The second season of the HBO Max streaming comedy-drama television series Hacks debuted on May 12, 2022, and concluded on June 2, 2022.

The season centers Deborah Vance perfecting material for her new stand-up show, in which she shares previously unrevealed information about her personal life.

Jean Smart won her second successive Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Ava is wracked by guilt because of the email she sent to two British television producers detailing Deborah's problematic behavior.

Marcus copes with his breakup by getting a puppy, Joe, and by socializing with a group of younger gay men whom he plies with money and gifts.

The emergency vet treats the dog but refuses to release him back into Marcus's care on the grounds that he is a negligent owner.

At a tour stop in the Midwest, Deborah runs into one of her old stand-up friends, Susan Essig, who manages a Lord & Taylor.

She argues with Ava when the latter learns that her mother, who continues to question her career choices, is supporting herself by participating in a MLM scheme.

"[1] Downs and co-creators Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky wanted to continue to feature Kayla and Jimmy's dynamic, as well as show a more vulnerable side to Deborah by giving her a lover.

The website's critics consensus states, "Hacks hits the road, but Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder remain very much at home with each other in a sterling sophomore season that finds novel ways to deepen the central pair's lovable friendship.

[8] Danette Chavez wrote positively of the season in TheWrap, "Hacks remains one of the most consummately funny shows on TV, defying the sophomore slump to uncover ever more trenchant truths about ambition, failure, and the blurring line between work and family.

Honed so brilliantly by Aniello, from some of the best “Broad City” episodes until her “Hacks” Emmy win, it finds surreal and beautiful moments no matter the circumstance.

"[10] RogerEbert.com's Brian Tallerico noted the acting of star Jean Smart: "The range of her work in “Fargo,” “Watchmen,” and now “Hacks” is stunning, and the character she's crafting on this HBO Max Emmy winner for directing, writing, and actress could be career-defining.