The 73rd Primetime Emmys were dominated by two shows in particular: Ted Lasso and The Crown.
While each of these series took home a slew of awards, including the coveted Outstanding Comedy and Outstanding Drama Series nods, there was another show that had the annual event abuzz.
Hacks, starring Jean Smart, took out the prize for Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series (Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky) and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Lucia Aniello) as well as the Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series gong for Smart herself.
“We wanted to make a show that honours anybody who struggled to tell their stories, especially women who never got to tell their story at all because the world wasn’t listening,” said Aniello as she accepted her directing award.
Hacks sees Smart play Deborah Vance — a legendary stand-up comedian who has a Las Vegas residency but is struggling to remain relevant as she gets older.
She teams with a young Gen Z comedy writer (Hannah Einbinder) who is suffering from being #cancelled after posting a Tweet that was deemed insensitive. The two work together in a bid to try to freshen up Vance’s act and give them both a second shot at professional success.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Smart thanked her late husband, Richard Gilliland, who passed away in March 2021.
“I wouldn’t be here without him, without him putting his career on the back burner so I could take advantage of all the opportunities I have found,” she said.
Smart’s win for Hacks marks her fourth Emmy win overall — she’s won twice for her guest role as Lana Gardner on Frasier and once for her role on Samantha Who? in which she played Regina Newley.
The veteran actress was also nominated at the 2021 Emmys for Best-Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for Mare of East Town, in which she plays Kate Winslet’s character’s mother.
Speaking to press about Hacks backstage at the Emmys, Smart said, “When you do something that’s meant to entertain like that, that’s the whole thing, the audience reaction, it’s kind of like being on stage. That’s what you live for, how you’re affecting people. It’s been more than we ever could have expected.”
Smart also told reporters what to expect in season two saying, “As promised at the end of Season 1, I will be going on the road a bit to try out new material, although I think they definitely want to keep her based in LA.
“She will be going out a bit to comedy clubs to try out new material. I do know they will be exploring her relationship with her sister, which has been a huge traumatic part of her life. That’s all I have so far.”
The series also won at the untelevised 2022 Golden Globes, for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Smart. Hannah Einbinder was also nominated in the latter category.
If you are keen to get your laughs on and watch every episode of Hacks, then all you need to do is fire up Stan, where the entire first season is now streaming.
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