The final chapter of one of TV’s sharpest comedies has arrived. Hacks Season 5 premiered on Max on April 9, 2026, bringing Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels’ story to its long-planned conclusion. With new episodes releasing weekly and the series finale just weeks away, now is the perfect time to catch up or jump in for the first time.
Jean Smart returns as Deborah Vance, the legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian whose unlikely partnership with young writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) has driven one of the most acclaimed comedies of the past five years. This season, the two reunite in Las Vegas, determined to rebuild Deborah’s legacy after false reports of her death upend her career. Season 5 is the show’s planned conclusion, making every episode count.
For DIRECTV customers, Max is available to add to your account or may be included with your plan.
Quick facts
- Title: Hacks, Season 5
- Network: Max
- Premiere Date: April 9, 2026
- Episodes: 10 (final season)
- Series Finale: May 28, 2026
- Creator: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky
- Emmy wins: Multiple, including Outstanding Comedy Series
Where to Watch ‘Hacks’ Season 5
Watch Hacks Season 5 on Max now! Watch Hacks on HBO with your DIRECTV subscription, which also gives access to the Max app.
Get only the channels you want with MyEntertainment™, including Disney+, Hulu Bundle & HBO Max Basic with ads!
‘Hacks’ Season 5 Episode Schedule
After the April 30 double drop, the season continues with a mix of double and single episode releases leading up to the finale.
- Episode 1 — April 9, 2026 Streaming now
- Episode 2 — April 16, 2026 Streaming now
- Episode 3 — April 23, 2026 Streaming now
- Episodes 4 and 5 — April 30, 2026
- Episodes 6 and 7 — May 7, 2026
- Episode 8 — May 14, 2026
- Episode 9 — May 21, 2026
- Episode 10 (Series Finale) — May 28, 2026
What to Remember Before Watching ‘Hacks’ Season 5
If you’re coming back after a long gap or watching for the first time, here’s where things stand heading into the final season.
Season 1
The Partnership Begins: Deborah Vance is a veteran Las Vegas comedian whose career has stalled. Ava Daniels is a young, unemployed TV writer desperate for work. Their manager Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) forces them together, and what begins as a combative business arrangement slowly becomes something more complicated. The season ends with Deborah discovering that Ava tried to sell a pilot based on her private life, a betrayal that fractures their relationship just as it was beginning to work.
Season 2
On the Road: Deborah takes her act on a nationwide tour, with Ava along as her writer. Their dynamic deepens as they spend months in close proximity, and Deborah’s material, guided by Ava, becomes sharper and more personal. The season ends with Deborah landing a late-night hosting gig, a professional milestone that should be a triumph.
Season 3
The Late-Night Experiment: The late-night show proves more complicated than expected, and the season explores what it costs Deborah to operate within an institution built by and for a very different kind of comedian. The creative and personal tensions between Deborah and Ava reach a new peak.
Season 4
Singapore and the Scandal: Deborah and Ava find themselves in Singapore, where a major scandal disrupts everything they’ve built. The fallout, including false reports of Deborah’s death circulating publicly, sets the stage directly for Season 5.
What to Expect in Season 5
Season 5 picks up with Deborah back in Las Vegas, focused on rebuilding her reputation and securing her legacy after the chaos of Season 4. The confirmed premise, a return to Las Vegas and a determination to reclaim her place in the industry, gives the final season a full-circle quality that longtime fans will appreciate.
Max has kept specific plot details under wraps ahead of each week’s releases, but the creative team has confirmed that this season was designed as a true ending rather than a cliffhanger. Expect a conclusion that brings Deborah and Ava’s story to a definitive close.
‘Hacks’ Season 5 Cast
The core cast returns for the final season alongside a slate of guest stars.
Main cast:
- Jean Smart — Deborah Vance
- Hannah Einbinder — Ava Daniels
- Paul W. Downs — Jimmy LuSaque Jr.
Supporting cast:
- Megan Stalter — Kayla Schaefer
- Carl Clemons-Hopkins — Marcus Vaughan
- Mark Indelicato — Damien Asada Agosto
- Rose Abdoo — Josefina
Guest stars include Christopher Briney, Robby Hoffman, Tony Goldwyn, Jane Adams, Kaitlin Olson, Lauren Weedman, Poppy Liu, Johnny Sibilly, Luenell, Angela E. Gibbs and Caitlin Reilly.
Watch ‘Hacks’ on HBO Max with DIRECTV
Five seasons in, Hacks has earned its place among the best comedies of the streaming era. With the series finale just weeks away, now is the perfect time to catch up and follow the final episodes as they premiere each Thursday. Stream all of Hacks now on Max through DIRECTV.
Explore more of what Max has to offer here!
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Hacks Season 5?
Is Season 5 the last season of Hacks?
When do new episodes of Hacks Season 5 come out?
How many episodes does Hacks Season 5 have?
