‘Hacks’ Creators Stalking Julia Louis-Dreyfus to Make Emmy History

The creative team behind the hit comedy series Hacks is on the brink of making Emmy history during the 77th Emmy Awards. Co-creators Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, along with Paul W. Downs, face the prospect of becoming the first women to win three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the same show. Their nomination centers on the penultimate episode of Season 4, A Slippery Slope, which could secure them this unprecedented milestone.

This pursuit for legacy is deeply intertwined with the ongoing success of Hacks, which also earned a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series and several acting nods. The series is known for exploring the struggles and triumphs of women in comedy, exemplified by its complex characters Ava and Deborah, played by Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart, respectively.

Breaking Barriers in Comedy Writing with ‘Hacks’

Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky are currently tied with industry veterans such as Tina Fey, Anne Flett-Giordano, and Robin Green, who each have two Emmy wins for writing. Their potential third win would shatter a long-standing glass ceiling, as no woman has previously won three Emmys for writing on a single show.

Paul W. Downs, who also acts on the show as Deborah and Ava’s manager, emphasized the significance of this possible achievement. He shared,

“It’s shocking that no women have been recognized while there have been plenty of men who’ve been recognized more than twice for writing,”

highlighting the gender disparities in comedy awards. Downs added,

“I am so proud. My mind is blown that Jen and Lucia might be the first women to do that.”

Jen Statsky described their work in relation to the show’s themes, saying,

“We think of it very much so in the context of the show. This is the story we’ve been telling. We always wanted to tell the story of a woman who didn’t get to tell her own story and there are so many women like that in the history of entertainment. So I think looking in the context of it, it’s both an incredible honor and privilege and mind-blowing, like Paul said.”

Aniello added that their commitment extends beyond storytelling into staffing and casting, underlining their intention to actively empower women within the industry. She stated,

“Oh, these women didn’t really get an opportunity,”

and explained how they incorporate such women into their writing, producing team, and guest stars, making them a vital part of the show’s fabric.

Season 4 Highlights and Star-Studded Guest Appearances

Season 4 of Hacks has been notable for its high-profile guest stars, including Randy Newman, Kristen Bell, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Rogen, and Carol Burnett, all playing themselves within storylines centered on Deborah’s late-night talk show. The show’s creative choices have kept audiences engaged, especially as Deborah’s character left the talk show in a dramatic finale, setting up new narrative directions.

With a season finale depicting Ava and Deborah’s return to the U.S. following a difficult period in Singapore, the creators have laid the groundwork for future developments. Aniello remarked on Deborah’s journey as an underdog with an enduring spirit, which they look forward to exploring in Season 5.

Behind the Scenes: Creators Reflect on Memorable Moments and Future Plans

When asked about favorite moments from Season 4, Paul W. Downs recalled a particular scene from the episode A Slippery Slope, where guest star Julianne Nicholson humorously mimics their toddler saying, No, only Jimmy, contrasting with the toddler’s actual phrase, No, only dada. Downs highlighted Nicholson’s outstanding performance that day, calling it “unbelievable.”

Another comedic highpoint mentioned was the iconic line,

“Oh, Mary-Alice, what did you do?”

which resonated strongly in the season. These moments capture the show’s blend of humor and emotional depth that has made it a critical success.

Dream Guests: Julia Louis-Dreyfus Tops Their Wish List

Among their aspirations to feature more legendary talent, the creators unanimously expressed their admiration for Julia Louis-Dreyfus, an 11-time Emmy winner known for Veep. Aniello declared,

“We’re still Julia Louis-Dreyfus heads forever,”

with Downs humorously adding,

“We’ve been stalking her.”

Statsky joined in, affirming their enthusiasm for the iconic actress’s involvement.

The team also hopes to secure appearances from personalities like Conan O’Brien, with Downs jokingly mentioning their ongoing efforts to convince Cher to participate again despite her reluctance. Their playful banter about celebrity involvement keeps fans eager for future surprises.

What’s Next for ‘Hacks’ and Where to Watch

With Season 5 already in development at HBO Max, the future of Hacks is full of promise. The show continues to attract acclaim both for its sharp writing and its progressive approach to showcasing women in comedy.

The first four seasons of Hacks are currently available for streaming on HBO Max. New viewers can subscribe starting at $9.99 per month with ads, or opt for an ad-free experience at $16.99 monthly. For those looking to access multiple streaming platforms, discounted bundles including Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max are also offered.