By admin 
Hannah Einbinder, fresh off the impactful conclusion of the critically acclaimed series "Hacks," has found a surprising source of clarity regarding the show’s enduring legacy and the very nature of artistic closure. Her current promotional circuit for the upcoming slasher film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma," where she shares the screen with the iconic Gillian Anderson, has inadvertently provided her with a unique perspective on how beloved projects continue to resonate with audiences long after their final bow.
Speaking with Variety’s "Awards Circuit Podcast," Einbinder revealed how Anderson’s constant engagement with her "X-Files" past has made her re-evaluate her own relationship with "Hacks." "Doing all this press with Gillian for the movie, she talks about ‘X-Files’ constantly," Einbinder shared. "She’s asked about it constantly. It’s made me feel like, ‘oh, I’m gonna talk about ‘Hacks’ for the rest of my life!’ I’m so happy that will always be something that I can come back to and meditate on and express gratitude for. When you are a part of something that has a deeply connected base of people who love it, that stays." This realization, fueled by witnessing Anderson’s enduring connection to her seminal role, has instilled in Einbinder a profound sense of gratitude and a healthy acceptance of "Hacks’" lasting impact. The series, which concluded its impactful run earlier this year, explored the complex and evolving relationship between veteran comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her ambitious, sharp-witted writer Ava Daniels (Einbinder). The show garnered widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of female ambition, generational divides in comedy, and the often-fraught dynamics of mentorship.
The conversation then shifted to the possibility of a "Hacks" spinoff, specifically a potential series focusing on the characters of Jimmy and Kayla, portrayed by Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter respectively. Given the duo’s consistent presence and undeniable chemistry throughout the series, and their frequent appearances at industry events, the question of a dedicated spinoff seemed only natural. However, Paul W. Downs, who also served as a writer and producer on "Hacks," expressed a strong sentiment for preserving the integrity of the show’s conclusion. "I would love for it to happen, and I have said this: You know we had a very specific plan for the way we wanted to end the story in the finale," Downs explained. "It’s such it’s so much pressure to deliver a satisfying ending… so, even to the last minute, even though we had this plan for a long time, we were like, ‘Should we stretch it out? Should we do two half seasons?’ But in the end, I’m so happy we stuck to our guns, and it resonated with people the way that it did. And because of that, I don’t I don’t want anything else to come after. I want that to be the last thing people remember.” This desire to safeguard the carefully crafted narrative arc of "Hacks" speaks to the creators’ commitment to delivering a resonant and definitive ending, prioritizing artistic vision over potential commercial extensions.
Downs further elaborated on the bittersweet nature of concluding the stories of Jimmy and Kayla. "Getting to play these characters and having these characters evolve as much as they have over the five seasons has been so gratifying that it’s terrifying to think there won’t be more between the two of us," he admitted. "But I think it would have to be something different." This "something different" opens the door to creative possibilities beyond a direct continuation of the "Hacks" storyline. Downs then offered a tantalizing glimpse into what such a project might entail, suggesting a broader "Hacks" universe. "There’s so many characters in the show that if we could do a universe, I want to see Mayor Jo in her first election. I want to see Marty coming to to Vegas in the ‘70s.” This vision of expanding the "Hacks" world, exploring the origins and untold stories of its rich ensemble cast, offers a compelling alternative to a direct sequel.
Einbinder, ever enthusiastic, immediately gravitated towards the idea of a Mayor Jo prequel. "‘Better Call Saul’ vibes," she quipped, envisioning a darkly comedic exploration of the character’s rise to power. "Her just being a fucking absolute criminal. Are you kidding? I’m in the freaking seats with the popcorn on that one." This endorsement highlights the potential for compelling character-driven narratives within the established "Hacks" universe, appealing to fans who have grown to love these supporting players.
The conversation on the "Awards Circuit Podcast" also delved into the personal journeys of both Einbinder and Downs, reflecting on their experiences with "Hacks" and their future endeavors. Downs, in particular, offered a glowing review of Einbinder’s performance in "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma," a slasher film set to release on August 7th. "I’ll give you the review," Downs stated with palpable excitement. "This is a pull quote now from Variety. Absolutely beautiful, absolutely terrifying and absolutely funny. And Hannah is a revelation. She is such a star. I’m not even kidding. The stuff that she does, her range being on display yet again in this is really impressive.” This high praise from a colleague underscores Einbinder’s versatility and burgeoning talent, suggesting her post-"Hacks" career is poised for significant growth.
Looking ahead, Downs revealed that he, along with "Hacks" co-creators Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, have a slate of projects in development. Among these is a project with Kaley Cuoco, which is currently awaiting schedule alignment due to Cuoco’s existing commitments. The trio is also working on a separate hourlong limited series for HBO. "I can say it’s a it’s a limited series," Downs shared. "It’s an hourlong limited. I can say that. So it’s a slight tone shift, but there’s definitely going to be humor.” This hints at a new creative direction for the writing team, maintaining their signature comedic sensibility while exploring a more contained narrative structure.
Einbinder expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the "Hacks" creative team once more, humorously stating her ambition to be their "non-problematic Rob Schneider," a nod to the actor’s frequent cameos in Adam Sandler’s films. This desire to remain connected to the creative minds behind "Hacks" speaks to the strong bonds forged during their time working together.
Einbinder also shared a poignant reflection on her early days on "Hacks," recalling a video she recorded for herself during Season 1. This personal time capsule, discovered recently, offered a stark reminder of how far she has come. "It was in my trailer, and the sound is pretty muffled, and it’s kind of a shitty video, but I just was kind of reflecting, like kind of a diary, and one of the things that I said was ‘I think these people are going to mean so much to me.’" This heartfelt sentiment underscores the deep emotional connection she developed with the cast and crew, a bond that has clearly transcended the professional realm.
Reflecting on the six years since "Hacks" began its journey, Einbinder articulated a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities the show has afforded her. "Most nights when I get into bed and feel the relief of making it back to my bed at the end of a long day, I go, ‘wow.’ I just am filled with gratitude," she confessed. "This experience has made so much possible for me in every conceivable way. On an emotional level, obviously we have a very strong bond. When I was auditioning for Ava initially, I was opening for other comics on the road. That went away because of COVID, and the job I had before that was working at a coffee shop, and that also went away. I was just really, ‘I actually don’t know what I’m gonna do.’ And so just on every level, [this success] has never been lost on me.” This candid admission highlights the precarious nature of a burgeoning career in the entertainment industry and underscores the life-changing impact of "Hacks" on Einbinder’s professional and personal trajectory.
The "Awards Circuit Podcast" episode also featured a lively "10 Questions" segment with Einbinder and Downs, offering a more personal glimpse into their lives and preferences.
10 Questions with Hannah Einbinder and Paul W. Downs:
- Childhood Nickname: Einbinder was affectionately called "Pud," short for "Pudding," by her parents. Downs’ nickname was "Chubb," stemming from his childhood love for pasta and pizza, and a particularly indulgent habit of mixing Swiss Miss packets with half-and-half into a "sludge."
- Childhood Interests Now Unbelievable: Downs recalled collecting "hippie figurines" of dragons and wizards on amethyst, purchased from a kiosk at the Rockaway Town Square Mall, a phase he now finds bizarre. Einbinder, after extensive inner child work, holds affection for her past interests, including taking baton classes taught by a stripper named Heather, who also performed flaming baton.
- Go-to Karaoke or Sing-in-the-Shower Song: Einbinder’s anthem is "What’s Up" by 4 Non Blondes, while Downs favors "All I Wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow, deeming it a "real crowd pleaser."
- Secret Talent: Downs can give a good massage. Einbinder possesses the unique ability to create bubble rings underwater, a skill that was even featured in "Hacks."
- Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: As a child, Downs loved strawberry, but now prefers dark chocolate double fudge chunk. Einbinder’s unwavering favorite is mint chip.
- The One Item You Couldn’t Live Without: For Einbinder, it’s her cell phone. Downs emphatically states toothpaste, emphasizing its essential nature.
- TV Show You Wish You Were a Cast Member Of: Einbinder admires "Sopranos" and "Mad Men." Downs, while appreciating shows like "Arrested Development" and "Succession," believes he would have had a blast on "Friends."
- Favorite Piece of Advice: Einbinder lives by "Faster and funnier." Downs recently adopted Maya Angelou’s advice to Oprah: "When someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time."
The "Awards Circuit" podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, and Michael Schneider, continues to be a vital platform for in-depth discussions about film and television, offering exclusive interviews and insightful industry commentary. Listeners can subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever they get their podcasts.
