A highly acclaimed HBO Max series starring Kaitlin Olson is making headlines once again as it returns to a record-setting Rotten Tomatoes score.
The actress is best known for her roles in several acclaimed comedy series, including FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia since 2005, and the lead role in ABC’s High Potential since 2024. On television, Olson has also played recurring characters in HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm from 2000 to 2020 and Hacks since 2021, the latter earning her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2022 and 2024.
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Kaitlin Olson is taking over network television in early 2025 as she stars in two huge shows, and her characters in both are quite different.
Hacks Season 5 Returns To Record-Setting Rotten Tomatoes Score
The fifth and final season of Hacks has returned with a record-setting Rotten Tomatoes score. Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, Hacks follows stand-up comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) as they work through the shifting dynamics of their professional collaboration and personal lives in today’s comedy world.
Kaitlin Olson stars in a recurring role as Deborah’s daughter, DJ. Hacks‘ cast also includes Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Megan Stalter, Paul W. Downs, Rose Abdoo, Mark Indelicato, Christopher McDonald, Poppy Liu, Johnny Sibilly, Angela E. Gibbs, Jane Adams, Lorenza Izzo, Luenell, Joe Mande, Lauren Weedman, Helen Hunt, Dan Bucatinsky, Michaela Watkins, and Robby Hoffman.
Now, ahead of its premiere on April 9, Hacks season 5 has debuted to a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, setting a record for the show’s lowest rating from critics. The fifth season only has 10 reviews at the time of writing, so its score could change as more are published. See how its score compares to the rest of the series below:
|
RT Critics Score |
||
|
Season 1 |
100% |
89% |
|
Season 2 |
100% |
89% |
|
Season 3 |
98% |
89% |
|
Season 4 |
98% |
71% |
|
90% |
– |
|
|
Series average |
97% |
85% |
What Critics Are Saying About Hacks Season 5
The fact that Hacks season 5 has set the record for the show’s lowest critics’ score is less of an indictment of the final season and more of an indication of just how highly acclaimed the first four seasons were. Most critics still describe the show as funny, audacious, and highly entertaining – even when compared to its sharper earlier seasons.
However, some argue that season 5 softens the show’s darker edges into something more polished and sentimental. Still, many critics call it a fitting and very funny final chapter overall. Others highlight how the final season leans into uncertainty regarding the characters’ futures while also continuing to explore their evolving partnership and comedic strength.
Reviews also note the show’s consistently strong writing and performances, which have won several Emmys. Overall, Hacks season 5 serves as a strong conclusion, reaffirming why the show has mattered so much over the years.
