Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 38 minutes ago
This week on On Story, a conversation on Hacks with its co-creator and co-showrunner Jen Statsky.
Hacks follows the odd-couple antics of trailblazing standup comedian Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, and struggling up-and-coming comedy writer Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder, who’s hired to help Deborah breathe new life into her worn-out routine. The pair form a close bond as Ava pushes Deborah to take risks and pursue her lifelong dream of hosting a late night talk show. Hacks is packed with scene stealing supporting and guest performances by Meg Stalter, Paul W. Downs, Julianne Nicholson, Laurie Metcalf, and more. The final season received a record-breaking 24 Emmy nominations, including a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Jen Statsky co-created Hacks alongside Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs. Statsky previously worked as a writer for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Parks and Recreation, Broad City, and The Good Place.
I sat down with Jen Statsky for a conversation on crafting the pitch document for Hacks, building Ava and Deborah’s explosive relationship, and the meta-challenge of writing a show that’s all about the writing process.
This week on On Story, a conversation on Hacks with its co-creator and co-showrunner Jen Statsky.
Hacks follows the odd-couple antics of trailblazing standup comedian Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, and struggling up-and-coming comedy writer Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder, who’s hired to help Deborah breathe new life into her worn-out routine. The pair form a close bond as Ava pushes Deborah to take risks and pursue her lifelong dream of hosting a late night talk show. Hacks is packed with scene stealing supporting and guest performances by Meg Stalter, Paul W. Downs, Julianne Nicholson, Laurie Metcalf, and more. The final season received a record-breaking 24 Emmy nominations, including a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Jen Statsky co-created Hacks alongside Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs. Statsky previously worked as a writer for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Parks and Recreation, Broad City, and The Good Place.
I sat down with Jen Statsky for a conversation on crafting the pitch document for Hacks, building Ava and Deborah’s explosive relationship, and the meta-challenge of writing a show that’s all about the writing process.
