Interview: ‘Hacks’ Star Hannah Einbinder (‘Hacks’) on Crossing Comedy Thresholds and Her Favorite Scenes from Season 3

Imagine being 29-years old and already on your third Emmy nomination. That’s the reality for Hannah Einbinder, the breakout star of Max’s critically acclaimed series Hacks. In a recent conversation with Einbinder, we delved into her experiences, reflections, and insights on the show’s third season. Hannah shared her excitement over her third Emmy nomination and provided an in-depth look at her evolving relationship with her Emmy-winning co-star Jean Smart. From discussing her character Ava’s evolution to revealing behind-the-scenes dynamics, Hannah’s candid responses offered a fascinating glimpse into both her professional journey and personal growth.

Hacks, created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, has received widespread praise for its clever writing, compelling characters, and brilliant performances. The series follows the tumultuous relationship between legendary comedian Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, and young comedy writer Ava Daniels, portrayed by Hannah Einbinder. Jean Smart’s portrayal of Deborah has earned her multiple accolades, including an Emmy Award, while Hannah Einbinder’s performance has been lauded for its depth and authenticity, earning her three consecutive Emmy nominations.

Einbinder’s journey in Hacks is particularly noteworthy as she balances her dual roles as an actress and stand-up comedian. Her portrayal of Ava Daniels has garnered critical acclaim, while her stand-up career continues to flourish. The discussion touched upon how these two facets of her career influence each other, showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft. Additionally, Einbinder opened up about her transition from stand-up to series acting, a path less traveled, providing a unique perspective on her creative process and artistic evolution.

Landon Johnson: Hey, Hannah. Congratulations on your third Emmy nomination!

Hannah Einbinder: Thank you, thank you. Thanks for talking to me, nice to see you.

LJ: What does it feel like, third time going to the Emmys, the Academy giving you this recognition again? What does that feel like?

HE: It’s such an honor. It feels like something I could never have dreamed of, and I feel genuinely so grateful every day that I get to go to work with people who I love and respect. This feels like such an unimaginable extra gift. I already feel so fortunate to have the experience that I do working on this show, and to get recognition for that is really an honor.

LJ: Yeah, and it was great. And I assume one of those people is Jean Smart, and it’s been great to watch Ava and Deborah’s relationship bloom on screen. The chemistry is just unparalleled. Can you tell a little bit about how your relationship with Jean has evolved off-camera during the seasons?

HE: I will say we’ve been through a lot together over the course of working together, and that has definitely deepened our relationship, but I feel like we have had a kinship from day one. There is that spark that just exists and has existed between us. But I love her so much, I feel like she’s my greatest teacher, and it goes beyond just acting.

LJ: Yeah. And you see her… She is your teacher, in a way, off-camera, on-camera, in the show. It’s interesting to see that dynamic. And then you see your arc, your character arc, season three, really standing up for yourself and saying, “What would Deborah do in this situation?” Going from where we saw you at the beginning and then where we see you at the end are very different. Can you talk a little bit about that transition process and maybe where you pulled from a little bit?

HE: Yeah. I think, in terms of the season arc, Jean and myself, we both don’t see the final episodes until we’ve already started shooting, so my approach has just been to remain present and to be very firmly rooted in Ava’s reality, whichever scene I’m doing, because we shoot out of order. So, on any given day, I could be shooting a scene from episode four and then a scene from episode eight and then a scene from episode one. So, in terms of tracking that arc and that progression, like I said, my strategy has just been to remain super present wherever I am and not jump the gun and overthink my intentions for some of those later scenes until the time comes to really step into that reality.

LJ: Wow, that’s so interesting. That’s just a testament to the organic chemistry that you and Deborah have, being able to just get in there, live in the moment, and shoot out of order like that.

HE: Thanks.

LJ: And also, your improvisation skills. How much are you able to improvise with the scripts in this season specifically?

HE: I would say that a lot of the script is the majority of what you see. There will be lines here and there, obviously in the more comedic scenes where, if we’re shooting and we have that time, they’ll say, “Okay, girl, go off and do your thing,” basically. But yeah, I mean, a majority, if not the entirety of what you’re seeing is written in. I will say that they’re so cool about us pitching jokes, and so when I have something or where there’s an opportunity, they are always welcoming of that, which is so nice.

LJ: Well, of course. I mean, your standup career has totally taken off. I mean, you’re one of the few people that have gone from series to standup. Can you talk a little bit about that transition and what’s that like? I mean, your standup’s amazing, I know you traveled to New York, Boston, you do it all over. Talk a little bit about the balance and maybe what you prefer and how the two have helped each other, like the symbiosis between the two talents.

HE: Totally. Well, between season one, two, and three, I have toured. So basically, I have gone on tour in between shooting and that has been because standup was my first love. It was what I was pursuing before I ever started acting, and I felt a commitment and feel a commitment to that art form. And it was very important for me to not just let it fall by the wayside when I started acting, and so that became my sole focus in the downtime between seasons. So, I would go out around the country and a couple other countries outside of the US and just fine-tuning this hour. And I would say that the ways in which they lend themselves to each other is like… Acting has made me a better stand up for sure, because my standup has always been very theatrical in nature, but my time as an actor has helped me to commit much further to some of those choices on stage. So, it really has been, like you said, a symbiotic relationship that I just feel so stoked about.

LJ: I can imagine. And do you feel more emboldened? Before maybe season one, you went on the road and you’re like, “Maybe I shouldn’t take it there, I shouldn’t go to this place,” but in season three, we see Deborah going back and seeing her old jokes and maybe pushing the envelope and having those moral dilemmas. Do you have any of those personal dilemmas in your standup comedy?

HE: I don’t know that I do. I feel like my standup is… I often reference a George Carlin quote, which is, “A standup comedian’s job is to find the line and deliberately cross it,” and I think a lot of people interpret that in their own ways. Sometimes that is interpreted as it pertains to subject matter. For me, that is… I interpret that in terms of form. The ways in which I am trying to push boundaries is in the format of my act, which is reflected, I think, in the hour. It is deeply alternative in its nature. I do characters, I do storytelling. I do set up punchline jokes, there’s music, there’s mixed media. I try to play with the form and that is my attempt to push the line.

LJ: Crossing the line of where it could be polarizing or offensive.

HE: Right, right, right.

LJ: And as far as behind the scenes, I’m sure shooting this show, you and Jean on set with all of these comedic masterminds, I’m sure it’s so much fun. Can you share any behind the scenes experiences or anecdotes with us?

HE: I feel like… You know when you’re on a long phone call with a friend and someone goes, “That’s nice, what’d you talk about?” And you go “Everything”? I feel like that’s how I feel being on set with all of the wonderful actors that get to come through Hacks. I feel like it’s hard to pinpoint a fun moment in a sea of funny anecdotes, serious connection. It really is such a gift to have everybody come through the show and just to hear their stories and their experiences. With Jay Smith and Helen Hunt and Christina Hendricks, and all of the wonderful guest actors who have come through Hacks, it is just always a party.

LJ: I bet.

HE: Yeah.

LJ: And is there a scene in season three that stands out as your favorite scene to watch?

HE: You know what? Honestly, I think Paul and Meg’s scene on the airplane is my favorite. That is the scene that makes me laugh so much and kills me so, so much. I love watching that. And it’s also fun for me, because that’s somewhere where I can really watch the show as a fan, and I’m not worried about critiquing my own performance. I’m really able to just sit back and enjoy the comedy and the sentimental heartbeat of the show.

LJ: But what about those scenes that you’re in in particular? Is there one that stands out to you as a favorite in this season?

HE: I think the one that I thought felt so… Was so fun to do was the scene with the other caddies where the two boys are showing me the ropes and they’re telling me my vest is on backwards. That was definitely silly and very fun, and I could hear Paul, Jane, and Lucia laughing from video village, and that’s always where I feel the most ecstasy on set, when I feel like I’m clowning and they’re giggling.

LJ: Definitely. Instinct gratification, you’re like, “Yes, that’s what we were going for.”

HE: Totally, totally. That’s the comedian in me. I’m like, “Are you laughing?”

LJ: And what about looking ahead? I mean, you’ve got such a bright future ahead of you, you’re only 29 years old, three Emmy nominations on your belt. What are you looking forward to next season of Hacks, standup? Any other projects that you want to talk about?

HE: Yeah, I mean, I am really looking forward to next season. I think it’s going to go in a new direction. I think that there’s going to be a new dynamic that has been established based on the cliffhanger, the twist of season three. And yeah, I’m working on new material. I’m not super in a rush, to be honest. I feel like I am so, so privileged to have a job acting right now, and that has taken the pressure off of my need to churn out another hour. I really have been given such a gift in so many ways, being on Hacks, but it has definitely allowed my standup to breathe and for my creative process not to be under the gun in that way. So, I’m working on new material, but I’m definitely going to take my time with it.

LJ: Yeah, sometimes it’s better to be in a state of play where it can just come to you instead of forcing it, it’s organic, and then it can write itself. One comes to you instead of being like, “Man, let’s make this funnier.”

HE: Exactly, exactly.

LJ: So, what are you going to do in your downtime? Are you going to watch the Olympics? Are you going to…

HE: Yes, I am so excited about the Olympic gymnasts from both the men and the women’s teams. I’m going to get into… I want to watch the trampoline event, that seems really fun. Yeah, I used to be a cheerleader, so I’m very, very much Olympics gymnastics-focused.

LJ: I did not know that, I did not find that in my research. That’s not on your Wikipedia page, Hannah.

HE: Yes, that’s right. Yeah, I used to cheer, but yeah, I’m doing that. And yeah, just standup, getting ready to shoot. We’re going to go back to season four shooting in September, so it’s coming up.

LJ: Well, it’s exciting and you keep us entertained, the chemistry between you and Jean, and we just love seeing you shine, We can’t wait to see what’s next for you and we’ll be cheering you on Emmy night, per usual.

HE: Thank you. Thank you, Landon. I appreciate that.

LJ: Enjoy the rest of your day, your downtime, and the Olympics!

HE: Thank you. You, too. Talk to you later.

Hannah Einbinder is Emmy-nominated in the category Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.