Hacks Season 5 is officially in the books as of today, and while the finale is a total gut-punch, it’s also the perfect excuse to have a real conversation with your teen about why "making it" usually comes with a side of betrayal and some very expensive pantsuits.
TL;DR: Hacks Season 5 concludes the saga of Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels with a TV-MA rating that is fully earned through sharp-tongued profanity, industry cynicism, and complex depictions of ambition. It’s a stellar watch for older teens (16+) who appreciate smart writing and can handle a show where the "heroes" are often deeply flawed, providing a refreshing alternative to "brain rot" content. Check out our guide to TV-MA shows for teens to see how it compares to other mature hits.
If you’ve been living under a rock (or just spending too much time in the Roblox economy), Hacks is the story of Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian who refuses to be "aged out" of the spotlight, and Ava Daniels, a Gen Z comedy writer who was "cancelled" for a tweet and ended up becoming Deborah’s protégé/adversary/soulmate.
Season 5, which wrapped up today on Max, deals with the fallout of Deborah finally landing her dream job as a late-night host. It’s a season about the "final curtain"—not just in terms of the series ending, but in how these two women navigate the pinnacle of their careers. It’s funny, it’s brutal, and it’s arguably the most honest depiction of the "girlboss" myth we’ve seen in years.
You might think a show about a 70-something comedian wouldn't track with a teenager, but Hacks has a massive following among older Gen Z and Alpha viewers. Why? Because it treats Ava’s generation with respect while also calling out their performative nonsense.
Teens today are growing up in a digital landscape where "clout" is a currency. Whether they’re trying to go viral on TikTok or building a brand on YouTube, they understand the hustle. Hacks shows the dark side of that hustle. It asks: What are you willing to sacrifice to be the best? Your friendships? Your integrity? Your sleep schedule?
Ask our chatbot about the psychological impact of "hustle culture" media on teens
Let’s be real: Hacks is TV-MA for a reason. If you’re strict about language, this show will make your ears bleed.
- Language: It’s f-bomb heavy. Deborah Vance uses profanity like an artist uses a paintbrush. It’s not gratuitous in a "cheap" way, but it is constant.
- Sexual Content: There are depictions of casual sex, discussions of sexuality (Ava is bisexual), and some brief nudity across the series. Season 5 stays consistent with this—it’s mature, but it’s not Euphoria.
- Substances: There’s plenty of drinking and some drug use (mostly recreational or related to the high-stress environment of Hollywood).
- The "Vibe": It’s cynical. If your teen is sensitive to "mean" humor, they might find Deborah’s constant ribbing of Ava a bit much. But for most 16-year-olds, this is just "banter."
One of the best things about Hacks is that it refuses to make Deborah and Ava "besties" in a traditional, sugary way. Their relationship is transactional, competitive, and often toxic, yet they are the only people who truly understand each other.
For a teen girl navigating the high-pressure social hierarchies of high school or early college, seeing a mentorship that isn't "perfect" is actually really healthy. It opens the door to talk about boundaries. Is it okay for a boss to treat you like Deborah treats Ava? (Spoiler: Usually no). Is it okay to betray a friend to get a promotion? Season 5 doesn't give easy answers, which is exactly why it’s worth watching together.
In a world where our kids are bombarded with Skibidi Toilet memes and low-effort influencer content, Hacks is a reminder of what prestige television looks like. The writing is tight, the acting (Jean Smart is a literal god) is unparalleled, and the themes are deep.
If your teen is into The Bear or Succession, they will likely love the high-stakes, high-stress environment of the late-night writers' room in Season 5. It’s "smart" TV that doesn't feel like homework.
Recommended Alternatives for Younger Teens
If your kid is 13 or 14 and wants something with a similar "comedy career" vibe but less of the MA-rated grit, try these:
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Still has some language, but it’s a bit more "theatrical" and colorful.
- Abbott Elementary: For a workplace comedy that is wholesome but still incredibly sharp.
- Saturday Night Live: To see the real-world version of the writers' rooms depicted in Hacks.
Since today is the day everyone is talking about the ending, here are a few prompts to throw out at dinner (or via text, we don't judge):
- On Ambition: "Deborah finally got what she wanted, but look at what it cost her. Do you think it was worth it?"
- On Ageism: "Why do you think the network was so hesitant to give a late-night show to a woman Deborah’s age?"
- On Loyalty: "Ava has stuck by Deborah through some pretty terrible stuff. At what point do you think someone should just walk away from a mentor like that?"
Q: Is Hacks Season 5 appropriate for a 14-year-old?
It depends on the 14-year-old, but generally, Screenwise suggests waiting until 15 or 16. The TV-MA rating is mostly for heavy profanity and mature themes regarding career and sexuality that might fly over a younger teen's head or just feel unnecessarily "salty."
Q: Does Hacks Season 5 have a lot of nudity?
No, the show is not known for excessive nudity. While there are sexual situations and frank discussions about sex, it’s much more focused on the verbal sparring and the professional drama than the physical stuff.
Q: Can I watch Season 5 without seeing the first four seasons?
Absolutely not. The emotional payoff of the finale depends entirely on the five-season arc of Deborah and Ava’s relationship. If you're starting now, go back to Season 1 and enjoy the ride.
Q: Is there a lot of "cancel culture" talk in Season 5?
While Ava’s "cancellation" was the catalyst for the whole series, Season 5 moves into deeper territory about legacy and power. It’s less about Twitter (or X) drama and more about who gets to hold the microphone in Hollywood.
Hacks Season 5 is a masterclass in character development that offers a rare, unvarnished look at female ambition. For parents of older teens, it’s a "must-watch" that bridges the generation gap through shared laughter and some pretty uncomfortable truths about the working world. It’s the opposite of "brain rot"—it’s a workout for your emotional intelligence.