Critics’ Choice Awards 2025: Will Hacks Win Best Comedy Series?

The 30th annual Critics Choice Awards are fast approaching, and the buzz surrounding the Best Comedy Series category is palpable. Among the nominees, Hacks, the HBO Max comedy-drama, stands out as a strong contender, boasting a history of critical acclaim and numerous accolades. But will its past successes translate into a Critics Choice Award?

A History of Winning

Hacks, created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, follows the complex dynamic between Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a legendary but fading stand-up comedian, and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), a young comedy writer struggling to find her footing. Since its premiere in 2021, the series has garnered significant recognition, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. These wins include Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress for Jean Smart (three times), Outstanding Writing (twice), and Outstanding Directing. The show also secured a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy for its first season.

The 2024 Emmys Triumph

The show’s recent triumph at the 2024 Emmy Awards further solidifies its position as a frontrunner. Hacks surprised many by winning Outstanding Comedy Series, beating out strong competition, including the previous year’s winner, The Bear. This win, dubbed by some as a “stunning upset,” underscores the show’s enduring appeal and quality.

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Stiff Competition

Despite its impressive track record, Hacks faces formidable competition in the Critics Choice Awards race. The nominees include other critically acclaimed comedies such as Abbott Elementary (ABC), Only Murders in the Building (Hulu), and What We Do in the Shadows (FX), each with its own dedicated fanbase and critical praise. Hacks also shares the nominee pool with fellow HBO Max series Somebody Somewhere, demonstrating the network’s strength in the comedy genre. Newcomers English Teacher (FX), Nobody Wants This (Netflix), and St. Denis Medical (NBC) round out the competitive field, adding an element of unpredictability to the outcome.

The Hacks Advantage

Hacks possesses several key advantages that could propel it to victory. Jean Smart’s consistently brilliant performance as Deborah Vance anchors the series, providing both comedic and dramatic depth. The show’s sharp writing, which has already been recognized with multiple awards, delivers witty dialogue and explores complex themes with nuance. Furthermore, the unique premise of Hacks, focusing on the intergenerational relationship between two women in the comedy industry, offers a fresh perspective within the often-crowded television landscape. The show’s ability to balance humor with poignant explorations of aging, career struggles, and personal growth resonates with a broad audience.

Predicting the winner of the Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Series is always a challenging endeavor. While Hacks undoubtedly deserves recognition and enters the competition as a strong contender, the quality of the other nominees makes the outcome uncertain. The show’s previous wins, including the recent Emmy triumph, demonstrate its critical acclaim and widespread appeal. Ultimately, whether Hacks takes home the award will depend on the preferences of the Critics Choice Association voters. However, regardless of the final result, Hacks has already cemented its place as a significant and impactful comedy series.