Sadly, the moment “Hacks” fans have been dreading is finally here. After a perfect five-season run full of nonstop laughs, critical acclaim and plenty of heartfelt moments, the beloved HBO Max comedy has come to an end.

Earlier this year, the streamer confirmed that Season 5 would be the show’s final season, following Deborah (Jean Smart) in the aftermath of her untimely exit from late-night and false reports of her death. The Emmy-winning series’ fifth and final installment sees the comedy legend, with help from her right-hand Ava (Hannah Einbinder), launch an epic comeback to cement her incomparable legacy — and, in turn, the show’s own.

In a volatile TV climate where the fate of shows is never guaranteed, it’s pretty impressive that “Hacks” is ending on its own terms, exactly the way creators Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky and Lucia Aniello envisioned when they pitched it seven years ago.

“We can’t thank HBOMax & Universal enough for letting us tell this story just as we hoped to tell it,” the trio wrote in a statement announcing the show’s end. “We know that’s a rare thing, and we are beyond grateful. And it wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible cast, crew, and writers - we are indebted to them for taking what was a dream of ours and making it come true.”

They concluded, “Though it’s hard to say goodbye, in true Deborah Vance style, we didn’t wanna run the light. And most of all, thank you to everyone who’s watched the show and recommended it to a friend. This season is for you.”

“Hacks” may be officially over, but the final episode doesn’t leave fans hanging. Deborah takes Ava on an unforgettable trip and makes a decision that changes the course of their friendship — and careers — forever.

Below, Erin E. Evans and I discuss everything we’re going to miss about “Hacks,” from Jean Smart’s comedic genius and the Ava-Deborah dynamic to the show’s most memorable characters. Plus, we talk about that emotional series finale.

There’s so much to love about “Hacks.” For me, it’s been one of the most consistent comedies in recent TV history. It found new ways to make me laugh every season, and it entered the TV landscape at the perfect time. The show premiered about a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and has, for the most part, returned every spring right on time. I love how it explored the generational divide between Deborah and Ava through their humor. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder quickly made us fall in love with their characters and the world they created in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. It’s the kind of show that seemed to know exactly what it wanted to do from the very beginning, and that’s due to its incredible creators, Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky. I’ll miss it dearly. — Erin

I was initially late to the “Hacks” bandwagon, and that may be one of my few regrets in life. Very few comedies that I’ve seen on TV have been consistently witty, hilarious, heartfelt and truly fantastic from the very start, quite like “Hacks.” Much of that I also credit to creators Downs, Aniello and Statsky, but especially leading ladies Smart and Einbinder. The dynamic between those two and their characters has been a rollercoaster ride since Season 1, but their epic journey from enemies to frenemies to dear old pals is what kept viewers coming back for more. But aside from that, the show’s premise is also unlike anything currently on television.

Since the very beginning, we’ve watched this interesting mentorship story between a comedy legend and an up-and-coming comedy writer blossom into a beautiful friendship. In a Hollywood industry where women are often tested on whether they can “hack it,” these two find a way to do it together and blaze an incredible trail along the way. I’m not sure what will be able to fill the gap that “Hacks” leaves in its absence, but you can bet this show will never be forgotten. — Njera

Year after year, I never understood why Jean Smart always cleaned up at the Emmys for “Hacks” until I finally tuned into the show. Her portrayal of Deborah Vance is equal parts brilliant and hysterical, and just as commanding even when the comedy diva isn’t onstage delivering quippy punchlines. Oftentimes, it doesn’t even feel like I’m watching Smart play this larger-than-life character because it’s as if she just disappears into the role. I can’t imagine who else could play Deborah as well as her, let alone make her as funny. Some say comedy is a young person’s game, but 74-year-old Smart has laid that theory to rest with every scene and joke she nails. No wonder the creators always thought she was the perfect person for the job. — Njera

Smart has swept the Emmys’ lead actress in a comedic role every season that “Hacks” was eligible. (In 2023, Quinta Brunson nabbed the award when Smart wasn’t nominated because the show hadn’t aired that eligibility season). And rightfully so, I’m sure she’ll win again in September. She’s a comedic genius and is a TV veteran; I could not have imagined another actor portraying Deborah Vance. It’s been lovely to see how Einbinder has really come into her own as Smart’s scene partner. I’ve seen Smart in several roles — funnily enough, her role in “A Very Brady Sequel” was going viral this week — and she embodies her characters so fully and authentically, and it was so nice to see her back in a lead role in “Hacks.” — Erin

“Hacks” is one of those shows that doesn’t just have to lean on its talented leads to succeed. The comedy boasts an ensemble cast full of ridiculously hilarious characters that are easily among the most memorable on TV. At the top of that list, for me, is definitely Megan Stalter’s Kayla, Jimmy’s inappropriate assistant, who you can’t help but love for all the insane things she says at the most inopportune times. The always-stressed Jimmy (Downs) is also one of my favorites because he has his occasional funny moments — like the one episode in Season 5, when he has to wear that pink Hannah Montana-esque outfit from Sassafras after he and Kayla burned their clothes because of the bedbug incident. But aside from Deborah and Ava, my absolute favorite character on “Hacks” right now has to be Randi the assistant, played by Robby Hoffman. Doesn’t matter what scene she’s in or what she’s saying, I always die laughing. That’s probably why she earned an Emmy nomination for the guest role last year. Definitely going to miss seeing her on this show. — Njera

I also loved the Mayor Jo character, portrayed by Lauren Weedman. She was so hilarious in every second of her screen time. On the flip side, I really appreciated Carl Clemons-Hopkins and how he often grounded the series with his portrayal of Marcus, Deborah’s right-hand man. There were times when the show needed more of him, especially in Season 4. So it was good to see his character have a little more presence this season. Oh! And I can’t forget about Mark Indelicato, who portrays Damien, for his funny moments that often broke the tension in the series. — Erin

Again, “Hacks” knew exactly what they were doing by building the show around Deborah and Ava’s friendship. Of course, it took a while to establish the bond itself, seeing as the two hated everything about each other from the moment they met. It’s funny, I went back and watched the first few episodes of “Hacks” just to see how far they came, and it really makes the end of the show that much more bittersweet.

Ava and Deborah have had their ups and downs throughout the show that, at one point, seemed almost too hard to come back from. Season 4’s feud, once they finally got to late-night, was especially hard to watch. But the moment Deborah stood up for Ava and refused to fire her as head writer, essentially torching her lifelong dream in the process, was when we finally found out how much they really meant to each other. That could’ve been the end of “Hacks” right there, but seeing them fight for Deborah’s legacy once again in this fifth and final season is further proof that this show is fully centered on the journey of their relationship. Professional, platonic and even romantic, we’ve seen all sides of Deborah and Ava’s connection that make you appreciate “Hacks” as more than just a comedy, but a second-chance love story, too. — Njera

I just loved to see all the guest stars who rolled through the show over the last five seasons. We got the iconic Carol Burnett, Rosie O’Donnell, Cherry Jones, Seth Rogen, Kristen Bell, Jimmy Kimmel and so many more. Comedian Luenell had a recurring role on the show, and she was consistently funny with her little one-liners. Also, fun fact: Angela E. Gibbs, who portrays Marcus’ mom, is the daughter of another legendary comedic actor: Marla Gibbs of “The Jeffersons” and “227.”

I have to throw Julianne Nicholson as the hilarious “Dance Mom” in there, too. She ended up winning an Emmy for that guest role last year, deservedly so. Funny folks like Luenell, George Wallace, Mario Cantone and more also made appearances on the show throughout the years. And who could forget “The Summer I Turned Pretty” star Christopher Briney playing Deborah’s young fling this season?

“Hacks” always had a knack for getting good guest stars on the show. Another thing that’ll be sorely missed. — Njera

Yes! I loved Nicholson’s character “Dance Mom,” too. That role showed me a whole other side of the actor and so that was really fun to see — especially knowing she can play someone so menacing like her role on Hulu’s “Paradise.” When she gets “boofed” by Jimmy in that one episode, I crack up every time. — Erin

I watched the finale twice. The first time, I was just devastated by it. The second time around, I found it so funny and touching, and it made me really happy that the “Hacks” writers closed the series in such a deliberate way. “I may not have 30 years. But I think I have another hour.” Seeing Ava and Deborah plot to tell the funniest jokes one last time was just perfect. — Erin

I couldn’t stop the tears from falling when I watched the finale. I knew it would be emotional, but I was so not prepared for Deborah and Ava to have a potential parting of ways like that, especially after everything they’ve been through this season to finally have Deborah perform again. But I love that the writers indulged us in this final episode and made it all about Deborah and Ava, following them on their trip to Paris as they prepare to say goodbye. They almost had me until that final scene at the train station.

“The worst part about dying is I can’t even enjoy being bone-thin. That’s the better joke!” Deborah tells Ava as she stops her in her tracks.

I thought that was such a clever callback to the very first episode of “Hacks,” when an excited Deborah almost ran Ava off the road in her driveway to suggest a better punchline to the joke that got the latter fired from her TV writing job and landed her on Deborah’s doorstep.

Ending “Hacks” with the thing that brought Deborah and Ava together in the first place was the cherry on top of this series finale. In the least cheesy way possible, the HBO Max series gave everyone the happily ever after they deserve. Jimmy and Kayla are now running the management company that tried to put them out of business, and Deborah and Ava are still workshopping jokes for their next special. We can only imagine how life goes on for these characters from here, but this feels like a fitting place to stop this heartwarming story. In a season all about legacy, what a great way to remember this irreplaceable comedy. — Njera

“Hacks” is streaming on HBO Max.

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