'Hacks' makes Emmy history with record-breaking final season nominations

'Hacks' surpassed the record held by 'Schitt's Creek', which received 15 nominations for its farewell season in 2020

Hacks has cemented its place in Emmy history after its fifth and final season earned 24 Primetime Emmy nominations, setting a new record for the most nominations ever received by a comedy series in its final season. The HBO Max hit surpassed the previous record held by Schitt's Creek, which received 15 nominations for its farewell season in 2020.

The critically acclaimed comedy, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, has been an Emmy favourite since its debut, but its final outing delivered its strongest showing yet. The nominations include Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Smart, Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Einbinder and Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for series co-creator Paul W. Downs, alongside recognition across writing, directing and multiple craft categories.

The achievement also marks the highest number of Emmy nominations ever received by a comedy series in a single year, eclipsing the previous record of 23 nominations jointly held by The Studio and The Bear.

Jean Smart continues to dominate the comedy awards race after receiving another nomination for her portrayal of legendary comedian Deborah Vance. Having already won the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for each of the show's previous four seasons, Smart is widely considered the favourite to claim a fifth consecutive victory. A win would bring her career Emmy total to eight, tying acting legends Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most acting Emmy wins.

Since premiering in 2021, Hacks has become one of television's most celebrated comedies, collecting multiple Emmy wins for its performances, writing and direction. Its fifth season brings the story of Deborah and Ava to a close, with the duo finally confronting the challenges of sustaining both their careers and their complicated friendship.

The series' record-breaking haul comes in a highly competitive Emmy year led overall by medical drama The Pitt, which received 25 nominations. Nevertheless, Hacks emerged as the biggest comedy success of the nominations, underlining the Television Academy's enduring admiration for the series as it prepares to take its final bow.

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Mariska Hargitay serving as host. Whether Hacks can convert its historic nominations into another dominant night remains to be seen, but its final season has already secured a place in Emmy history.