Hacks backdrop
Comedy•Drama

The Best Episodes of Hacks

Every episode of Hacks ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Hacks!

Binge this in 1d 0h•Peaking at 9.5/10

Explore a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.

Airs on
HBO MaxMaxHBO Max
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons5

All12345

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Hacks Season 4 Episode 9 - A Slippery Slope
    9.5/10(1978 votes)

    #1 - A Slippery Slope

    S4:E9

    Deborah and Ava struggle as Late Night lands in unwanted controversy. While Jimmy navigates the worst day, Kayla thrives.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Hacks Season 3 Episode 9 - Bulletproof
    9.2/10(1757 votes)

    #2 - Bulletproof

    S3:E9

    As Deborah works to perfect her second run at Late Night, Ava receives a dream offer, and Jimmy and Kayla seek to grow their company.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Hacks Season 2 Episode 8 - The One, the Only
    9.0/10(1771 votes)

    #3 - The One, the Only

    S2:E8

    Deborah prepares to take the stage for her taping as Ava deals with a new opportunity.

    Director:Trent O'Donnell
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Hacks Season 1 Episode 10 - I Think She Will
    8.9/10(1905 votes)

    #4 - I Think She Will

    S1:E10

    For her final performance at the Palmetto, Deborah must decide between playing it safe and putting her entire career on the line. Meanwhile, Ava deals with a family crisis.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Jen Statsky, Ariel Karlin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Hacks Season 1 Episode 6 - New Eyes
    8.7/10(1966 votes)

    #5 - New Eyes

    S1:E6

    While Deborah recovers from surgery, she and Ava have a unique bonding experience when Deborah dispels a major misperception about her past.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Hacks Season 4 Episode 6 - Mrs. Table
    8.7/10(1246 votes)

    #6 - Mrs. Table

    S4:E6

    Deborah receives the "Courage in Comedy" award, while Ava reaches a breaking point.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writer:Carolyn Lipka

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Hacks

    READ
  7. Hacks Season 2 Episode 2 - Quid Pro Quo
    8.6/10(1525 votes)

    #7 - Quid Pro Quo

    S2:E2

    Deborah embraces tour life. Ava grapples with the value of honesty. Jimmy learns the harsh realities of Hollywood dealmaking.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Hacks Season 4 Episode 4 - I Love LA
    8.6/10(1198 votes)

    #8 - I Love LA

    S4:E4

    As the taping of her first Late Night episode approaches, Deborah experiences a shocking "first," while Ava makes a new romantic connection.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writer:Pat Regan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Hacks Season 5 Episode 2 - Number One Fan
    8.6/10(542 votes)

    #9 - Number One Fan

    S5:E2

    After she's turned down by Madison Square Garden, Deborah's attempt to reignite her fanbase doesn't go as planned. Meanwhile, Jimmy unexpectedly gets to pitch one of his idols, and Ava meets her first fan.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writer:Ariel Karlin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Hacks Season 3 Episode 6 - Par for the Course
    8.5/10(1240 votes)

    #10 - Par for the Course

    S3:E6

    Deborah participates in a golf tournament to get face time with the cable affiliates who could decide her future.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writer:Ariel Karlin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Hacks Season 1 Episode 5 - Falling
    8.4/10(1910 votes)

    #11 - Falling

    S1:E5

    Deborah blackmails Marty. Ava has a wild night to remember in Vegas that puts everything in perspective.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writer:Andrew Law

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Hacks Season 1 Episode 8 - 1.69 Million
    8.4/10(1769 votes)

    #12 - 1.69 Million

    S1:E8

    With a little encouragement from Ava, Deborah’s unpolished set sparks a career-defining moment.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writer:Pat Regan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Hacks Season 2 Episode 6 - The Click
    8.4/10(1380 votes)

    #13 - The Click

    S2:E6

    A girls’ night out finds Ava attempting to connect with her mother – and Deborah embracing some unexpected company.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writers:Joe Mande, Aisha Muharrar

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Hacks Season 3 Episode 2 - Better Late
    8.4/10(1261 votes)

    #14 - Better Late

    S3:E2

    Deborah and Ava struggle to stay out of one another's orbits – especially when Deborah lands an unexpected opportunity.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writer:Andrew Law

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Hacks Season 3 Episode 3 - The Roast of Deborah Vance
    8.4/10(1183 votes)

    #15 - The Roast of Deborah Vance

    S3:E3

    After learning there's a Late Night vacancy, Deborah makes sure everything – and everyone – is operating at its finest for her roast.

    Director:Jeff Rosenberg
    Writer:Joe Mande

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Hacks Season 4 Episode 1 - Big, Brave Girl
    8.4/10(1289 votes)

    #16 - Big, Brave Girl

    S4:E1

    With Deborah determined to boot her from Late Night, Ava attempts to beat her boss at her own game.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Hacks Season 2 Episode 5 - Retired
    8.3/10(1381 votes)

    #17 - Retired

    S2:E5

    An impromptu detour finds Deborah reckoning with long-held guilt while reconnecting with a former comedian friend.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writer:Andrew Law

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Hacks Season 3 Episode 8 - Yes, And
    8.3/10(1276 votes)

    #18 - Yes, And

    S3:E8

    A calendar mix-up finds Deborah double booked ... just as an unfortunate supercut of her most problematic early jokes starts circulating.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, Samantha Riley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Hacks Season 4 Episode 8 - Witch of the Week
    8.3/10(1019 votes)

    #19 - Witch of the Week

    S4:E8

    Deborah pitches a new approach for the show. Nina arrives with a plan for Ava's future. Jimmy struggles to keep up, while Kayla fields an offer.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writer:Andrew Law

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Hacks Season 5 Episode 1 - EGOT
    8.3/10(634 votes)

    #20 - EGOT

    S5:E1

    After returning from Singapore to a career further smeared by Bob Lipka, Deborah decides to shift the narrative and focus on achieving EGOT status.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Hacks Season 3 Episode 5 - One Day
    8.2/10(1236 votes)

    #21 - One Day

    S3:E5

    As Deborah contends with writer’s block and Ava with a broken heart, the pair decide to clear their heads in the woods.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Carolyn Lipka, Carol Leifer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Hacks Season 5 Episode 3 - No New Tricks
    8.2/10(450 votes)

    #22 - No New Tricks

    S5:E3

    Deborah hits it off with the Palmetto's new artist in residence. Marcus sets out to save a historic casino, and Marty has uninvited wedding guests.

    Director:Paul W. Downs
    Writer:Aisha Muharrar

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Hacks Season 2 Episode 1 - There Will Be Blood
    8.1/10(1543 votes)

    #23 - There Will Be Blood

    S2:E1

    Deborah eagerly anticipates trying out her new material on the road, while Ava dreads the fallout of an explosive email.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Hacks Season 2 Episode 3 - Trust the Process
    8.1/10(1386 votes)

    #24 - Trust the Process

    S2:E3

    Deborah continues to workshop her material on the road, as Ava adapts to a new lifestyle. Marcus is overwhelmed by life without Wilson.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Hacks Season 3 Episode 1 - Just for Laughs
    8.1/10(1320 votes)

    #25 - Just for Laughs

    S3:E1

    As Deborah prepares to accept an award in Montreal, Ava does her best to avoid her former employer.

    Director:Lucia Aniello
    Writers:Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"A Slippery Slope" is the best rated episode of "Hacks". It scored 9.5/10 based on 1978 votes. Directed by Lucia Aniello and written by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, it aired on 5/22/2025. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Bulletproof".