‘Hacks’ Season 4 Delivers Big Laughs and Bigger Cameos

The fourth season of Hacks wrapped up with a bang, not just for its sharp comedy and storytelling, but for the surprising number of celebrity appearances throughout the season. Whether it was well-known comedians or industry icons, Season 4 leaned into star power in a way that elevated its satirical take on show business.

A standout among the guest appearances was the legendary Carol Burnett, whose presence deeply resonated with the show’s creative team. The series, centered on fictional stand-up veteran Deborah Vance (played by Jean Smart) and her younger writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), has always paid homage to the women who broke boundaries in comedy. Burnett’s cameo wasn’t just nostalgic — it was symbolic.

According to co-creators Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky, featuring Carol Burnett was a full-circle moment. “When we imagined Hacks, it was to tell the story of trailblazing female comedians. Carol is that figure for us,” they shared. The moment was made even more surreal by the fact that her scene was filmed just steps away from the original Carol Burnett Show soundstage at Television City in Los Angeles.

Purposeful Star Power

Rather than using cameos for simple name-dropping, the showrunners chose stars whose presence added meaning to the storyline. As Deborah embarks on her journey to become the first female host of a network late-night show, her encounters with real-life personalities feel organic and earned.

For instance, when Deborah faces stage fright—a first in her long career—the writers saw it as the perfect moment to introduce a mentor figure. Who better than Burnett to offer wisdom in that vulnerable time? Another memorable guest was Rosie O’Donnell, who appeared just when Deborah needed to reflect on what life might look like after her big break. The creators described this moment as one that held personal significance for them.

Musical legend Randy Newman also made a rare appearance, performing one of his most iconic songs, “I Love LA.” The team noted that convincing Newman to participate required some effort, as he doesn’t perform as frequently anymore. But his presence added a unique touch to Episode 4, marking one of Vance’s first major guests as she transitions into late-night television.

Cameo Culture Across Hollywood Satires

The show’s clever use of real-world celebrities echoes a broader trend in modern Hollywood satire. Another current series known for pulling off A-list cameos is The Studio, co-created by Seth Rogen. Like Hacks, it’s a behind-the-scenes comedy featuring industry legends like Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard appearing as themselves. Interestingly, the creators of Hacks even appeared on The Studio, blurring the lines between parody and reality.

Rogen recently shared the difficulties of getting big names to agree to play themselves. Many stars wanted to know how they’d be portrayed—specifically, what the joke would be and whether it aligned with their own sense of humor. Only after being satisfied with their part would they commit.

With both Hacks and The Studio renewed for new seasons, audiences can expect even more layered satire, self-aware humor, and perhaps more celebrity surprises.