HBO Has Officially Found Its Curb Your Enthusiasm Replacement In Returning Comedy Series With 98% RT Score

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WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Hacks season 4.

The hilarious Emmy-winning HBO Max show The Studio have been releasing new episodes throughout Spring 2025 as both have tried and succeeded in filling the massive shows left by Curb's absence. Curb's series finale aired in April 2024 after twelve seasons.

While Larry David played a heightened version of himself, the legendary creator of Seinfeld, throughout all 120 episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Jean Smart portrays a fictional entertainer named Deborah Vance. Deborah has had a storied career as a stand-up comedian, but has always wanted to host a late-night show since she was a young girl. Deborah's dreams come true in Hacks season 4 as she finally lands a late-night hosting gig with the help of her head writer, Ava, and manager, Jimmy. Most notably, both Curb and Hacks feature a variety of guest stars and cameos that add insider authenticity and Hollywood appeal.

Hacks Season 4’s Shift To Los Angeles Makes It A Perfect Replacement For Curb Your Enthusiasm

Hacks Is the Perfect Hollywood HBO Vehicle To Fill In For Curb's Absence

Although Hacks has primarily taken place in Las Vegas throughout its first three seasons, Deborah's new season 4 gig in Los Angeles has quickly made the Emmy-winning series more of a Hollywood reflexive show. This parallels with Curb Your Enthusiasm, which has mostly taken place in the luxurious hills of Los Angeles among the rich and famous. Many Curb episodes follow Larry seemingly living his normal life around LA, taking place in his mansion, on the golf course as his private country club, or in the offices of a film studio or TV network. With Curb being over for more than a year, Hacks has willingly taken its place.

Apart from the Hollywood self-reflexivity aspect, both Curb and Hacks have featured an extensive list of guest stars, including many celebrities playing themselves. Hacks season 4 has featured A-listers such as Kristen Bell, Jimmy Kimmel, Rosie O'Donnell, Carol Burnett, Randy Newman, and more, portraying themselves in Los Angeles. Similarly, Curb has a wide range of actors and celebrities playing themselves over the years, including Ted Danson, Michael J. Fox, Ben Stiller, Christian Slater, and more. Interestingly, O'Donnell and Kimmel both appeared on Curb and Hacks.

Hacks Season 4’s Focus On LA Is A Major Departure From Past Seasons

Critics Have Enjoyed The Shift, While Some OG Hacks Fans Have Not

Although Curb never won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series like Hacks did last year, it was able to win two awards and 46 total nominations. Hacks has already won nine Emmys in its first three seasons and received 48 nominations. With the show continuing to churn out great material, Hacks is well on its way to becoming one of the best comedy series ever made.

TV Show	Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Hacks	98%	84%
Curb Your Enthusiasm	92%	91%

With the shift to an LA-centric show looking like it's here to stay past season 4, it's truly the best option for Curb fans to watch, knowing that Curb season 13 has not been confirmed (but is rumored to have some life). Hacks season 4 has certainly made the show more of an industry show than it used to be, and some fans don’t love the narrative development.

I Can’t Believe One Of Hacks Season 4's Best Guest Stars Isn’t Even An Actor

One of the best guest stars in Hacks season 4 so far isn't even an actor, making his surprise appearance even more impressive and hilarious.

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Deborah and Ava, who have had their ups and downs throughout Hacks seasons 1-3, start season 4 going for each other's throats, which also breaks new ground for the series. Additionally, several past storylines and ing character arcs have been mostly abandoned to make room for Deborah's late-night show personnel and the influx of celebrity guest stars. Others, however, especially critics, think this is a positive shift for Hacks as it increasingly becomes a great Curb replacement.