Interview: ‘Hacks’ co-creator Lucia Aniello chats about the greatness of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder’s audition [VIDEO]

Would you believe that the person who co-wrote and directed the first commercial for “Dollar Shave Club” also is responsible for one of the hottest shows on television? Lucia Aniello had a hand in not only that commercial but was part of the team which brought us Hacks which recently was renewed for a second season after getting fantastic reviews. Aniello’s wit and brilliant writing style paired up with the amazing Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky has resulted in a dream team as they are churning out fantastic content that both delight and touch the fans. Hacks is not a comedy or a drama. It’s a reflection of the issues women face in the entertainment industry. Ageism, misogynistic behavior, and sexism are just the tip of the iceberg.

Hacks is at its best when they tackle those issues head-on while weaving in the levity which comes from working on the Las Vegas strip. There’s only one actor who had the range to play Deborah Vance and that’s Jean Smart. Aniello says as much in this interview. Of course, part of the charm that makes Hacks so fun is those clashes between Deborah and Ava. If they don’t nail that casting, then the show isn’t what it is. Finding Hannah Einbinder was amazing and the chemistry she had with Smart is something that can’t be taught. She also gave us a peek into where season 2 could be headed and we even pitched her few ideas for the show during our chat.

The first season of Hacks is available to stream on HBO Max. Lucia Aniello is Emmy eligible for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the episode “There Is No Line” (Pilot).

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Dewey Singleton

I'm a member of Critics Choice, Hollywood Critics Association, and The Society of Professional Journalists. I am also on Rotten Tomatoes. My bylines include @awardswatch, @deweysmovies, @awardsradar, @weliveentertainment, @bleedingcool, and @insessionfilm. I am married to @sgitw and have two sons.

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