Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder Back at the Start

Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) are right back where they started in the Hacks season 3 trailer.

After Deborah let Ava go as a way for her to spread her wings and grow as a writer, Ava finds herself unable to move on without her mentor. 

Since viewers last saw Deborah, her special has become a smash hit and she’s become a bigger star than she ever was. “Your career has never been hotter. Did you ever think you’d be back on top?,” asks a reporter on a red carpet. Deborah, who has reclaimed her diva status, not-so-humbly responds, “Yes.” 

When Ava realizes she’s at the same event as Deborah, she’s informed by agent Jimmy LuSaque (Paul co-creator W. Downs, who was promoted to a series regular for season 3) that Deborah has not just hired a new writer — she’s now employed two to replace Ava. Right when Ava’s ready to storm off as she grapples with the disappointment of being replaced, she ends up riding the elevator with Deborah herself. 

Calling back to the first season, Ava finds herself on Deborah’s couch, asking for a chance to work alongside her old boss again — this time setting a few caveatsf: “No more jokes about my physical appearance.” 

“Oh, come on! Those are grandfathered in,” scoffs Deborah. And she finds a loophole to torment Ava when it comes to her looks, asking her estate manager Josefina to read out texts with insults. “Ava, do you need me to give your hair CPR? Because it it limp and lifeless,” she deadpans while reciting the text as Deborah guffaws.

The trailer also gives a peek at guest appearances from Tony Goldwyn and Succession alum J. Smith-Cameron.

Season 3 of the Emmy-winning series premieres on May 2. Max will run two episodes per week through May 23, with the finale airing on May 30. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky serve as co-creators and showrunners.