Hacks
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Hacks
Hacks is a critically acclaimed dark comedy-drama series that premiered on HBO Max, centering on the professional and personal lives of Deborah Vance, a legendary but aging Las Vegas stand-up comedian, and Ava Daniels, a young, disgraced comedy writer. The show explores the evolving and often contentious mentorship between the two women as they navigate the cutthroat comedy industry, generational differences, and their own complex identities. Known for its sharp writing, strong performances, and exploration of women in comedy, the series targets a mature audience due to its explicit language, sexual content, and mature themes. It is generally not suitable for younger viewers.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
Hacks prominently features LGBTQ+ representation through multiple main and supporting characters who are explicitly identified as queer. The show intentionally explores their relationships, identities, and experiences, aiming to showcase LGBTQ+ individuals living full, nuanced lives rather than being defined by stereotypes or 'coming-out stories.' This representation is central to the series' narrative and character development, with creators emphasizing inclusive storytelling.
Ava Daniels is a bisexual character whose sexuality is a recurring theme, explored through relationships with both men and women. In Season 2, she engages in a makeout session with a lesbian couple on a cruise (Season 2, Episode 4, 'The Captain's Wife'), and in Season 3, she is depicted in an explicit topless shower scene with her girlfriend, Ruby. Marcus, Deborah's CEO, is gay, and his relationship with Wilson is a central queer storyline in Season 1. Other queer characters include Deborah's personal assistant, Damien. Poppy Liu, who plays Kiki, is queer and non-binary.
Romance and Sexual Content
Hacks features frequent discussions of sex, relationships, and depicted sexual situations. The content escalates significantly in Season 3, introducing explicit nudity and more graphic sexual scenes. Sexual themes are an integral part of the characters' lives and the comedic landscape of the show.
Profanity
The series is characterized by pervasive strong language, reflecting its setting in the adult comedy world. Frequent use of expletives, including the F-word and S-word, is common throughout the dialogue, both in casual conversation and during comedic performances.
Substance Use
Substance use, particularly alcohol consumption, is frequently depicted throughout the series. Characters are often shown drinking, and there are explicit instances of intoxication and discussions of drug use, indicating a high prevalence of such content.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellious behavior are central to the core dynamic of Hacks, particularly between the two protagonists, Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels. Both characters exhibit strong personalities, frequently challenge authority, and engage in defiant and sarcastic interactions, which often drive the show's comedy and dramatic tension.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-MA. The series is recommended for mature audiences aged 17 and older due to pervasive strong language, explicit sexual content including nudity, frequent substance use, and mature thematic elements that include complex and at times brutal emotional dynamics. Younger viewers may find the content and themes inappropriate.
Good to Know
The content in 'Hacks' intensifies across seasons, particularly with Season 3 introducing more explicit nudity and sexual content. The show often explores complex themes of ambition, loyalty, and intergenerational conflict through a comedic lens, but its mature approach to these subjects means it consistently earns its TV-MA rating.
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