--- title: "Hacks: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/hacks/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/hacks" critics_score: 80 critics_reviews: 8 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Hacks (2021): what the critics said Critics' score 80 from 8 reviews: 7 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative. Most critics welcome Hacks as a sharply written comedy-drama, with praise concentrated on Jean Smart’s performance and the developing relationship between veteran stand-up Deborah and young writer Ava. The reviews repeatedly credit the leads’ chemistry with making their professional friction emotionally credible, while finding substance in the series’ account of generational differences and the work of being funny. Several see the character development as a strength rather than a distraction from the comedy. Seven of the eight assessments cluster firmly in positive territory, but one dissent widens the spread considerably. The Hollywood Reporter admires Smart’s versatility yet finds the series short on laughs, its generational tensions schematic and Ava closer to a caricature than a convincing character. The principal disagreement is therefore over the writing: what most critics find sharp and emotionally persuasive, the dissenting review finds too mechanically constructed. ## IndieWire — Ben Travers Rating A-. 13 May 2021. The critic praises Jean Smart's standout performance as the legendary stand-up forced to work with a young writer. The review highlights the show's sharp scripts and evolving character dynamics as reasons it succeeds as both a comedy and character study. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/hacks-review-jean-smart-hbo-max-comedy-1234636928/) ## The Telegraph Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 1 April 2022. HBO’s superb comedy-drama is every bit as brilliant as you’ve heard, with strong writing, a great cast including Jean Smart, and crisp half-hour episodes that deliver both laughs and depth. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/hacks-review-hbos-superb-comedy-drama-every-bit-brilliant-heard/) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 1 April 2022. The series is a laugh-packed comedy drama full of unforced emotional truths that serves as a perfect vehicle for Jean Smart. It follows the evolving relationship between a veteran standup and a young writer, balancing humour with credible character development. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/apr/01/hacks-review-a-laugh-packed-comedy-drama-that-restores-your-belief-in-the-justice-of-the-universe) ## Vulture Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 12 May 2021. The critic calls Jean Smart fantastic in the lead role and commends the show's focus on generational conflict and human behavior over traditional jokes. The review singles out the strong chemistry between the two leads as a highlight. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/article/hacks-tv-series-review-hbo-max-jean-smart.html) ## Variety — Daniel D'Addario Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 10 May 2021. The critic praises Jean Smart's performance as Deborah Vance, highlighting her versatility and the show's exploration of generational differences and the grind of comedy. It singles out the dynamic between Deborah and Ava for its heart and texture. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/jean-smart-hacks-hannah-einbinder-hbo-max-review-1234967197/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Inkoo Kang Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 12 May 2021. The review notes Jean Smart's standout performance but criticizes the series for not being particularly funny and for its schematic generational tensions, with Ava feeling like a caricature. It praises Smart's versatility but finds the overall comedy lacking. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/hbo-max-hacks-tv-review-jean-smart-1234951994/) ## Paste — Clare Martin Rating 8.2/10. 14 May 2021. The series follows a young writer teaming up with a veteran comedian in Las Vegas, exploring their generational and personal clashes through sharp humor. Smart and Einbinder deliver excellent chemistry and performances that elevate the show's emotional depth and comedic moments. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/hacks/hacks-hbo-max-review) ## The Ringer — Alison Herman Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 13 May 2021. The critic describes the HBO Max series as a caustic and hilarious dark comedy about an aging stand-up legend and a young disgraced writer who form an unlikely professional bond across generations in Las Vegas. It singles out the authentic, non-saccharine dynamic between the two leads and the creators' long collaboration for praise. [Read the review](https://www.theringer.com/2021/05/13/tv/hacks-hbo-max-lucia-aniello-paul-downs-jen-statsky) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/hacks.md