American writer and television producer
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2 episodes with Lucia Aniello
9 episodes with Lucia Aniello
2 episodes with Lucia Aniello
2 episodes with Lucia Aniello
3 episodes with Lucia Aniello
4 episodes with Lucia Aniello
2 episodes with Lucia Aniello
2 episodes with Lucia Aniello
2 episodes with Lucia Aniello
A bonus episode from our friends at WIRED's Uncanny Valley. The hit HBO Max comedy series Hacks follows the tumultuous relationship between a young comedy writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) and legacy comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). The show has also had a lot to say about the business of show business. Creators Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello join Katie to talk about writing the series, corporate censorship, and why they find AI “deeply disturbing.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Phil and Emily are joined by Emmy-winning Hacks creator Lucia Aniello for Lars von Trier's Dogville (2003). Nicole Kidman's fugitive Grace hides out in a Depression-era Rocky Mountain town staged entirely with chalk outlines on a bare soundstage, and the townsfolk's charity slowly curdles into something monstrous. Paul Bettany, Lauren Bacall, Chloë Sevigny, Patricia Clarkson, and James Caan fill out von Trier's three-hour moral experiment, narrated with dry glee by John Hurt.The three dig into the chalk-outline staging as both radical theater and pure provocation, Kidman spending her post-Hours Oscar heat on the least commercial project imaginable, and where the film's brutal final turn lands two decades on. There's a real case here for reading Dogville as the most savage thing ever built to look like a filmed stage play. Cruel, funny, and unlike anything else same as the movie.Follow the show & guest:Podcast Like It's... - https://www.instagram.com/podcastlikeitsPhil Iscove - https://www.instagram.com/pmiscoveEmily St. James - https://www.instagram.com/emilystjamsLucia Aniello - https://www.instagram.com/luciaaniellosetfits
We're taking you inside the TV Academy's Televerse and Awardist host Gerrad Hall's panel with ‘Hacks' stars Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Paul W. Downs and his co-creators Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, where they look back on 5 select moments from their final season, sharing laughs and tears and the process. Plus, Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng share their reaction to the announcement of the new X-Men cast at D23, discuss early Emmy winners, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
John welcomes Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs to talk about the emotional and logistical process of closing out their five-season series, Hacks. Paul and Lucia also step up as guest readers for the Three Page Challenge, a segment where we look at the first three pages of a listener-submitted script and give honest feedback. In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John, Lucia and Paul talk about cameos. How do they happen? What's the real deal behind the scenes? Links: You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall State and Local Election Alliance @luciaaniellosetfits @paulwdowns Cherlato Gelato Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters. Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our Coordinator is Lauren Loesberg. Outro by Nick Moore (send us yours!). Email us at ask@johnaugust.com
Reece Feldman, known online as Guy with a Movie Camera, joins Katey to talk about what he learned watching Christopher Nolan at work on The Odyssey, and why the film lives up to what would probably feel like an unbelievable amount of hype for any other movie. Then, Hacks co-creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky join to talk about how they decided it was time for the show to end and the particular joy they get in what might be the show's most surprising Emmy nomination — outstanding original music and lyrics. 00:00 Intro 01:06 Inside The Odyssey Set In Iceland 05:56 What Makes A Nolan Set Different 08:44 Emma Thomas And The Iceland Shoot 10:17 Why You Must See It In Imax 70Mm 15:22 The Performances That Stand Out 18:15 The Odyssey As Oppenheimer's Sister Film 19:14 Can Lightning Strike Twice At The Box Office 23:07 The Art Of Going Viral 26:03 Why Awards Still Matter 27:37 Ranking The Nolan Filmography 30:35 Next: 'Hacks' Co-Creators 32:02 Breaking The Emmy Nominations Record 34:51 Why Five Seasons Was Always The Plan 37:05 Why Paris Was Always The Endgame 38:29 Ai As The Villain Of The Season 42:09 The Academy Museum Screening 43:54 Bob Lipka And Tony Goldwyn's Range 47:37 Giving Marty, Dj And Marcus Their Endings 50:48 Writing From A Place Of Love 54:58 What Paul Will Miss About Jimmy 56:13 The Story Behind The Tejano Song Subscribe today to Prestige Junkie After Party bonus episodes. Subscribe to the Prestige Junkie newsletter. Follow Katey on Letterboxd. Follow The Ankler.
Lucia Aniello sat down with IndieWire's Chris O'Falt to discuss the creative evolution of Hacks, balancing comedy with emotional storytelling, and wrapping up one of television's most celebrated series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The hit HBO Max comedy series Hacks follows the tumultuous relationship between a young comedy writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) and legacy comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). The show has also had a lot to say about the business of show business. Creators Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello join Katie to talk about writing the series, corporate censorship, and why they find AI “deeply disturbing.”Join WIRED's best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian's newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Kara talks with "Hacks" creators and showrunners Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky about the state of comedy and ending the HBO Max hit on their own terms. The critically-acclaimed series follows Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian played by Jean Smart, and Ava Daniels, a young TV writer played by Hannah Einbinder, as the pair navigate the many ups and downs of show business. The team discusses Deborah and Ava's “dark mentorship,” the intimacy of creative partnership and how Hollywood has changed over the show's five-season run. They also get into the streaming boom-and-bust cycle and whether AI will help or hurt creativity. Plus: the chances of a "Hacks" reboot, and what Ava and Deborah might be facing five years from now. Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
And just like that…our Broad City rewatch comes to an end. Obviously we had to close it out with a bang, so we called up Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs to break down Season 5, Episode 10, the series finale of Broad City!! Lucia and Paul take us back to their NYC days, share epic behind-the-scenes stories from these final shoot days, and graciously tolerate us absolutely spiraling with gratitude for dedicating their lives to telling complex stories about girls. Thank you to everyone who rode along on this Broad City rewatch it was literally heaven on earth. xx Give the gift of everyday luxury this holiday season. Head to https://cozyearth.com and use code GIRLS for up to 40% off! On Feeld, curiosity leads the way towards intimacy with others and yourself: https://feeld.onelink.me/TRZt/girlsrewatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Actor/Director Helen Hunt & Actor singer/songwriter psych/mythology PHD phd Helen Slater discuss a deep friendship and love, growing up in art, the beginning of their friendship on a trip to russia, Winnie The Pooh,, growing beyond your first dream, parenting, parenting artists, Helen H. introducing Helen S. to her husband, improv, acting styles, baseball, French Fries, & clown school.Bio: Helen Hunt has enjoyed a distinguished career not only as an award-winning actor, but as an accomplished writer, director, and producer. As an actress, her extensive and diverse body of work includes roles in film, theater, and television. Hunt enjoyed a residency at The Old Vic Theatre in EUREKA DAY, a story about parents on the Executive Committee of a progressive private school in Berkeley, California. While taking pride in their ability to accept everyone, a public health scare erupts, testing their tolerance and revealing their true colors. Written by Jonathan Spector and directed by Katy Rudd. It was the European premiere of a multi award-winning story. Hunt performed alongside Kirsten Foster, Mark McKinney, Ben Schnetzer and Susan Kelechi Watson. In television, Hunt can most recently be seen as Winnie Landell in HACKS, created by Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky. She can also be seen as Rainey in Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal's BLINDSPOTTING, a show based on the film with the same title. In 2022 it was nominated for a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best New Scripted Series. The second season was released in April 2023. Hunt returned to the stage this February in Susan V. Booth's major revival of Pinter's famed masterwork BETRAYAL at Chicago's Goodman Theatre. The Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award winner currently stars in the play alongside Tony nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Ian Barford, respectively playing Emma and Robert. In 2019, Hunt revived her role as Jamie Buchman for another season of the hit show MAD ABOUT YOU opposite Paul Reiser. The show returned as a limited series on Spectrum Originals with all episodes available on demand. In 2012 Hunt's performance in THE SESSIONS earned her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female and notations in the same category by the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, Broadcast Film Critics' Awards and the BAFTA Awards. The film premiered in competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and took home the Audience Award as well as the jury prize for Best Ensemble. Other film credits include: Netflix's Comedy CANDY JAR, RIDE (which Hunt also co-wrote, produced, and directed), DECODING ANNIE PARKER, SOUL SURFER, EVERY DAY, BOBBY, THEN SHE FOUND ME (which Hunt again also co-wrote, produced, and directed), AS GOOD AS IT GETS, WHAT WOMEN WANT, CASTAWAY, A GOOD WOMAN, Woody Allen's THE CURSE OF THE JADE SCORPION, Robert Altman's DR. T AND THE WOMEN, PAY IT FORWARD, and TWISTER. Hunt can last be seen in HOW IT ENDS, Michael Cristopher's THE NIGHT CLERK and Adam Randall's thriller I SEE YOU. Early career film credits are: THE WATERDANCE, KISS OF DEATH, MR. SATURDAY NIGHT, PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED, NEXT OF KIN, GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN, PROJECT X. and MILES FROM HOME. Additional television credits include “MAD ABOUT YOU” and the critically acclaimed HBO Miniseries EMPIRE FALLS. For her role as Jamie Buchman in MAD ABOUT YOU, Hunt garnered four Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards (three as lead actress and one as Producer for Best Comedy), and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She was also named “Best Actress” for her role in the film AS GOOD AS IT GETS for which Hunt won a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Oscar. Helen Slater is an American actress and singer-songwriter. In 1982 she was cast in the title role of the film Supergirl (1984) opposite Peter O'Toole and Faye Dunaway. Other credits include The Legend of Billie Jean (1985), Ruthless People (1986), The Secret of My Success (1987), City Slickers (1991), Sticky Fingers (1988), Lassie (1994), No Way Back (1995), The Steal (1995), Seeing Other People (2004) and most recently, Confetti (2021). Slater starred in the Fox original movie 12:01 (1993), Hallmark Hall of Fame's Best Friends for Life (1998), Toothless (1997) and Lifetime's The Good Mother (2013). She was also a part of the all-star ensemble cast of Showtimes guided improvisational films Chantilly Lace (1993), Parallel Lives (1994) and most recently completed filming the sequel Chantilly Bridge (2021). In series television, Helen starred in ABC's The Lying Game (2011-2013), Gigantic (2010-2011) and the CW series Supergirl (2015-2022). As a guest star, she has appeared on such series as Seinfeld, Caroline in the City, HBO's Dream On, CBS' Michael Hayes, Will and Grace, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Supernatural, Smallville and the series finale episode of Madmen. Slater appeared in the off-Broadway plays Almost Romance (1987), Responsible Parties (1988), and starred in the Pasadena Playhouse's world premiere production of The Big Day (1990). She is a co-founder of the theatre group The Naked Angels and one of the founding members of the Los Angeles improvisational group, The Bubalaires, and SHPLOTZ! She is also a member of Turbine Arts Collective (https://www.turbine-arts.org/), a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the exploration of creativity.
The three creators of the Emmy-nominated comedy series ‘Hacks' had no idea they were predicting the future when they had their central late-night host character defiantly speak out against her network bosses and then lose her dream job. In this episode, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky break down the “surreal” parallels between Deborah Vance's arc in Season 4 and the real-life tribulations of Stephen Colbert. They talk about the importance of late-night TV, what its future might hold, and reveal how they got Jimmy Kimmel to play a bully version of himself on the show. The trio also goes deep on casting leads Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, as well as this year's Emmy-nominated guest stars Robby Hoffman and Dance Mom herself, Julianne Nicholson. And they tease what might be in store for Season 5—including why fans are so desperate for Deborah and Ava to finally hook up. Follow Paul W. Downs on Instagram @paulwdownsFollow Matt Wilstein on Bluesky @mattwilstein Follow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"Severance" from Apple TV+ earned 27 nominations for the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, while HBO Max's "The Penguin" and "The White Lotus" weren't far behind. "The Studio" and "The Bear" were also high on the list, and Harrison Ford picked up an acting nomination for "Shrinking." On this episode, the co-hosts go through some of the notable selections — and snubs — following the release of the nominations. Review the full list below: Outstanding drama series"Andor" (Disney+)"The Diplomat" (Netflix)"The Last of Us" (HBO Max)"Paradise" (Hulu)"The Pitt" (HBO Max)"Severance" (Apple TV+)"Slow Horses" (Apple TV+)"The White Lotus" (HBO Max)Outstanding comedy series"Abbott Elementary" (ABC)"The Bear" (FX)"Hacks" (HBO Max)"Nobody Wants This" (Netflix)"Only Murders in the Building" (Hulu)"Shrinking" (Apple TV+)"The Studio" (Apple TV+)"What We Do in the Shadows" (FX)Outstanding limited or anthology series"Adolescence" (Netflix)"Black Mirror" (Netflix)"Dying for Sex" (FX)"Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" (Netflix)"The Penguin" (HBO Max)Outstanding television movie"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" (Peacock)"The Gorge" (Apple TV+)"Mountainhead" (HBO Max)"Nonnas" (Netflix)"Rebel Ridge" (Netflix)Outstanding reality competition program"The Amazing Race" (CBS)"RuPaul's Drag Race" (MTV)"Survivor" (CBS)"Top Chef" (Bravo)"The Traitors" (Peacock)Outstanding talk series"The Daily Show" (Comedy Central)"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (ABC)"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" (CBS)Outstanding scripted variety series"Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" (HBO Max)"Saturday Night Live" (NBC)Outstanding variety special (live)"The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Starring Kendrick Lamar" (Fox)"Beyoncé Bowl" (Netflix)"The Oscars" (ABC)"SNL50: The Anniversary Special" (NBC)"SNL50: The Homecoming Concert" (Peacock)Outstanding variety special (pre-recorded)"Adam Sandler: Love You" (Netflix)"Ali Wong: Single Lady" (Netflix)"Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years" (Hulu)"Conan O'Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize For American Humor" (Netflix)"Sarah Silverman: Postmortem" (Netflix)"Your Friend, Nate Bargatze" (Netflix)Outstanding game show"Celebrity Family Feud" (ABC)"Jeopardy" (ABC)"The Price is Right" (CBS)"Wheel of Fortune" (ABC)"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" (ABC)Outstanding lead actress in a drama seriesKathy Bates, "Matlock"Sharon Horgan, "Bad Sisters"Britt Lower, "Severance"Bella Ramsey, "The Last of Us"Keri Russell, "The Diplomat"Outstanding lead actor in a drama seriesSterling K. Brown, "Paradise"Gary Oldman, "Slow Horses"Pedro Pascal, "The Last of Us"Adam Scott, "Severance"Noah Wyle, "The Pitt"Outstanding lead actress in a comedy seriesUzo Aduba, "The Residence"Kristen Bell, "Nobody Wants This"Quinta Brunson, "Abbott Elementary"Ayo Edebiri, "The Bear"Jean Smart, "Hacks"Outstanding lead actor in a comedy seriesAdam Brody, "Nobody Wants This"Seth Rogen, "The Studio"Jason Segel, "Shrinking"Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"Jeremy Allen White, "The Bear"Outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movieCate Blanchett, "Disclaimer"Meghann Fahy, "Sirens"Rashida Jones, "Black Mirror"Cristin Milloti, "The Penguin"Michelle Williams, "Dying for Sex"Outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movieColin Farrell, "The Penguin"Stephen Graham, "Adolescence"Jake Gyllenhaal, "Presumed Innocent"Brian Tyree Henry, "Dope Thief"Cooper Koch, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story"Outstanding supporting actress in a drama seriesPatricia Arquette, "Severance"Carrie Coon, "The White Lotus"Katherine LaNasa, "The Pitt"Julianne Nicholson, "Paradise"Parker Posey, "The White Lotus"Natasha Rothwell, "The White Lotus"Aimee Lou Wood, "The White Lotus"Outstanding supporting actor in a drama seriesZach Cherry, "Severance"Walton Goggins, "The White Lotus"Jason Isaacs, "The White Lotus"James Marsden, "Paradise"Sam Rockwell, "The White Lotus"Tramell Tillman, "Severance"John Turturro, "Severance"Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy seriesLiza Colón-Zayas, "The Bear"Hannah Einbinder, "Hacks"Kathryn Hahn, "The Studio"Janelle James, "Abbott Elementary"Catherine O'Hara, "The Studio"Sheryl Lee Ralph, "Abbott Elementary"Jessica Williams, "Shrinking"Outstanding supporting actor in a comedy seriesIke Barinholtz, "The Studio"Colman Domingo, "The Four Seasons"Harrison Ford, "Shrinking"Jeff Hiller, "Somebody Somewhere"Ebon Moss-Bachrach, "The Bear"Michael Urie, "Shrinking"Bowen Yang, "Saturday Night Live"Outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movieErin Doherty, "Adolescence"Ruth Negga, "Presumed Innocent"Deirdre O'Connell, "The Penguin"Chloë Sevigny, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story"Jenny Slate, "Dying for Sex"Christine Tremarco, "Adolescence"Outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movieJavier Bardem, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story"Bill Camp, "Presumed Innocent"Owen Cooper, "Adolescence"Rob Delaney, "Dying for Sex"Peter Sarsgaard, "Presumed Innocent"Ashley Walters, "Adolescence"Outstanding guest actress in a drama seriesJane Alexander, "Severance"Gwendoline Christie, "Severance"Kaitlyn Dever, "The Last of Us"Cherry Jones, "The Handmaid's Tale"Catherine O'Hara, "The Last of Us"Merritt Wever, "Severance"Outstanding guest actor in a drama seriesGiancarlo Esposito, "The Boys"Scott Glenn, "The White Lotus"Shawn Hatosy, "The Pitt"Joe Pantoliano, "The Last of Us"Forest Whitaker, "Andor"Jeffrey Wright, "The Last of Us"Outstanding guest actress in a comedy seriesOlivia Colman, "The Bear"Jamie Lee Curtis, "The Bear"Cynthia Erivo, "Poker Face"Robby Hoffman, "Hacks"Zoë Kravitz, "The Studio"Julianne Nicholson, "Hacks"Outstanding guest actor in a comedy seriesJon Bernthal, "The Bear"Bryan Cranston, "The Studio"Dave Franco, "The Studio"Ron Howard, "The Studio"Anthony Mackie, "The Studio"Martin Scorsese, "The Studio"Outstanding directing for a drama series"Andor," Janus Metz ("Who Are You?")"The Pitt," Amanda Marsalis ("6 P.M.")"The Pitt," John Wells ("7 A.M.")"Severance," Jessica Lee Gagné ("Chikhai Bardo")"Severance," Ben Stiller ("Gold Harbor)"Slow Horses," Adam Randall ("Hello Goodbye")"The White Lotus," Mike White ("Amor Fati")Outstanding directing for a comedy series"The Bear," Ayo Edebiri ("Napkins")"Hacks," Lucia Aniello ("A Slippery Slope")"Mid-Century Modern," James Burrows ("Here's To You, Mrs. Schneiderman")"The Rehearsal," Nathan Fielder ("Pilot's Code")"The Studio," Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg ("The Oner")Outstanding directing for a limited or anthology series or movie"Adolescence," Philip Barantini"Dying for Sex," Shannon Murphy ("It's Not That Serious")"The Penguin," Helen Shaver ("Cent'anni")"The Penguin," Jennifer Getzinger ("A Great or Little Thing")"Sirens," Nicole Kassell ("Exile")"Zero Day," Leslie Linka GlatterOutstanding writing for a drama series"Andor," Dan Gilroy ("Welcome to the Rebellion")"The Pitt," Joe Sachs ("2 P.M.")"The Pitt," R. Scott Gemmill ("7 A.M.")"Severance," Dan Erickson ("Cold Harbor")"Slow Horses," Will Smith ("Hello Goodbye")"The White Lotus," Mike White ("Full-Moon Party")Outstanding writing for a comedy series"Abbott Elementary," Quinta Brunson ("Back To School")"Hacks," Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky ("A Slippery Slope")"The Rehearsal," Nathan Fielder, Carrie Kemper, Adam Lock-Norton and Eric Notarnicola ("Pilot's Code")"Somebody Somewhere," Hanna Bos, Paul Thureen and Bridget Everett ("AGG")"The Studio," Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory and Frida Perez ("The Promotion")"What We Do in the Shadows," Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis and Paul Simms ("The Finale")Outstanding writing for a limited or anthology series or movie"Adolescence," Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham"Black Mirror," Charlie Brooker and Bisha K. Ali ("Common People")"Dying for Sex," Kim Rosenstock and Elizabeth Meriwether ("Good Value Diet Soda")"The Penguin," Lauren LeFranc ("A Great or Little Thing")"Say Nothing," Joshua Zetumer ("The People in the Dirt")Outstanding writing for a variety series"The Daily Show""Last Week Tonight with John Oliver""Saturday Night Live" About the show Streamed & Screened is a podcast about movies and TV hosted by Bruce Miller, a longtime entertainment reporter who is now the editor of the Sioux City Journal in Iowa and Terry Lipshetz, a senior producer for Lee Enterprises based in Madison, Wisconsin. The show was named Best Podcast in the 2025 Iowa Better Newspaper Contest. Theme music Thunder City by Lunareh, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: FV694ULMCJQDG0IY
In this bonus episode of The Ankler podcast, recorded live on May 18 at L.A.'s DGA Theater, The Ankler and the Directors Guild of America bring you a series of funny and memorable conversations — presented by Threads — about the art of directing for television. Lesley Goldberg interviewed Alethea Jones, who helmed the pilot for ABC freshman hit “High Potential”; Elaine Low spoke with Yana Gorskaya of FX's “What We Do in the Shadows”; and Katey Rich sat with Lucia Aniello of “Hacks” (who's also co-showrunner of the HBO Max comedy). Despite the often loose tones of their shows, each of the directors emphasized the extensive prep on their end that's required to make the storytelling work. “I write a novel on every episode of television I have ever done,” Gorskaya admits, “that tracks every character's wants, needs, desires, where we've been — and where we're going.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This was Bankole's dream, but the dream changed. He is joined by Lolade (in the studio!) and their very own mother of dance, Cris, to discuss the hilarious and excellent fourth season of 'Hacks'. They first head to Singapore to share their thoughts on the season finale (6:30) and what they hope to see in the fifth season, before awarding their end-of-season superlatives (20:50).You can support us here.Subscribe to our Newsletter.Available on YouTube.Host: Bankole ImoukhuedeGuest: Lolade and CrisProduction by: Bankole Imoukhuede
Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs, two of the three co-creators of "Hacks" and two of its writers and directors, talk to IndieWire about giving Ava and Deborah an antagonistic relationship like never before in Season 4. The pair discuss how their team has continued to evolve the filmmaking language of the show and set new challenges for themselves — namely, a Late Night show for Deborah — while still bringing a half-hour Max comedy in on time. Watch full episodes of the Filmmaker Toolkit on YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_oEavFHbDlFCGlOmGO71Tvzb1qEHofCg&si=9pUCNArDCxcyrX2b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Hacks," the Emmy Award-winning comedy series from Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky, has just concluded its fourth season. The reigning Emmy Award-winner for Outstanding Comedy Series continues to push its characters in interesting and hilarious directions. This year was no different, with the show continually topping itself in terms of acting, writing, and direction to deliver its best season yet. Paul W. Downs was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the series, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the show, which is now available to stream in full on HBO Max. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including a U.S. trade court's ruling on the Trump administration's tariffs, Salesforce's acquisition of AI-powered data management company Informatica, and the end of Elon Musk's time in government. Next, Josh and Yaz speak with the showrunner and co-creator of "Hacks," Lucia Aniello, about the Emmy-winning comedy's season finale. They also discuss how Aniello created and runs the show with her husband, Paul W. Downs, and her close friend Jen Statsky, as well as how they foster a supportive writers' room. Finally, Yaz interviews the co-author of "Like: The Button That Changed the World," Bob Goodson, about how data from your likes can be used to train AI-driven algorithms to deliver more content you're obsessed with.
Actor, writer, and director Paul W. Downs feels thrilled about being Conan O'Brien's friend. Paul sits down with Conan to discuss co-creating the hit series Hacks, the inside world of writing for a fake late night show, intertwining personal and professional lives with his partner and fellow creator Lucia Aniello, and a fateful missed encounter at a French hotel. Later, an unexpected secret about Sona's past is revealed. For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com.Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (669) 587-2847. Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/conan.
Min 1: INTRODUCCIÓN Menudo contraste encontramos esta semana entre el mundo del cine y el de las series. Sin títulos de relumbrón en las salas, las plataformas nos meten en la Semana Santa con una de esas ofertas en las que bien cabe esa frase de 'no te digo que me lo mejores....igualamelo'. Y es que pocas veces son novedad, por estar recién estrenadas, series como Black Mirror, El Cuento de la Criada o la premiadísima comedia Hacks. Min 5: BLACK MIRROR 7 (3,5 estrellas) El futuro se vuelve a oscurecer con una mirada más íntima y provocadora . Después de una sexta temporada que dividió opiniones por su giro hacia el terror y lo sobrenatural, Black Mirror regresa en su séptima entrega con una apuesta más equilibrada entre la sátira tecnológica que la catapultó a la fama y nuevas exploraciones narrativas que juegan con géneros y emociones. Creada por Charlie Brooker, esta nueva temporada —compuesta por cinco episodios— retoma el pulso de una humanidad atrapada entre avances tecnológicos y dilemas morales. Min 14: EL CUENTO DE LA CRIADA 6 (4 estrellas) La sexta temporada de El Cuento de la Criada marca un punto de inflexión en la narrativa distópica que ha definido a esta serie desde sus inicios. Mientras Gilead comienza a resquebrajarse desde dentro y los ecos de la resistencia crecen más allá de sus fronteras, el conflicto ya no es solo político: es profundamente personal. La historia retoma a una June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) más endurecida, menos impulsiva, pero no menos determinada. Exiliada en Canadá, entre campos de refugiados y tensiones diplomáticas, la protagonista sigue siendo el epicentro de una lucha emocional que trasciende la guerra: la batalla por la identidad, el perdón y la maternidad bajo el trauma. Min 22: HACKS 4 (4 estrellas) En su cuarta temporada, Hacks demuestra que sigue teniendo algo que decir —y lo hace con el filo de siempre, pero con una madurez emocional que se siente más afilada y menos cínica. La comedia dramática de HBO Max, creada por Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs y Jen Statsky, continúa explorando la turbulenta, pero magnética relación entre Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) y Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), ahora en una etapa donde la fama ya no es aspiración, sino una carga. Min 26: THE WHITE LOTUS 3: FINAL SIN 4 ESTRELLAS (3,5) La cuarta temporada de The White Lotus prometía ser la más audaz hasta la fecha: un nuevo resort, nuevos rostros privilegiados, y el ya clásico cadáver flotando como anzuelo narrativo. Pero a diferencia de las anteriores entregas, donde el humor ácido y el comentario social hilaban el caos con inteligencia, esta vez la serie de Mike White cierra su temporada con un desenlace que se siente tan vacío como las maletas de sus protagonistas. Min 36: PREPARADOS PARA THE LAST OF US. T2 "The Last of Us" temporada 2 abre con una herida sin cerrar y una tensión brutal Después de una primera temporada que conquistó a crítica y público al adaptar con fidelidad e inteligencia el aclamado videojuego de Naughty Dog, The Last of Us regresa con un primer episodio de su segunda temporada que no pierde el tiempo: es intenso, emocionalmente devastador y, sobre todo, valiente. Min 39. BSO THE CHOSEN (LOS ELEGIDOS) 3,5 estrellas Compuesta principalmente por Matthew S. Nelson y Dan Haseltine (vocalista de la banda Jars of Clay), la banda sonora de The Chosen no busca dramatizar lo evidente, sino subrayar lo invisible: la tensión interna de los personajes, el misterio de lo divino en lo cotidiano, y la humanidad profunda de figuras como Jesús, Pedro o María Magdalena. Aprovechando el estreno en salas de "La última cena", el primer capítulo de su quinta temporada, analizamos con Ángel Luque la aportación musical de "The Chosen".
Juror #2 - ist ein spannendes Gerichtsdrama, das von Clint Eastwood inszeniert wurde. Nicholas Hoult spielt den Hauptcharakter Justin Kemp, einen Journalisten, der in einen Mordprozess verwickelt ist. Als Geschworener Nummer 2 muss er entscheiden, ob der Angeklagte James Michael Sythe (Gabriel Basso) für den Mord an seiner Freundin verantwortlich ist. Doch Justin erkennt, dass er selbst möglicherweise eine Rolle bei dem Tod gespielt hat, was ihn in eine schwierige moralische Lage bringt. Toni Collette ist als Staatsanwältin Faith Killebrew zu sehen, und das Drehbuch stammt von Jonathan A. Abrams. Der Herr der Ringe: Die Schlacht der Rohirrim - ist ein animierter Fantasy-Film des Regisseurs Kenji Kamiyama und basiert auf dem Roman Der Herr der Ringe von J. R. R. Tolkien. Es handelt sich um ein Prequel, welches 261 Jahre vor Der Herr der Ringe: Die zwei Türme (2002) spielt. Die Hauptrolle des Helm Hammerhand hat Brian Cox inne; als Erzählerin fungiert Miranda Otto, die ihre Rolle der Éowyn aus der Der-Herr-der-Ringe-Trilogie wieder aufnahm. Vertrieben wird der Film durch Warner Bros. Pictures; er startete am 13. Dezember 2024 in den US-amerikanischen und einen Tag früher in den deutschen Kinos. Hacks ist ist eine US-amerikanische Dramedy-Streaming-Fernsehserie, die von Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs und Jen Statsky entwickelt wurde. Die Serie dreht sich um die berufliche Beziehung zwischen der legendären Stand-up-Comedienne Deborah Vance (gespielt von Jean Smart) und der jungen Comedy-Autorin Ava Daniels (gespielt von Hannah Einbinder). Außerdem gibt es Fernsehtipps für die Feiertage und losen den/die Gewinner/in von unserem Gewinnspiel zum 4. Advent aus. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Einleitung, Lob und Geschenke 00:04:21 Juror #2 00:19:34 Beste/Schlechteste Sneak 2024 00:21:02 Tipps für die nächste Sneak 00:24:00 Kinocharts und Neustarts 00:27:24 Der Herr der Ringe: Die Schlacht der Rohirrim 00:34:58 Hacks 00:39:06 Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Update 00:43:17 Fernsehtipps für Silvester 00:45:04 Auslosung Gewinnspiel 00:48:14 Letzte Gedanken zu 2024 und Wünsche
Knock, knock. Who's there? The Finale Pod with Deborah Vance's big late-night comeback! (Ok, we'll leave the jokes to Deborah and Ava.) Today we are discussing Alex's pick: the Season 3 finale of Hacks. While Deborah preps for her show's debut, Ava gets some fly headshots, and Jimmy and Kayla turn an airplane into a dramatic (coworker) proposal. Don't forget to leave a comment on our Instagram @thefinalepod and share your thoughts on Hacks! We start our recap discussion at (18:20:00) if you want to fast forward past our Co-host Quickfire Catch-up, our Love It Lately recommendations, and the Icebreaker Intermission about asking your former enemy for a favor. The overall TFP rating for the Season 3 finale of Hacks is 8.37. Network: HBO Max Genre: Comedy Drama Created by: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Megan Stalter, Paul W. Downs, Rose Abdoo, Mark Indelicato The next finale we will review is Linnea's pick, and she chose the Season 1 finale of Fallout. Get ready for wasteland wanderings, vault villains, and ghastly ghouls. Follow The Finale Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinalepod/ Submit a question or comment to us at: thefinalepod@gmail.com
This week on "BETA," we are joined by Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello, the co-creators of the Max original series, “Hacks.” Also, Jahmal Mayfield joins us to talk about his debut noir novel, “Smoke Kings.” And folk singer Aoife O'Donovan pays tribute to Wisconsin suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt on her album, “All My Friends.”
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to recap last night's Emmys and nominate the under-discussed winners and losers from TV's biggest night (02:21). Later, ‘Hacks' creators Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs call in to talk about their big win for Outstanding Comedy Series, how they pitched the show to HBO, and the state of the comedy genre (15:58). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw, Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The executive producers behind “Hacks” talk about the reaction to Season 3, and tease how Season 4 is all about mounting a talk show for Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: www.tslworkshops.circle.so When Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, and Lucia Aniello were first pitching Hacks, they didn't have a precise tonal comp when the network asked. But the trio ultimately knew that they wanted a show that was allowed to be "hard funny," but still make lots of space for rich emotional moments. Today, Paul and Jen discuss HOW they walk that tightrope while writing, and how centering Ava and Deborah's professional and personal relationship serves as their creative North Star helps the process.
Comic Nikki Glaser talks with Terry Gross about finding the line between offensive and funny, hurt feelings, and why she started making jokes about sex. Her new Emmy-nominated stand-up special on HBO is Someday You'll Die.Ken Tucker reflects on the New York Dolls' album Too Much Too Soon for its 50th anniversary. Paul W. Downs co-created the acclaimed HBO Max show Hacks with his wife, Lucia Aniello and their friend and collaborator, Jen Statsky. Downs talks with Ann Marie Baldonado about how they came up with the idea for Hacks, and how his wife continued directing the show while she was in labor. Hacks is nominated for 16 Emmy Awards this year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Comic Nikki Glaser talks with Terry Gross about finding the line between offensive and funny, hurt feelings, and why she started making jokes about sex. Her new Emmy-nominated stand-up special on HBO is Someday You'll Die.Ken Tucker reflects on the New York Dolls' album Too Much Too Soon for its 50th anniversary. Paul W. Downs co-created the acclaimed HBO Max show Hacks with his wife, Lucia Aniello and their friend and collaborator, Jen Statsky. Downs talks with Ann Marie Baldonado about how they came up with the idea for Hacks, and how his wife continued directing the show while she was in labor. Hacks is nominated for 16 Emmy Awards this year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Paul W. Downs co-created the HBO Max show with his wife, Lucia Aniello and their friend and collaborator, Jen Statsky. The three met at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Downs talks with Ann Marie Baldonado about how they came up with the idea for Hacks, tackling cancel culture, and how his wife continued directing the show while she was in labor. Hacks is nominated for 16 Emmy awards this year, including for Downs for his role as Jimmy. Also, David Bianculli reflects on the Turner Classic Movies series Two for One. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Paul W. Downs co-created the HBO Max show with his wife, Lucia Aniello and their friend and collaborator, Jen Statsky. The three met at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Downs talks with Ann Marie Baldonado about how they came up with the idea for Hacks, tackling cancel culture, and how his wife continued directing the show while she was in labor. Hacks is nominated for 16 Emmy awards this year, including for Downs for his role as Jimmy. Also, David Bianculli reflects on the Turner Classic Movies series Two for One. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Chris and Taylor review the third season of the comedy-drama series Hacks created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky. The series centers on the professional relationship between a young comedy writer and a legendary stand-up comedian. The series stars Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Megan Stalter, Paul W. Downs, Rose Abdoo, Mark Indelicato, Katlin Olson and Christopher McDonald. Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepotential_podcast/ X: https://x.com/thepotentialpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepotentialpodcast Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/thepotentialpodcast Thanks to our sponsor: AURA Get a 14-day free trial of Aura for individuals, couples and or their family by going to aura.com/potential
On today's episode, we're back to discuss the rest of Hacks season 3 (episodes 3-9), a show that continues to shine with the stellar writing of Lucia Aniello, Paul Downs, and Jen Statsky and the incredible cast lead by Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder (complemented by this season's standout guest actors like J. Smith Cameron, Christina Hendricks, Helen Hunt, Tony Goldwyn, Deidre Hall, and Christopher Lloyd). Everything in this show is layered and never just one thing - from Deborah's quest to fulfill her lifelong dream of hosting late night TV to Ava's pursuit to gain respect as she rises in the ranks while trying not to lose her own beliefs. We discuss that (surprising!?) ending and what it says about where Deborah and Ava are in their own journeys, our favorite moments from the season, and what we're looking forward to next season. We know we will definitely be back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode, we're back to discuss the rest of Hacks season 3 (episodes 3-9), a show that continues to shine with the stellar writing of Lucia Aniello, Paul Downs, and Jen Statsky and the incredible cast lead by Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder (complemented by this season's standout guest actors like J. Smith Cameron, Christina Hendricks, Helen Hunt, Tony Goldwyn, Deidre Hall, and Christopher Lloyd). Everything in this show is layered and never just one thing - from Deborah's quest to fulfill her lifelong dream of hosting late night TV to Ava's pursuit to gain respect as she rises in the ranks while trying not to lose her own beliefs. We discuss that (surprising!?) ending and what it says about where Deborah and Ava are in their own journeys, our favorite moments from the season, and what we're looking forward to next season. We know we will definitely be back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a fantastic finale to Season 3, one of the minds behind "Hacks" sat down with us to explore how the show remains so keyed into the joys, costs and absurdity of making art (and also pulling off 4AM drone shots on the Vegas strip). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join the Hogg Hive on Patreon for ad-free episodes every week, and some upcoming bonus episodes.Kate's back from Cannes! She and BL catch up on the last films of the festival and her journey in the Tom Crui-niverse. BL went to see Nan Goldin's The Ballad of Sexual Dependency in Ballarat and is very excited to tell you about the two special editions of the mX she guest-edited for RISING this year!This week, Brodie is joined by Lucia Aniello for a chat about Hacks, a recent visit to Schwartz and Sandy's, the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake and some incredible recommendations. Lucia is the co-creator, -writer, -producer, -director and showrunner of Hacks, along with Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky. She was a director on Broad City and the Netflix reboot of The Babysitters Club (vale queen!!!!!), and she and Paul co-wrote and -directed the film Rough Night and the webseries Time-Traveling Bong, which BL recommended way back in episode 8!See AlsoAn interview with Hacks' costume designerLucia and Paul on Talk EasyReal Housewives of South BostonAlso AlsosLucia recommends: Mary and George, On Writing by Stephen King, buying a pair of socks when you're visiting a new placeBrodie recommends: the fresh-squeezed OJ from Northcote IGA, Renee Gracie: Fireproof on Stan(nes), The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer (and the related story, ‘Mitzvah Night Is CANCELLED' Inside the sex strike that has infuriated husbands and shaken the ultra-Orthodox world by Talia Lavin in the Cut)Kate recommends: Officine Universelle Buly bath salts, 'How 3M Discovered, Then Concealed, the Dangers of Forever Chemicals' by Sharon Lerner, the AirFly Pro Deluxe Bluetooth Transmittor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Host Andra Whipple talks with Hacks creators & showrunners Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky about returning for Season 3 of their Max comedy series, reflections on last year's WGA strike, and why writing is essential at every stage of the process.
Hacks co-creators Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello, who are also husband and wife, have been performing and writing together for over a decade. Today, we discuss the road to season three of their hit HBO series. At the top, they unpack the makings of their creative partnership (8:20), how they chronicled the evolving state of comedy in Hacks (14:38), and Jerry Seinfeld's recent comments about the medium (20:05). Then, we walk through Paul and Lucia's origin stories (33:45), their meeting in an improv class at UCB (38:00), and the New York comedy pipeline they fell into with Broad City (46:59). On the back-half, we talk about the making of their feature film debut Rough Night (49:35), the road trip where they first imagined the premise for Hacks (53:25), their guiding principle while creating the show (59:10), and their journey into parenthood (1:05:48). To close, a piece of advice on art-making today (1:11:30). For questions, comments, or to join our mailing list, reach me at sf@talkeasypod.com. This conversation was recorded at Spotify Studios. Clips courtesy of HBO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on "BETA," we are joined by Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello, the co-creators of the Max original series, “Hacks.” Also, Jahmal Mayfield joins us to talk about his debut noir novel, “Smoke Kings.” And folk singer Aoife O'Donovan pays tribute to Wisconsin suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt on her album, “All My Friends.”
Listen to the Official Hacks Podcast from Max. In each episode Hacks creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by a guest from the show's cast or crew to unpack each episode of the Emmy®-winning comedy series. Learn more about the goings on of the writers' room, on set antics, and the work behind creating the world that Deborah and Ava inhabit. Watch season 3 of Hacks on Max, and follow The Official Hacks Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We owe one of the most moving comedy-dramas in recent TV history to a monster truck rally. Jen Statsky was en route to Portland, Oregon to film a comedy sketch at the Monster Jam rally back in 2015 when she got chatting with her road trip accomplices, fellow comedy writers Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs. They spoke about the history of pushed-aside women in the entertainment industry – female comedians like Singin' In The Rain star Debbie Reynolds, whose careers were derailed by misogynistic practices in Hollywood. On that day, Hacks was born – a HBO series up for a number of awards at this year's Emmys and deservedly so. The show – starring Jean Smart as a comedian in the twilight of her career and Hannah Einbinder as the young comic sent to write new material for her – is as funny as you'd expect from Jen, whose previous TV writing credits include The Good Place, Parks and Recreation and Broad City. But it's also tremendously emotive. She and fellow series creators Lucia and Paul have crafted a show that's both heartwarming and heartbreaking in its depiction of an unlikely female friendship that makes each party look at the world a little differently. In this episode, Jen talks about the thousands of titles explored for the show before they landed on Hacks, the evolutions in the streaming market that have allowed for shows like this and Barry to so ambitiously blend comedy with drama, and how some of the show's most memorable moments to date were written. This is a spoiler conversation so you might want to catch up on the series in its entirety before tuning in.Script Apart is hosted by Al Horner and produced by Kamil Dymek. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or email us on thescriptapartpodcast@gmail.com.Support for this episode comes from ScreenCraft, Arc Studio Pro and WeScreenplay.To get ad-free episodes and exclusive content, join us on Patreon.Support the show
The Awardist chats exclusively with ‘Hacks' stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, and co-creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky backstage at a live script read of the season 2 finale. Find out why Einbinder thought she was being fired from the show, the scene that Smart thinks is her best comedic work in the season, and what the show runners have in store for season 3. Nicole Byer, who's nominated as host and executive producer of ‘Nailed It!' and for writing her comedy special ‘Nicole Byer: BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo)' joins us for a hilarious and thoughtful chat the audition that changed her perspective on her career, why kids love her, and more. Plus, EW editor in chief joins Awardist podcast host Gerrad Hall to break down this year's reality categories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last year, Jean Smart took home the Emmy for Best Actress for her role as a veteran comedian in HBO's series, "Hacks." This year the show is up for seventeen Emmys. We speak with co-creators Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs about the inspiration behind the show and what might be coming up in the 3rd season.
This week we're diving into Hacks… again. Season 2 is out and it was so good, we had to revisit the show. This time we also talk about the phenomenal and groundbreaking creators Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs. Before that, we talk about what we've been watching. Rosey was sick so her list is embarrassingly long, but you'll get some good recs out of it and Avery is readying a non-fictional book that's changing her life.Next episode we're diving into genre — why we like what we like, why we keep revisiting the same genre, what keeps us going, what turns us off and more. We'll get into it.Topics Covered: The Four Agreements by Miguel RuizJean Smart Is Finally Getting What She Deserves — and Hacks' Co-Creators Are ThrilledRough NightHow Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello Kept the Momentum Going With Season 2 of HacksWhere to Stream: Cha Cha Real Smooth — Apple+ TVPersuasion — NetflixDickenson — Apple+ TVBen & Kate — Amazon PrimeMaggie — HuluTrying — PeacockThe Summer I Turned Pretty — Amazon PrimeGrown-ish — HuluAs always, please hit us up with questions, suggestions, just to say hi, or god forbid any concerns (jkkk if you're concerned we're concerned, def let us know). Follow us on socials @theriftpod, and you can email us at theriftpod@gmail.com.
Sarah talks to Emmy winning writer and director Lucia Aniello about the thrilling success of Hacks, meeting her future husband and creative partner at Upright Citizens Brigade, a pivotal arrest, cutting her teeth on Broad City, and how she managed to squeeze in a wedding, the Emmys and a new baby while making Season 2 of Hacks, which is out now on HBO Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sarah talks to Emmy winning writer and director Lucia Aniello about the thrilling success of Hacks, meeting her future husband and creative partner at Upright Citizens Brigade, a pivotal arrest, cutting her teeth on Broad City, and how she managed to squeeze in a wedding, the Emmys and a new baby while making Season 2 of Hacks, which is out now on HBO Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris and Andy talk about the Season 3 finale of ‘Barry' and what puts this show in the conversation for best things they've seen this year (1:00). Then they talk briefly about the new Ben Whishaw show ‘This Is Going to Hurt' (27:50), before Andy is joined by ‘Hacks' creators Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs to talk about the second season of the show (37:41). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest host and Hacks star Jean Smart. They talk about the high stakes for Deborah and Jimmy of shooting the comedy special in the finale. They also discuss the thinking behind Deborah firing Ava at the end of the season. Jean opens up about finding childhood idols in Phyllis Diller and in Jane Goodall. She also shares secret insights into Deborah's backstory. At the end, Jean pitches a kidnapping for a future episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest host and Hacks fan Wanda Sykes. They talk with her about life on the road, learn Wanda's origin story as a comic, and Wanda's ideas for future episodes. They also bond over the painful Hollywood pitch process and pre-pitch nerves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We discuss the pilot episode of Hacks, from how Ava is terrible at networking, to the progress the HBO Max player has made in a year, to how Jean Smart is the cultural moment.Subscribe to our newsletter at itsinmyqueue.substack.com.Find us on Twitter: @inmyqueuepod • @adinaterrific • @karaaa_powellAnd Instagram: @inmyqueuepodor send comments, questions, and show suggestions to us at itsinmyqueuepod@gmail.com!
Deborah Vance, played so brilliantly by the great Jean Smart, ends this first episode bloodied, clawing her way over whatever obstacles she faces. Now an underdog, Deborah is leaving Las Vegas, the city she once ruled, to hit the road and reinvent herself with Ava (precariously) by her side. There will be blood, as the title of this first episode foretells, but there is also going to be vulnerability and humor and self-discovery. The amazingly funny supporting cast is all back to add laughs, as well as touching emotional beats to this rich story. The writing team of Lucia Aniello (who also directs this episode), Paul Downs, and Jen Statsky are still at the top of their game and we can't wait to see where they take us this season. We are ALL in! Hop on the tour bus with us and listen to our recap now. And remember what Kiki tells us: “Do not fuck with Deborah Vance!”
Hacks creators Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs go in depth on the pitch for the show, writing strong characters, what they get out of a writers' room, and lots more. The first season of Hacks is available on HBO Max and we don't even know why you haven't watched it yet. LISTEN TO THE WRITERS PANEL AD-FREE ON FOREVER DOG PLUS: https://foreverdogpodcasts.com/plus CONNECT W/ BEN BLACKER & THE WRITER'S PANEL ON SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/BENBLACKER https://www.facebook.com/TVWritersPanel THE WRITER'S PANEL IS A FOREVER DOG PODCAST https://foreverdogpodcasts.com/podcasts/the-writers-panel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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