"Hacks" Breaks the Emmy Record for Comedy with Its Final Season

HBO Max's Jean Smart-led comedy 'Hacks' broke the record for the most Emmy nominations earned by a single season of a comedy series, racking up 24 nominations for its final season. The previous record belonged to 'The Bear,' and later 'The Studio' (23).

'Hacks,' which follows aging Las Vegas legend Deborah Vance and the millennial writer Ava who reignites her career, wrapped up with its fifth season. According to Variety, this isn't just about the love showered on a final season — it's about the show sustaining its quality all the way to the end, something very few shows in Emmy history have managed, 'Schitt's Creek' being one notable example.

The nominations list includes Jean Smart (Lead Actress in a Comedy), Hannah Einbinder (Supporting Actress), Christopher McDonald and Paul W. Downs (Supporting Actor), along with most of the major categories for best comedy series, directing, writing, and technical achievement. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be handed out on September 14.

How many Emmys the show will actually take home remains to be seen, but 'Hacks,' much like its own Deborah Vance, is becoming an example of the idea of "climbing to the top and leaving it there."