diva moments remain some of the show’s funniest beats.
New & Recurring Cast Members
7. Julianne Nicholson as [Mystery Role]
The Emmy winner joins in a tightly guarded role that intersects with both Deborah and Ava’s storylines. Early reports suggest she plays a documentary filmmaker with questionable motives.
Nicholson brings her trademark intensity to scenes that gradually reveal her character’s true agenda, creating delicious tension with both Smart and Einbinder.
8. Michaela Watkins as Susan
Watkins returns as Deborah’s long-time rival, now unexpectedly seeking collaboration. Their frenemy dynamic reaches new heights, with both actresses relishing their barbed exchanges.
A flashback episode reveals surprising history between Susan and Deborah, with Watkins perfectly matching Smart’s comedic rhythm.
9. Bresha Webb as Ruby
Webb’s charismatic bartender Ruby becomes more involved in Ava’s life this season, bringing warmth and grounded energy to their romantic storyline.
The actress’ natural charm makes Ruby an instant standout, particularly in scenes where she calls out Ava’s self-sabotaging tendencies.
10. Robby Hoffman as Randi
The comedian makes a memorable impact as a brash new comic challenging Deborah’s relevance. Hoffman’s stand-up background informs Randi’s cutting sets about generational divides.
Her scenes with Smart crackle with authentic competitive energy, blurring the line between scripted and improvised insults.
