Fresh Air
'Hacks' Returns! With Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Paul W. Downs
Apr 11, 2025
Jean Smart stars as Deborah Vance in the hit series 'Hacks', while Hannah Einbinder portrays her young comedy writer, Ava. They discuss the generational clash between old-school humor and modern sensitivities. The duo reflects on their creative journeys and the evolution of comedy, navigating themes of cancel culture and changing audience expectations. They also share insights on the show's new season and the challenges women face in comedy today, sparking laughter and poignant moments about the industry's landscape.
46:31
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Quick takeaways
- The generational conflict between veteran comic Debra Vance and young writer Ava offers a fresh perspective on evolving comedic norms and styles.
- The series 'Hacks' critically engages with the themes of accountability and cancel culture, reflecting contemporary societal shifts in humor and sensitivity.
Deep dives
Generational Conflict in Comedy
The dynamic between the older Vegas comic, Debra Vance, and her younger comedy writer, Ava, highlights significant generational conflict in the creative process. Debra, portrayed by Jean Smart, is a seasoned comedian whose career is in decline, while Ava embodies a newer, edgier approach to comedy that often disregards traditional joke structures. Their initial meetings are fraught with tension, as Debra critiques Ava’s unconventional humor, leading to heated exchanges about the purpose of comedy and the balance between shock value and genuine cleverness. This relationship illustrates the struggle between established comedic norms and the evolving landscape of humor driven by younger generations.
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