Hacks

A smart Smart shows finds new crises

Amid the swirling complications of “Hacks,” there’s a familiar theme.
“Be careful what you wish for,” Jean Smart said.
In the fourth season (starting Thursday, April 10, on Max), Deborah Vance (Smart) has her wish – a latenight talk show. It’s he dream of many comedians, except ….
Joan Rivers – the real-life person sometimes compared to the fictional Deborah – did get her own talk show. It failed and her life sagged.
That might not happen on “Hacks,” but things won’t be easy. “It’s the pressure,” Smart said. It “gets to her.”
Read more…

“Shogun” and “Hacks” lead TCA awards

“Shogun” and “Hacks” dominate this year’s Television Critics Association awards.
The top overall awards – program of the year and best new program– .go to “Shogun.” So do the two drama awards, for best show and best individual (Anna Sawai, shown here). The comedy ones go to “Hacks” and its star (Jean Smart).
There are also awards for the “Baby Reindeer” mini-series, some non-fiction shows and two Disney+ family shows, “Bluey” and “Doctor Who.”
Overall, the awards are a sign that traditional television – or semi-traditional – can still do well, if given some modern touches. Read more…