In a bold move for its fifth and final season, the HBO series Hacks is set to explore a 46-year age-gap romance between veteran actress Jean Smart and rising star Chris Briney, known for his role in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Showrunner Jen Statsky confirmed the storyline on April 7, revealing that Briney, 28, will portray an international rock star who becomes a romantic interest for Smart's character, Deborah Vance. The announcement has sparked buzz in Hollywood, highlighting the show's commitment to portraying complex, multidimensional female leads beyond traditional age norms.
Hacks, which airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max, follows the evolving professional and personal relationship between Deborah, a legendary comedian, and her younger writer Ava, played by Hannah Einbinder. Since its debut in 2021, the series has earned critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards for Smart's performance. Statsky, in an interview with Deadline, emphasized the intentionality behind the plot twist. "We always want to portray Deborah as the full, dimensional character that she is and show that women don’t stop having sex and being sexy at any age," she said. The showrunner added that the romance was designed to be both humorous and grounded, noting that Deborah's suitor would dress in a style more akin to her own, diverging from her past partners.
Smart, 74, who has portrayed Deborah with sharp wit and vulnerability across four seasons, shared her initial apprehensions about the pairing during the same Deadline discussion. "I did think, ‘Oh, God, I hope he isn’t just cringing,'" she recalled, imagining Briney's reaction upon learning of the age disparity. "He’s thinking, ‘Oh, I’d really like to be on that show, but oh, damn, really?’" Despite her worries, Smart praised Briney's professionalism. "The actress continued: ‘He made me feel very comfortable. And we had fun.’" This dynamic underscores the show's blend of comedy and authenticity, as the romance is poised to challenge viewer expectations in the final season.
Statsky teased that the age-gap storyline is just one of several narratives saved for the concluding chapter, allowing for deeper exploration after the core relationship between Ava and Deborah has matured. "In this final season, what we’re so excited for people to see is we get to do so many stories that we’ve been really waiting and wanting to do," she explained. "But it just wasn’t quite right in earlier seasons, or it felt like we needed the relationship between Ava and Deborah to deepen before we did it." She described the romance as "funny but also really sexy and real and grounded and important," questioning why such a pairing wouldn't make sense for the characters.
For Briney, the role marks his second major television appearance, following his breakout as Conrad Fisher in Prime Video's The Summer I Turned Pretty. The series, adapted from Jenny Han's bestselling book trilogy—The Summer I Turned Pretty, It’s Not Summer Without You, and We’ll Always Have Summer—chronicles a love triangle involving teenager Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). Over three seasons, the show has captivated audiences with its nostalgic beachside drama, blending romance, family tensions, and coming-of-age themes. Briney's portrayal of the brooding Conrad earned him a dedicated fanbase, with viewers debating his character's arc and romantic prospects.
In a September 2025 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Briney reflected on the fan fervor surrounding his role. "It’s been really cool to see people rally around this world and have their different opinions and theories," he said. "I try my best to stay away from it all and let them have their fun. I do my job, and then you put it out there and let people [think what they think]. But from what I’ve heard, people have been very supportive of Conrad, which is great. I have played him [this season] as if it was him getting what he finally earns. He earns his moment by the end." Briney's comments highlight his approach to the character, focusing on emotional depth amid the series' ensemble dynamics.
Although fans anticipated The Summer I Turned Pretty to conclude after its third season, Prime Video surprised audiences in September 2025 with news of a feature film to wrap up the story. Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming, and theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios, and Vernon Sanders, global head of television at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, issued a joint statement celebrating the show's impact. “The Summer I Turned Pretty has struck a chord with audiences everywhere, creating moments of joy, nostalgia and connection that have made it a global sensation,” they said. “We’re proud of the series’ extraordinary success and couldn’t be more excited to partner again with Jenny Han to bring fans an unforgettable next chapter.” This extension ensures Conrad's storyline—and Briney's involvement—will continue beyond the small screen.
Beyond television, Briney has built a diverse resume in film and audio. He starred in the 2023 biographical drama Dalíland, opposite Ben Kingsley and Barbara Sukowa, portraying a young artist in Salvador Dalí's circle. That same year, he appeared in the musical adaptation of Mean Girls, taking on a supporting role in the Tina Fey-penned comedy. Additionally, Briney has lent his voice to several audiobooks, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His transition to Hacks represents a shift from youthful romance to a more mature, comedic ensemble, potentially broadening his appeal in the industry.
The age-gap romance in Hacks draws parallels to other television couples that have pushed boundaries, as noted in related coverage from Us Weekly. Shows like Friends, with its 21-year difference between characters like Ross and Rachel in hypothetical scenarios, or Gilmore Girls featuring intergenerational dynamics, have long explored unconventional pairings. However, Hacks stands out for centering the narrative on a woman's agency in her later years, aligning with broader cultural conversations about aging and desirability in media.
Smart's career trajectory adds significant context to her role in this storyline. A Tony and Emmy winner, she has navigated decades in Hollywood, from her early days on Designing Women to acclaimed turns in Watchmen and Mare of Easttown. At 74, Smart's willingness to embrace such a provocative plot reflects her commitment to challenging stereotypes. The romance, according to Statsky, serves not just as entertainment but as a statement on representation, ensuring Deborah's arc ends on a note of empowerment and sensuality.
As Hacks approaches its finale, production details remain under wraps, with filming reportedly underway in Los Angeles. The series has filmed primarily on soundstages and locations around Southern California, capturing the glitzy underbelly of Las Vegas showbiz that defines Deborah's world. Briney's integration into this established cast promises fresh energy, especially given his contrasting background in teen-oriented fare.
Industry observers see this development as a capstone for Hacks, which has consistently topped HBO's viewership charts and garnered praise for its sharp writing. With the age-gap romance teased early, anticipation builds for how it will intersect with ongoing threads, such as Deborah's comeback tour and Ava's career ambitions. Statsky's vision ensures the season will balance levity with emotional resonance, leaving a lasting mark on comedy television.
Looking ahead, Briney's post-Hacks prospects appear bright, buoyed by the Prime Video film's announcement. Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty can expect closure to Conrad's journey, while Hacks viewers anticipate a finale that celebrates its leading lady's unapologetic vitality. As Hollywood continues to diversify its storytelling, pairings like Smart and Briney's highlight evolving norms, proving that romance knows no age limits on screen.
The entertainment world, always quick to evolve, watches closely as Hacks delivers its parting gift: a narrative that defies convention and affirms the enduring allure of its stars.