Paul W. Downs

From Wired, this is The Big Interview, where we'll get to know the people beyond the headlines in conversations that explore the intersection of technology, power, and culture.

I'm Katie Drummond, Wired's Global Editorial Director.

The Emmy Award-winning show Hacks takes its final curtain call this month.

The hit HBO Max comedy series follows the professional and personal relationship between young comedy writer Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder, and legacy comedian Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart.

It's now in its fifth and final season where we find Deborah struggling to mount a comeback and under a restrictive contract.

It's funny, moving, and ultimately has a lot to say about the business of show business.

The series tackles a range of issues, from the challenging relationship between Ava and Debra, to the creep of AI into Hollywood, to network censorship.

It's also one of my favorite shows, so if you haven't seen it, pause this podcast episode, go watch seasons one through four, and then come back, because the statute of limitations on spoilers from seasons one through four is now over, and I will do my best not to spoil anything I've seen from season five.

I am so pleased to welcome two of the show's creators and showrunners, Paul Downs and Lucia Aniello, who also happen to be married, which I was just telling them I had no idea until I started getting ready for this taping.

So congratulations on being married and welcome to The Big Interview.

Thank you so much.

And you were married in what year?

2021.

Okay, so I have some time.

So I have like another five years to... You have time.

Okay.

Don't stress.

A major priority for me in my life is perfecting my look.

Very important to us at Wired is having our look down.

Well, congratulations on your final season.