Hacks dethrones The Bear as Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes Sunday. As co-showrunner Paul W. Downs took to the stage, he thanked the cast and crew that surrounded him onstage and joked not to give the show’s star, Jean Smart, a shot due to the production’s early Monday call time.
“If Jean Smart asks you for a shot, please do not give it to her,” Downs said, as he accepted the award. “Kate Winslet, I’m looking at you. Give her water if she wants it.”
In the comedy’s second season, Smart’s Deborah Vance becomes a highly favored and in-demand comic, thanks to her writer Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder. She’s so revered that just her presence draws chants and belly laughs from the audience. Hacks was up against Abbott Elementary, The Bear, The Gentlemen, Nobody Wants This, and Only Murders in the Building in the Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy category.
Hacks reclaims the title for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy prize; Hacks last earned the Golden Globe in 2022. (The Bear had previously taken home the award in 2024.)
The show was deemed one of the “most beloved comedies in recent years” in a Rolling Stone review of its third season, and Hacks’ Smart scooped up the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. “Never thought I’d be so happy to be called a Hack,” she quipped, as she accepted the award earlier in the night. (Smart also won the category in 2022). Einbinder also received a nomination for her supporting role this year.
Hosted by Nikki Glaser, the 82nd Golden Globes Awards ceremony is airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Sunday. Presenters include Andrew Garfield, Anya Taylor-Joy, Auliʻi Cravalho, Nicolas Cage, Rachel Brosnahan, Sarah Paulson, Seth Rogen, Vin Diesel, and Viola Davis. Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist led the list for most nominations this year, with 10 and seven each, respectively. Ted Danson will also receive the Golden Globe’s Carol Burnett Award for Career Achievements.
