Now That Hacks Is Done, I’m Desperate for TV’s Next Great Dramedy

One of the biggest losses of this TV season for me was Hacks.

Not only is it among my favorite comedy shows, but it has also won hundreds of awards over its course.

Of course, critical acclaim is only one piece of the puzzle, but it’s hard to remember the last time that a true dramedy has received so much love.

As Hacks wraps up, it’s time to celebrate how this incredible HBO Max series brought together drama and comedy.

Importantly, it’s worth considering what the future of this hybrid genre might look like.

Hacks Was The Perfect Dramedy

If The Bear‘s countless comedy Emmy wins prove anything, it’s that dramedy has a very loose definition.

Some people even consider Succession a dramedy because it has so many comedic moments.

However, among the shows that tackle both drama and comedy in recent years, Hacks has struck the best balance.

A lot of dramedies tend to prioritize the drama first and add the comedy.

Dramedy has the potential to combine drama’s ability to move with comedy’s ability to deliver messages through joy and laughter.

Hacks proves this to be true, as comedy is so essential to the series’ core, as is the drama.

While Hacks might be more comedy-heavy than other shows in the genre, it makes the serious moments so much more impactful.

That’s why the show was able to have such an emotional finale. It doesn’t feel out of place for Deborah and Ava to confront the idea of death while also leaning on each other as comedy partners.

Plus, having the drama originate from the literal comedy itself — such as Deborah’s legal troubles after Late Night — has shaped the show’s witty commentary.

It’s hard to remember a comedy-first show that has delivered such a great story while also giving us some of the most hilarious scenes.

Each character feels distinct, much like sitcom archetypes.

At the same time, they have such incredible emotional depth, too. Even Kayla, who is always dropping insane one-liners, has a moving storyline about her complicated relationship with her father.

Hacks has really changed the game for what dramedy can look like. The question now is whether the genre is ready to carry on its legacy.

The Future of The Dramedy Genre

Technically, dramedy isn’t an official genre, but it’s a term that’s been around since the 1980’s.

Despite almost five decades of existence, the dramedy genre has never been properly defined.

Nowadays, aside from Hacks, it’s hard to identify a strong contender in the dramedy genre.

There are some shows, particularly geared towards YA, that also incorporate romance, like Heartstopper, that could qualify.

But none of them have really meaningfully considered how to incorporate both comedy and drama into their narratives.

Admittedly, the dramedy genre itself is pretty demanding, as it asks a show to cover a lot of ground.

However, that’s what’s so exciting about its untapped potential.

Hacks truly excelled as a dramedy because it was willing to take those risks and ask the audience to take it seriously while laughing along.

More shows can take note of how to make sure the storytelling feels grounded — not too cartoonish like some comedy can end up being, nor too outlandish like some dramas that pull off ridiculous plot twists for the sake of it.

Again, it’s certainly a lot to ask of one show, but if Hacks can do it, maybe another show can too.

While I’m a certified sitcom lover, I also hope to see more dramedy series emerge in the next few years to fill the giant crater left by Hacks.

But I highly doubt anything can replicate the beauty of watching Ava and Deborah become best friends.

What did you think of the Hacks finale? Did you like the ending?

Are there any upcoming or currently airing dramedy series that you would recommend checking out?

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
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