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One of the many reasons why fans can't get enough of Hacks is because of Jean Smart's praise-worthy performance. She makes show protagonist Deborah Vance come across as funny and inspiring but at the same time, realistically vulnerable. Likable and relatable, the audience can't help but root for her. It also helps that the chemistry between Deborah and Hannah Einbinder's character, Ava, is perfectly on point.
From its debut season (2021) to its third installment (2024), Hacks has been able to enthrall fans with a perfect balance of intelligent humor and heartfelt moments. It has also been rather interesting to see the friendship between Deborah and Ava grow as they interact, bond and experience different scenarios together.
Like Deborah's character in Hacks, Jean Smart has played many different interesting characters throughout her career and this list shortlists the most engaging titles starring the veteran actor that fans wouldn't want to miss out on.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
High Society, Senior Moment and four other shows and movies that showcase Jean Smart's talent for comedy
1) Designing Women (1986)
Designing Women is a classic sitcom that has seven seasons, consisting of total 163 episodes. It mainly focuses on the lives of four women, Julia, Suzanne, Charlene and Mary, portrayed by Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart and Annie Potts respectively. They all work at Sugarbaker & Associates, an interior design firm based out of Atlanta.
Every lead character brings something different to the table. Smart's character, in particular, has won viewers over for her warm-hearted and sincere personality.
Even though Hacks and Designing Women are decades apart, they have one thing in common. Both shows put the spotlight on strong, opinionated women who have something to say and prove. In fact, this show gained traction back in the day mainly because of Julia Sugarbaker's impressive monologues and speeches that frequently touched upon woman empowerment and equal rights.
Where to watch: Episodes of Designing Women are available for streaming on Hulu and Prime Video.
2) High Society (1995)
In Hacks, the audience cannot get enough of the evolving bond between Deborah and Ava. Likewise, in this sitcom, the friendship between Jean Smart and Mary McDonnell's characters forms the crux of the narrative. Smart plays Ellie who becomes famous after writing trashy romance novels and McDonnell portrays Dorothy, her publisher and best friend.
High Society, containing 13 episodes, is a treat to watch because both leads are unapologetically flawed and yet they are able to win over the viewers with their sharp wit and eccentric personalities. The well-written narrative thrives, thanks to the chemistry between Jean Smart and Mary McDonnell who make their long, hilarious banters look quite effortless.
Where to watch: Full episodes of this classic Jean Smart starrer can be viewed on YouTube.
3) Style & Substance (1998)
In Hacks, Jean Smart's character Deborah Vance is in a spot of trouble when Ava enters the scene. And, fans would agree that Deborah benefits greatly, both personally and professionally, from having Ava around. In a similar fashion, the lead character in Style & Substance, Chelsea Stevens portrayed by Jean Smart also needs a helping hand.
Chelsea knows everything there is to know about cooking, decorating, and party planning but her narcissistic attitude constantly lands her in trouble. But thanks to Jane Sokol, her level-headed producer portrayed by Nancy McKeon, Chelsea is able to sort out her messes.
This easy-watching 13-episode sitcom is perfect for viewers who enjoy a good laugh. The characters are likable and the entertaining storylines never fail to impress.
Where to watch: Fans of Jean Smart will find this hilarious show on MUBI.
4) Forever Fabulous (1999)
Jean Smart is able to immerse herself into roles with such a natural flair that it sometimes doesn't even feel like acting. While watching Hacks, it is easy to forget that Smart isn't actually the stand-up legend she plays onscreen. Similarly, the role of Loreli Daly from Forever Fabulous fits Jean Smart like a custom-made glove.
The movie plot revolves around Loreli, a former beauty queen who had to move out of Texas because of a scandal. Her daughter, the current beauty queen, manages to convince her to return to Texas, but the road trip takes a turn for the worse when a freak accident leads to death.
As Loreli, Jean Smart is smart, domineering and over-the-top but at the same time, there is a sliver of vulnerability every now and then that makes her human and relatable. The movie by Werner Molinsky is funny, no doubt, but what really makes it a must-watch is its commentary on the superficiality and negativity within the pageant scene and the way it impacts the participants.
Where to watch: Forever Fabulous is available on Plex.
5) Senior Moment (2021)
This rom-com by Giorgio Serafini stars William Shatner and Jean Smart in the lead. Shatner plays Victor Martin, a retired Air Force pilot who loves nothing more than cruising in his 1955 Porsche 356.
When he ends up in a drag race, he gets charged with reckless driving. As his license is also revoked, he is forced to take the bus where he meets the charming Caroline Summers (Smart). Like Deborah in Hacks, Caroline is a mature woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to make herself heard.
Despite being a romance movie, Senior Moment avoids a lot of the cringey clichés that are common to the genre. The well-developed characters and witty dialogues are certainly a plus, but the main selling point of this movie has to be the sensible and believable storyline.
Where to watch: Senior Moment is available for streaming on Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Plex.
6) Wildflower (2022)
While fans love the witty narrative of Hacks, they are equally intrigued with the messages that the show puts forth along the lines of having a sense of purpose, growing together, understanding the pressures of women in the entertainment industry and more. Wildflower by Matt Smukler also carries a lot of poignant lessons about growing up, mental disabilities, family and more.
In the lead is Kiernan Shipka who plays Bea, a bright and responsible high schooler. She is constantly looking out for her mentally disabled parents. Jean Smart plays Peg, Bea's grandmother.
This heartwarming movie does a good job of showcasing what it is like for young children who have to go the extra mile for parents with disabilities. Emotional and heartwarming, this movie is full of wholesome moments that a family can enjoy together.
Where to watch: Wildflower is available on Hulu and Prime Video.
Fans who loved Jean Smart in Hacks should make a point to check out these entertaining shows and movies wherein she plays endearing characters who are hard to forget.
