From Las Vegas to Camp Miasma: Hannah Einbinder and Paul W. Downs Reflect on the ‘Hacks’ Legacy and a Horror-Tinged Future

The landscape of modern television comedy was irrevocably altered when Hacks debuted, bringing together the legendary Jean Smart and the then-up-and-coming Hannah Einbinder in a generational clash that was as poignant as it was caustic. As the series navigates its critical and commercial peak, the architects and stars of the show are beginning to look toward the horizon.

In a recent, wide-ranging interview on Variety’s "Awards Circuit Podcast," star Hannah Einbinder and co-creator/star Paul W. Downs opened up about the emotional weight of saying goodbye to a career-defining project, the potential for an expanded "Hacks-verse," and Einbinder’s surprising pivot into the horror genre with the upcoming slasher film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.

Main Facts: The Evolution of a Comedy Powerhouse

The primary takeaway from the discussion is the profound sense of gratitude and permanence felt by the cast. Hannah Einbinder, who portrays the neurotic but brilliant writer Ava Daniels, revealed that her recent work with Gillian Anderson has provided a new framework for how she views her own fame. Anderson, a veteran of the industry who remains synonymous with The X-Files, serves as a blueprint for Einbinder’s future.

Key highlights from the conversation include:

• The "Gillian Anderson Effect": Einbinder realized that, much like Anderson and Dana Scully, she will likely be discussing Hacks and Ava Daniels for the rest of her professional life—a prospect she welcomes with open arms.
• Spinoff Potential: While fans have clamored for a "Jimmy and Kayla" spinoff featuring Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter, the creators are hesitant to tarnish the "perfect" ending they have crafted, though they are open to prequels or "universe" expansions.
• Genre Hopping: Einbinder is set to star in Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, a slasher film opening August 7, which Downs describes as a "revelation" for the actress.
• Future Collaborations: The creative trio of Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky are developing a limited series for HBO and a project with Kaley Cuoco.

Chronology: From Coffee Shops to the Emmy Stage

To understand the weight of the current moment, one must look at the meteoric rise of Hannah Einbinder over the last six years. Her journey serves as a quintessential Hollywood success story, though one tempered by the harsh realities of the global pandemic.

2018–2019: The Grinding Years

Before Hacks was even a script on her desk, Einbinder was navigating the grueling Los Angeles comedy circuit. Her days were spent working in a local coffee shop, and her nights were spent opening for established comics on the road. This period was defined by the "precariousness of the gig economy," as she described the uncertainty of making ends meet while honing her craft.

2020: The Pivot

The onset of COVID-19 effectively ended Einbinder’s stand-up tours and her service industry job simultaneously. It was during this period of professional limbo that the audition for Ava Daniels arrived. The chemistry between Einbinder and Jean Smart was instantaneous, providing the foundation for what would become one of HBO Max’s (now Max) flagship series.

2021–2024: The Global Stage

Over three seasons, Hacks became a critical darling, earning numerous Emmy Awards and cementing Einbinder as a leading voice in her generation. The show’s evolution from a story about a "faded" Vegas star to a complex exploration of female ambition and mentorship mirrored Einbinder’s own growth in the industry.

August 2024: A New Chapter

With the release of Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Einbinder officially steps outside the "Ava" archetype. Working alongside Gillian Anderson on the film has acted as a bridge between her television success and her burgeoning film career.

Supporting Data: The Impact of ‘Hacks’ and the Allure of the Slasher

The success of Hacks is backed by more than just critical praise; it is rooted in a deeply connected fanbase. This "deeply connected base," as Einbinder calls it, is what ensures the show’s longevity.

In the podcast, Paul W. Downs provided insight into the creative discipline required to maintain the show’s quality. He revealed that despite the temptation to "stretch it out" or split seasons to capitalize on the show’s popularity, the writing team—consisting of himself, Aniello, and Statsky—stuck to their original narrative guns. This commitment to a "satisfying ending" is a rarity in an era of "zombie shows" that linger past their prime.

Regarding Einbinder’s new film, the buzz is already significant. Downs, who has seen early cuts, offered a glowing "pull quote" for the production: "Absolutely beautiful, absolutely terrifying, and absolutely funny. Hannah is a revelation." This transition into horror-comedy suggests that Einbinder is looking to diversify her portfolio, moving away from the "sad-girl-writer" trope into more visceral, high-concept roles.

Official Responses: On Spinoffs and the "Hacks-Verse"

The question of "what comes next" for the characters of Hacks is a frequent topic of debate. Paul W. Downs addressed the possibility of a "Jimmy and Kayla" spinoff, a concept that has gained viral traction due to the undeniable chemistry between him and Megan Stalter.

"I would love for it to happen," Downs admitted, before adding a significant caveat. "It’s so much pressure to deliver a satisfying ending… I want that [the finale] to be the last thing people remember."

However, Downs did not rule out the idea of a "Hacks Universe." He expressed interest in exploring the backstories of the show’s rich supporting cast. Two specific ideas mentioned were:

1. A Mayor Jo Origin Story: A "Better Call Saul" style prequel exploring the early, perhaps "criminal" political career of the fan-favorite character.
2. Vegas in the ’70s: A period piece focusing on the character Marty (played by Christopher McDonald) arriving in Las Vegas during its gritty, neon-soaked golden age.

Einbinder reacted enthusiastically to these prospects, particularly the Mayor Jo concept. "Her just being a f***ing absolute criminal? Are you kidding? I’m in the freaking seats with the popcorn on that one," she remarked.

Implications: The Future of the Creative Trio

The interview also shed light on the future of the "Hacks" brain trust—Downs, Aniello, and Statsky. The trio is currently pivoting toward a "slight tone shift" with an upcoming hour-long limited series for HBO. While details remain scarce, Downs confirmed it would maintain the humor that defined their previous work while exploring a more dramatic or atmospheric space.

For Einbinder, her goal is to remain a permanent fixture in their creative circle. She jokingly referred to herself as their "non-problematic Rob Schneider," a reference to the frequent collaborations between Schneider and Adam Sandler. "I just want to pop up in everything they do forever," she stated.

This move suggests a trend in the industry where successful showrunners are forming "creative troupes," keeping the same actors across different projects to maintain a specific "house style" of comedy and drama.

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Sidebar: 10 Questions with Hannah Einbinder and Paul W. Downs

To close the session, the duo participated in a "10 Questions" quiz, offering a glimpse into their lives outside of the writer’s room and the soundstage.

1. Childhood Nicknames:

• Einbinder: "Pud," short for "Pudding," a name given by her parents.
• Downs: "Chubb," a nickname derived from his childhood love of pasta, pizza, and a self-made "sludge" of Swiss Miss cocoa and half-and-half.

2. Regrettable Childhood Interests:

• Downs: A collection of fantasy figurines (dragons and wizards on amethyst) purchased from mall kiosks.
• Einbinder: Baton twirling. She revealed her instructor was a stripper named Heather, who once declined the students’ request to see her perform her "flaming baton" routine because it was "not for kids."

3. Karaoke Go-To:

• Einbinder: "What’s Up" by 4 Non Blondes.
• Downs: "All I Wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow.

4. Secret Talents:

• Downs: Giving professional-grade massages.
• Einbinder: Creating bubble rings underwater and smoke rings (a talent actually featured in Hacks).

5. Favorite Ice Cream:

• Downs: Dark chocolate double fudge chunk.
• Einbinder: Mint chip.

6. Essential Items:

• Einbinder: Her cell phone.
• Downs: Toothpaste.

7. Historical TV Shows They Wish They Joined:

• Einbinder: The Sopranos or Mad Men.
• Downs: Friends, citing the pure "blast" the cast seemed to have.

8. Best Advice Received:

• Einbinder: "Faster and funnier"—a classic comedy director’s note.
• Downs: A quote from Maya Angelou via Oprah Winfrey: "When someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time."

As Hacks prepares for its eventual conclusion and its stars move into the realms of horror and limited drama, the legacy of the show appears secure. For Hannah Einbinder, the transition from a "muffled video diary" in her Season 1 trailer to an international star is a journey she views with constant awe. "This experience has made so much possible for me in every conceivable way," she concluded. "It has never been lost on me."