Hacks is a masterclass in comedy, blending sharp humor with emotional depth. The Emmy-winning HBO show follows the relationship between Deborah Vance, a fading Vegas comedian (Jean Smart), and Ava, a struggling millennial comedy writer (Hannah Einbinder).
Their forced partnership creates a mix of cutting humor and unexpected vulnerability. The show excels not only through witty dialogue but also visual gags, awkward silences, and poignant monologues, making it both hilarious and heartfelt.
Fans couldn’t get enough of the zingers, the emotional gut-punches, and those scenes that seemed to turn laughter into tears within seconds. Remember the pilot episode, when Deborah’s on-stage takedown of an entitled heckler set the tone? Or the chaos of Ava’s disastrous personal life spilling into their work? Iconic!
Featuring a razor-sharp script and characters that resonate deeply, Hacks demonstrates that comedy encompasses more than just laughs—it embodies heart, resilience, and a touch of chaos. For fans who liked the HBO show Hacks, here are some more similar shows to watch.
Loot, The Other Two, and 4 other shows to watch if you enjoyed HBO's Hacks
1) Loot
Imagine a wealthy divorcée with excessive funds and no direction. That's the premise for Loot, the comedy on Apple TV+ that is both glamorous and sincere. Maya Rudolph plays Molly Novak, a woman whose seemingly perfect existence falls apart following a highly publicized breakup with her tech-magnate spouse.
In Loot, Molly inherits a fortune and unexpectedly ends up managing her charity foundation, where her quirky nature clashes with the practical team led by Sofia Salinas (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez). The show offers a mix of humor, turmoil, and introspection.
Fans of Hacks will enjoy Loot's blend of sharp humor and emotional depth, with Molly's antics, like introducing a slide at work, echoing Deborah Vance's outrageous plans.
However, it’s the subtle instances—such as Molly understanding that money cannot purchase happiness—that highlight the brilliance of the show. With Rudolph’s humor and an eccentric, endearing ensemble, Loot offers plenty of laughs and unexpected emotional depth.
2) The Other Two
Hollywood dreams and sibling rivalry collide in The Other Two, a biting comedy that’s as ridiculous as it is relatable. Created by Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, this HBO Max gem follows Brooke (Heléne Yorke) and Cary (Drew Tarver), two struggling millennials living in the shadow of their younger brother Chase, a teenage pop sensation.
The Other Two follows Chase's rise to fame while Brooke and Cary struggle to find their place. The show sharpens its satire of celebrity culture, offering painfully funny moments on failure, jealousy, and self-discovery. Cary’s awkward career moves and Brooke’s chaotic shifts mirror the authentic messiness that made Hacks popular.
Standout moments, like Chase's absurd song releases or Cary’s stint as a viral “butt guy,” keep the laughs rolling while the show’s emotional beats sneak up unexpectedly. With its mix of absurd humor and heart, The Other Two is a must-watch for fans who love the layered storytelling and comedy chops of Hacks.
3) Shrill
Bold, chaotic, and refreshingly genuine, Shrill is a comedy that understands how to strike where it counts. Featuring Aidy Bryant as Annie Easton, this Hulu series centers on a young journalist striving to break free from societal expectations and seize control of her life.
Annie is balancing a dead-end job, a disappointing boyfriend, and an unyielding internet troll—all while maneuvering through a world that perpetually undervalues her. However, she isn’t going to follow the rules any longer. What sets Shrill apart is its unwavering truthfulness. The wit is incisive, yet the emotional scenes resonate powerfully, resulting in a series that is both uplifting and enjoyable.
Viewers of Hacks will discover much to appreciate here. Similar to Deborah Vance, Annie is battling for her voice in a society that frequently undermines her, and her experience seems equally cathartic. From uncomfortable office clashes to celebratory personal achievements, Shrill delivers humor, emotion, and plenty of sass.
4) Only Muders in the Building
Where true crime fascination collides with New York quirks, you find Only Murders in the Building. This popular Hulu show features Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as three individuals connected by their mutual interest in murder podcasts—and a genuine murder occurring in their stylish Upper West Side apartment complex.
What begins as novice detective work rapidly evolves into a tumultuous blend of mystery twists, concealed truths, and comically uncomfortable incidents.The appeal of the show is found in its quirky trio. Charles (Martin) is a faded star holding onto former fame, Oliver (Short) is an extravagant theater director skilled at creating disorder, and Mabel (Gomez) is the enigmatic surprise who is far more than what she appears.
Their chemistry is vibrant, mixing witty humor with touching instances. Viewers of Hacks will admire the witty dialogue, character-focused comedy, and the blend of audacity and sensitivity. Whether it’s Oliver’s outrageous plans or Mabel’s straight-faced quips, each scene sparkles with humor. Introduce a captivating mystery and you have a program that’s both smart and addictive.
5) Somebody Somewhere
Softly humorous and profoundly sentimental, Somebody Somewhere is an undiscovered treasure filled with emotion. Set in a quaint Kansas town, this HBO series chronicles Sam (Bridget Everett), a woman struggling with sorrow and a life that seems derailed. Sam's life changes when she rediscovers her passion for singing and discovers an unexpected community among a unique group of misfits who share her love.
It's a tale of connection, new opportunities, and the chaotic, wonderful challenge of simply being human. What makes Somebody Somewhere truly remarkable is its genuineness. The humor is subtle, nearly unintentional, yet it lands powerfully because it comes across as genuine. Viewers of Hacks will identify the same blend of sharp humor and deep emotion.
Similar to Deborah Vance in Hacks, Sam is seeking meaning in a world that frequently seems harsh. From sincere karaoke evenings to unique instances of connection, the program discovers charm in the ordinary. It’s gentle, amusing, and unforgettable.
6) Bad Monkey
Dark comedy and sunlit suspense intertwine in Bad Monkey, a captivating Apple TV+ series that blends crime thriller elements with quirky humor. Featuring Vince Vaughn in the role of Andrew Yancy, a fallen Miami detective who becomes an unwilling health inspector, the series dives into the dark depths of greed, corruption, and an arm found by a fisherman.
Bad Monkey, set in the Florida Keys, offers an exciting mix of morally complex characters, surprises, and Vaughn's unique humor. Fans of Hacks will appreciate its intricate plots and sharp character interactions.
Like Deborah Vance, Yancy is a flawed, inventive lead with a self-sabotaging side. The show balances suspense and absurdity, featuring Yancy's quirky antics and his fight for justice in a corrupt world. With humor and chaos, Bad Monkey is perfect for fans of clever, character-driven comedy with a dark twist.
Whether it’s biting humor, heartfelt storytelling, or quirky characters, these six shows capture the same magic that made Hacks unforgettable. Dive in, and let the laughter, drama, and chaos begin!