Today, HBO Max and Universal Television announced the Hacks Season 2 release date and revealed the teaser trailer, which you can watch using the player below.
The Hacks Season 2 release date has been set for Thursday, May 12, and fans will get two new episodes that day. The eight-episode season continues with two new episodes a week, concluding June 2.
In the Emmy-winning and critically-acclaimed Max Original comedy series, the dark mentorship between legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her young, entitled writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder) continues to evolve as the two travel across the country workshopping Deborah’s new stand-up act.
Jean Smart, an Emmy, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice Awards winner for her performance in season one of the series, will return along with Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, and Jane Adams, who were all nominated for Emmys for the first season.
Returning cast members Christopher McDonald, Kaitlin Olson, Paul W. Downs, Poppy Liu, Rose Abdoo, Mark Indelicato, Meg Stalter, Angela E. Gibbs, Luenell, Johnny Sibilly, Joe Mande, Ally Maki, and Lorenza Izzo also star.
New recurring guest stars Laurie Metcalf, Martha Kelly, Ming-Na Wen, and Susie Essman, and guest stars Margaret Cho and Devon Sawa join in the new season.
Hacks is created and showrun by Emmy winners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky. The studio is Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
The series is executive produced by Downs and Aniello via their Paulilu banner, Statsky via First Thought Productions, as well as Emmy winners Michael Schur via Fremulon, David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment, and Morgan Sackett.
“We knew immediately that Lucia, Paul, and Jen brought us a winner,” said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content at HBO Max, previously.
“We couldn’t be happier about the tremendous response from our viewers and critics alike, and we salute the executive producers, Jean, Hannah, and the rest of the brilliant cast, and our partners at Universal.”
Co-creators and showrunners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky added: “We have been blown away by the positive reception to Hacks — we owe this renewal to every single person who tuned into the show and then told a friend to watch. We are so grateful we get to continue and we want to thank our partners at HBO Max and Universal Television for supporting the show so fiercely and our wonderful cast and crew for delivering on every level.
“Many years ago, we set out to tell a deeply important story that needed to be told — that of a handsome, charming talent manager and his two demanding female clients. We’re so glad that the story resonated with audiences, and we can’t wait to get to work on season two. See you soon!”
Actress Jean Smart said: “I am absolutely thrilled we are picked up for a second season, and I told Hannah it’s ‘No more Miss Nice Guy; from now on, it’s Bette and Joan! And guess who’s BETTE??!!’”
Erin Underhill, President of UTV, commented: “We are overjoyed that our partners at HBO Max have renewed Hacks for a second season! It’s been incredible to watch this breakout series redefine generational comedy with the phenomenal Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder expertly sparring to audiences’ delight. Hats off to Lucia, Paul, and Jen, who each brought their distinct vision to this colorful world of characters. We can’t wait to watch what happens next with Deborah, Ava, and the gang in Vegas.”
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.