Hacks delivers the long-awaited Deborah and Ava kiss in Season 5
Fans of Hacks have finally seen the moment they’ve waited six years for. Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels shared their first on-screen kiss in the latest episode. The long-awaited scene arrived in Season 5, which is now streaming on HBO Max. The show’s creators—Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs, and Lucia Aniello—had planned the kiss for years. They wanted it to feel earned, built on the deep relationship between Deborah and Ava across five seasons. The moment was designed as a payoff for fans who have rooted for the pair, affectionately called Avorah.
In the episode *Montecito*, Deborah and Ava pretend to be a couple to impress Kelly Kilpatrick, played by Cherry Jones. The ruse leads to the kiss, which surprised even the cast. Hannah Einbinder, who plays Ava, admitted she was shocked when she first read the script. Jean Smart, who portrays Deborah, enjoyed playing a character usually in control as someone suddenly vulnerable. The scene worked because of the history between the two, making their connection feel natural rather than forced. The first seven episodes of Season 5 are available now on HBO Max. New episodes will premiere every Thursday at 6 p.m. PST.
The kiss scene marks a turning point for Deborah and Ava’s relationship. Fans who have followed their dynamic since Season 1 now see a new layer to their bond. The moment also sets up further developments as the season continues.
