Photo: HBO max

Deborah’s late-night show has been a crazy adventure. Between the fued between Ava and Deborah, to pushing back creatively with studio heads, and Deborah getting Winnie fired, everyone is trying to avoid getting hit by the crosshairs of the chaos of Ava and Deborah, including their late-night producer, Rob. He sees this as a job like any other, and he’s biggest goal is to keep the ratings up and to keep it on the air.

Hacks stars Six-time Emmy® winner and Tony Award® nominee Jean Smart, three-time Emmy® nominee and Critics Choice Award winner Hannah Einbinder, three-time Emmy® winner Paul W. Downs, SAG Award® nominee Megan Stalter, Emmy® nominee Carl Clemons-Hopkins, SAG Award® nominee Mark Indelicato, and SAG Award® nominee Rose Abdoo return alongside Dan Bucatinsky, Helen Hunt, Tony Goldwyn, Kaitlin Olson, Jane Adams, Lauren Weedman, Christopher McDonald, Poppy Liu, Lorenza Izzo, Johnny Sibilly, Paul Felder, Polly Draper, Luenell, and Aristotle Athari. Previously announced new cast members include Julianne Nicholson, Michaela Watkins, Bresha Webb, Robby Hoffman, Eric Balfour, Danny Jolles, Gavin Matts, Grover Whitmore, III, Holmes, Jasmine Ashanti, Katy Sullivan, Matt Oberg, and Sandy Honig.

I talked to Dan Bucatinsky, Rob, about whether he thinks the joke should have been edited out, if Ava was naive to tell her old co-worker behind-the-scenes information about the show, and whether Deborah should have fired Ava. Dan also shares a piece of irreverent life advice, and also what he would do if he couldn’t work for 18 months.

Hacks is streaming on max with new episodes on Thursdays.