SoloStories: “Hacks”

SoloStories is our feature in which we explore books, films and TV shows that show single women navigating their lives – but romance is not the main component.

You don’t like Deborah Vance or Ava in the Max comedy series “Hacks,” but you learn to love them.

“Hacks” is the Emmy-winning comedy about Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a young comedy writer who goes to work for Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a comedian and entrepreneur in her 70s. Many films and TV shows focus on relationships between couples or family members. “Hacks” is that rare show that is about a multigenerational mentor-protegee relationship. Both are single – Deborah is divorced with one grown daughter and Ava, who is bisexual, is finding her way through various relationships.

In some ways, their relationship is like a romantic comedy that takes them through bonding periods (we loved the “One Day” episode in season three) and fierce arguments. But at its heart, it’s about two independent women. They both stand up for themselves and they know how they want to live their lives. Deborah hasn’t given up on hosting her own late night TV show. Ava wants her to use her voice through comedy.

“Hacks” is made by the same team -- Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky -- who made the other great TV show, “Broad City.” The third season, which won in the best comedy category at the Emmys, ended with a great cliffhanger that will get them what they both want – but Deborah and Ava’s relationship will be intense. We can’t wait to watch it.