Season 5, Episode 2 of Hacks is streaming on HBO Max tonight, bringing us closer to the bittersweet finale of a series that has won nine Primetime Emmy Awards since its 2021 debut. In this episode, Deborah Vance and her team are in New York City—and for today’s installment of The Run-Through, the real-life Deborah, Jean Smart, stopped by the studio to talk with Chloe about what it’s been like to play the character for five seasons… and what lies ahead.

“I definitely feel more like her. Or she feels more like me,” Smart said. “I mean, we look a lot alike.” She also mentioned their shared sarcastic sense of humor. As for differences, Smart noted that she doesn’t struggle with the same anger, bitterness, and distrust that fuel much of Deborah’s decision-making. “That’s sort of been her fuel for many, many years, and I think she starts to learn to give that up this season.”

Smart will miss many parts of Hacks, including Deborah’s extensive, fabulous wardrobe and her tastefully designed home. Though hesitant to say whether she took any clothing from the set, she proudly admitted to taking the drapes from Deborah’s house. “And I would do it again. There! I said it!”

Beyond the clothes, Smart will also miss working with Hannah Einbinder, whom she deeply admires. She credited her 30-year-old co-star with expanding her understanding of Gen Z: “I’m definitely more woke after meeting Ms. Einbinder.”

Also on today’s episode, British Vogue’s Radhika Seth joined Chioma to discuss what’s happening across the pond. Their Charli XCX cover is out today, along with Radhika’s interview with Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer, the stars of Apple TV’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles; they also talk about the new season of Euphoria and the upcoming fourth season of The White Lotus. Plus, a few Vogue and Teen Vogue staffers share their reports from Coachella.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the podcast episode where Jean Smart discusses the bittersweet finale of Hacks

General Beginner Questions

Q What podcast is this interview from
A The interview is from the official HBO Max podcast HBOs Official Hacks Podcast Its hosted by the shows cocreators Lucia Aniello and Paul W Downs

Q Who is Jean Smart
A Jean Smart is the awardwinning actress who plays Deborah Vance the legendary Las Vegas comedian at the center of the HBO Max series Hacks

Q What does bittersweet finale refer to
A It refers to the emotional Season 2 finale of Hacks where Deborah achieves a major career goal but at a significant personal cost leading to a complex mix of happiness and sadness for her and the audience

Q Do I need to have seen the finale before listening
A Yes absolutely The entire conversation is a deep dive into the finales plot character decisions and spoilers Its meant for fans who have finished the season

About the Finale Character Decisions

Q Why did Deborah leave Ava behind at the airport
A As Jean Smart discusses Deborah believed it was the necessary toughlove step for Avas own growth She gave Ava the careermaking material as a gift but knew their codependent relationship was holding them both back

Q Was the finale always planned to end this way
A According to the podcast the writers knew Deborah would get her latenight show dream but the emotional fracture with Ava evolved naturally through the seasons writing making the bittersweet separation feel earned

Q How did Jean Smart feel about filming that final scene
A She describes it as emotionally draining and profound She and Hannah Einbinder leaned heavily into the real sadness of saying goodbye to their intense working partnership even though the characters werent in the same room

Q What was the bittersweet part for Jean Smart personally
A The sweet was Deborahs triumphant success The bitter was the painful ambiguous goodbye with Ava which left the future of their deeply important relationship uncertain