Hacks stars film final season in New York as Einbinder navigates Emmys Palestine moment

Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart returned to the Hacks set this week, resuming production on the show's fifth and final season in New York as the Emmys furor over Einbinder’s remarks about Palestine continued to echo through Hollywood.

On a Wednesday in Midtown, the pair were seen in costume as Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels, accompanied by Hacks co-creator Paul W. Downs and cast members including Megan Stalter and Mark Indelicato. Witnesses described a brisk, behind-the-scenes mood as the ensemble hurried to a party scene, with Kayla in tow carrying designer shopping, Ava clutching a bouquet, Jimmy with a gift basket, and Damien lugging an oversized bottle. The location shoot offered a rare on-set look at the show’s dynamic, which has anchored its reputation for sharp clashes and evolving friendship between the two leads.

The pair’s return to the city comes as Einbinder, who is Jewish, faced a social-media spotlight following her Emmys acceptance earlier this month. When she accepted best supporting actress in a comedy series, Einbinder included a controversial line in support of Palestine that sparked heated reactions online. She later explained to reporters backstage that her remarks reflected her personal perspectives and experiences, emphasizing a distinction she sees between Jewish identity and the Israeli state.

Hacks centers on Deborah Vance, a veteran stand-up icon, and Ava Daniels, a younger writer who becomes her employee. The pairing—intense, often combative, but ultimately loyal—has earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmys this month for the show overall. Einbinder indicated at the Emmys that the upcoming fifth season would be the program’s last, describing the decision as bittersweet but appropriate: ending the show when it should end rather than letting it overstay its welcome. The decision aligns with a broader pattern in television where creators choose to close a long-running arc on a high note.

Beyond the on-camera energy, Smart has faced health challenges this summer. Reports noted that she used a cane after a fall and an ensuing knee surgery, though she appeared to move unassisted at the Emmys. The public timeline also recalls a July incident in which Smart, while celebrating with her sons, stepped and tripped near a barrier while hailing a cab; she later disclosed the mishap contributed to a temporary pause in her work on a separate project. In the Hacks universe, Smart’s Deborah Vance remains a forceful, showbiz-flavored presence, while Einbinder’s Ava Daniels continues to navigate mentorship, ambition, and the evolving demands of writing for a legendary comedian.

The ensemble around Hack’s two leads remains a crucial element of the show’s texture. Downs reprises his role in the writers’ and managers’ orbit, while Stalter, who plays Kayla, has emerged as a standout presence on the series and in the broader press cycle surrounding Hacks. The cast has also been connected to broader industry projects, including Lena Dunham’s Netflix release Too Much, which Stalter has referenced as part of her evolving career alongside the show’s ongoing work. As filming continues, the dynamic between Deborah and Ava—rooted in conflict and genuine care—appears poised to carry Hacks through its final episodes, with fans watching how the two women negotiate prestige, power, and personal growth on a national stage.

The Emmys moment and the final-season news have created a complex cultural footprint for the Hacks team. Einbinder’s remarks drew praise and condemnation across social platforms and commentary outlets, highlighting how performers who speak out on political issues can shape the reception of their work just as much as the characters they portray. In comments collected after the ceremony, Einbinder described the broader context of her stance, noting her familial and cultural ties to the region and the ongoing humanitarian concerns she believes require discussion within the industry. As the cameras roll in New York, the Hacks team remains focused on delivering the fifth season’s arc, balancing the show’s signature humor with the emotional resonance that has defined its run.

In installment after installment, Hacks has built a reputation for blunt satire paired with character-driven warmth. The upcoming final season promises to close the series with the same candor and craft that have defined its ascent, while Einbinder and Smart continue to be central figures in its legacy. Viewers and industry watchers alike will be watching closely as they finish filming in New York, while the public weighs the conversations sparked by the Emmys moment and the show’s own forthcoming send-off.