Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder Reveal the Comedians That Inspired HBO’s ’Hacks’

Set in Las Vegas, HBO’s “Hacks” follows cancelled comedian Ava (Hannah Einbinder) who begrudgingly heads to Nevada to work with the only other person who will currently employ her, stand-up legend Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). In conversation with Variety, Smart and Einbinder revealed the comedians that inspired their respective characters--including Joan Rivers, Elayne Boosler, and more.