How Hacks Ended After 5 Seasons With Final Twist Ahead of Emmys 2026

The curtain hasn’t fully dropped on Hacks just yet. 

After five seasons of characters Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) oscillating between tension and friendship, the fan-favorite series ended in May with a finale befitting of its hilarious, heartwarming and Emmy-winning run.

However, the HBO Max series is heading back to the Emmy Awards one last time on Sept. 14, having racked up a record-breaking 24 nominations this year—the most a comedy has ever scored. 

But before finding out if Smart will make history by becoming the first woman to win for Best Lead Actress for every eligible season of a show—she previously won in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025—read on to look back at how Hacks nailed its final episode.

After the episode began with Ava directing the pilot of her new comedy show and Deborah opening her new casino, the mood suddenly shifted to a more difficult conversation with Deborah revealing she has cancer that has spread.

Instead of seeking treatment, she reveals to Ava that she plans to visit an assisted suicide clinic in Europe. Ava—with an emotional performance—spends the entire episode attempting to dissuade her boss-turned-best-friend from her decision.