Warning: This article contains spoilers for Hacks season 3, episode 9.
Summary
- Deborah and Ava reunite in Hacks season 3, filling scenes with iconic songs to underscore emotional developments.
- The soundtrack features classic artists like Electric Light Orchestra, The Temptations, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
- Musical choices like "Evil Woman" and "Shining Star" enhance plot points.
Hacks season 2's ending, season 3 sees the two rekindling their friendship. After bumping into each other at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, they start texting each other again, then start working on new jokes together, and eventually put aside their differences and reconcile their working relationship with the goal of taking over a popular late-night show.
From Deborah’s newfound fame to Ava’s troubled relationship with Ruby, Hacks season 3 has a lot of emotional developments to underscore with music – and the producers picked the perfect musical accompaniment for each scene. Hacks’ season 3 soundtrack features songs by such iconic artists as The Temptations, The 5th Dimension, and Electric Light Orchestra. Almost every scene transition in a given episode is punctuated by a recognizable riff from a classic soul track or a rock ‘n’ roll ballad. A great show needs a great soundtrack, and Hacks season 3 has a great soundtrack.
Song |
Artist |
Episode # |
|---|---|---|
Evil Woman |
Electric Light Orchestra |
1 |
Famous |
Parcels |
1 |
Born to Be Alive (Mix 79) |
Patrick Hernandez |
1 |
The Story |
Brandi Carlile |
1 |
Plastic Soul |
Mondo Cozmo |
2 |
Love is Not a Stranger Anymore |
John Henry |
2 |
Waitin’ for the Rain |
The Fantastic Johnny C |
2 |
Miss Hot Stuff |
Clarence Reid |
2 |
Feelin’ Alright? |
The 5th Dimension |
2 |
Evolution |
Magnum |
2 |
Give Me Some More of Your Funky Good Lovin’ |
The Soul Brothers Six |
2 |
You Can’t Even Walk in the Park |
Johnny Pate |
2 |
Get Ready |
The Temptations |
2 |
Dirty Work |
King Princess |
2 |
Symphony No. 94 In G Major, Hob. I: 94 Surprise: I. Adagio. Vivace assai |
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Stefan Sanderling |
3 |
Afrikaan Beat |
Bert Kaempfert |
3 |
Shining Star |
Earth, Wind & Fire |
3 |
T.C.B. or T.Y.A. |
Bobby Patterson |
3 |
Time Check |
Buddy Rich |
4 |
Never Enough |
AXS Music |
4 |
Dancin’ in My Feet |
Laura Taylor |
4 |
Evil Gal Blues |
Aretha Franklin |
4 |
Baby I’m Burnin’ |
Dolly Parton |
4 |
Deep Blue Sea |
Art Lown |
5 |
Lonely People |
America |
5 |
It Don’t Come Easy |
Ringo Starr |
5 |
Funky Funky Way of Makin’ Love |
The Soul Brothers Six |
6 |
Going Down |
Freddie King |
6 |
At the Top of the Hill |
Jackie Moore |
6 |
Purple Snowflakes |
Marvin Gaye |
6 |
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) |
Darlene Love |
7 |
Up on the Housetop |
Gene Autry |
7 |
We Wish You a Merry Christmas |
N/A |
7 |
Sleigh Ride |
The Ronettes |
7 |
Carol of the Bells |
Michael Tedstone, Maryann Tedstone & Rory Finn |
7 |
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
N/A |
7 |
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV Menuets I |
Jeanne Bovet |
7 |
Have a Little Faith |
Benny Latimore |
7 |
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year |
Andy Williams |
7 |
Change (feat. Kira Divine) |
PNAU |
8 |
Who Let the Dogs Out |
Baha Men |
8 |
Freak Me Now |
Jessie Ware |
8 |
Players |
Coi Leray |
8 |
Rhythm of the Night |
Corona |
8 |
Elastic Tango |
Edmund Vera & the Edmund Vera Orchestra |
9 |
Good Thing |
Michael Nau |
9 |
Some Love |
Laura Taylor |
9 |
It's Still Good |
People's Choice |
9 |
Oregano |
Chilly Gonzales |
9 |
Hotel Sorriso |
Kraak & Smaak |
9 |
Cannock Chase |
Labi Siffre |
9 |
Neverloved |
Parcels |
9 |
Hacks Season 3 Episode 1 Songs
"Just for Laughs"
Fittingly, Electric Light Orchestra’s “Evil Woman” plays on the soundtrack to introduce Deborah.
“Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra – Hacks season 3, episode 1, “Just for Laughs,” opens with what looks like Deborah arriving at a casino in Las Vegas and being shown to a stage on the casino floor. Initially, it seems like maybe her career has taken a step backward. However, the subject of the tracking shot is revealed to be a drag queen dressed like Deborah, who has been hired to appear at the unveiling of a Deborah Vance-themed slot machine at the casino. It turns out Deborah’s career hasn’t taken a step backward; quite the opposite. She’s so popular and successful that she has her own Vegas impersonators. Fittingly, Electric Light Orchestra’s “Evil Woman” plays on the soundtrack to introduce Deborah.
“Famous” by Parcels – When the real Deborah is introduced, walking along a red carpet and being questioned by paparazzi, “Famous” by Parcels plays. This is, of course, an appropriate song choice, since the purpose of the scene is to show how famous Deborah has become since releasing her standup special.
“Born to Be Alive (Mix 79)” by Patrick Hernandez – As Deborah grows bored with the outfits she’s been sent by designers who want her to wear her clothes at red-carpet events, she decides to get some of her own clothes out of her “wardrobe.” Patrick Hernandez’s “Born to Be Alive (Mix 79)” kicks in on the soundtrack as Deborah and her team drive out to her wardrobe – a giant warehouse full of clothes in the middle of the desert – to pick out an outfit.
“The Story” by Brandi Carlile – Ava initially refuses to help Deborah with the wording of a punchline, because she still resents her for the firing. However, after thinking about it for a bit, Ava sends Deborah a text helping her with the joke. As the text comes through, Brandi Carlile’s “The Story” plays on the soundtrack. The song carries through as Deborah goes to Ava’s hotel room to give her the Tom Cruise coconut cake, but finds that she’s already checked out.
Hacks Season 3 Episode 2 Songs
"Better Late"
The Soul Brothers Six’s “Give Me Some More of Your Funky Good Lovin’” plays as Deborah starts preparing to make her late-night hosting debut.
“Plastic Soul” by Mondo Cozmo – Hacks season 3, episode 2, “Better Late,” opens with a montage of Deborah and Ava rekindling their friendship over text. They zone out of their own personal lives as they stay glued to their phones, sending each other messages. Mondo Cozmo’s “Plastic Soul” plays over this texting montage.
“Love is Not a Stranger Anymore” by John Henry – John Henry’s “Love is Not a Stranger Anymore” plays over the scene transition from Deborah shooting a commercial for the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce to Ava and Ruby having sex in the shower.
“Waitin’ for the Rain” by The Fantastic Johnny C – As the scene of Ava and Ruby in the shower cuts to Deborah g autographs for fans, “Waitin’ for the Rain” by The Fantastic Johnny C plays on the soundtrack.
“Miss Hot Stuff” by Clarence Reid – Deborah’s rage over her discovery of an Etsy store full of unauthorized merchandise using her likeness is underscored by Clarence Reid’s “Miss Hot Stuff.”
“Feelin’ Alright?” by The 5th Dimension – When Ava finds Ruby’s Wolf Girl ring and mistakes it for an engagement ring, then tries on the ring and starts thinking about marriage, “Feelin’ Alright?” by The 5th Dimension plays on the soundtrack. This moment of elation hilariously sets up the cringe-inducing payoff when Ava tries to propose to Ruby with a prop from her TV show.
“Evolution” by Magnum – The Magnum song “Evolution” plays as Ava interrupts Ruby’s workout with a personal trainer and awkwardly suggests buying some new silverware.
“Give Me Some More of Your Funky Good Lovin’” by The Soul Brothers Six – The Soul Brothers Six’s “Give Me Some More of Your Funky Good Lovin’” plays as Deborah starts preparing to make her late-night hosting debut. She was originally booked as a guest, but got bumped up to guest host when the full-time host, Danny Collins, suddenly took ill with a bad case of salmonella.
“You Can’t Even Walk in the Park” by Johnny Pate – The montage of Hacks' main character Deborah and her team getting a late-night show together at the last minute is scored with “You Can’t Even Walk in the Park” by Johnny Pate.
“Get Ready” by The Temptations – The Temptations’ classic “Get Ready” plays on the soundtrack during the montage of Deborah killing on the late-night show. It was Deborah’s lifelong dream to host a late-night show, and this montage shows that dream finally coming true. She was initially worried she couldn’t even do well as a guest, but she proves herself to be a complete natural in the host’s chair.
“Dirty Work” by King Princess – A cover version of Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work” by King Princess plays on the soundtrack at the end of Hacks season 3, episode 2, as Ava drives down to Vegas to work with Deborah again. The lyrics are appropriate, because, in many ways, Ava is a fool to do Deborah’s dirty work, but Deborah knows she’ll be around.
Hacks Season 3 Episode 3 Songs
"The Roast of Deborah Vance"
“Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire plays over the montage of Deborah being roasted.
“Symphony No. 94 In G Major, Hob. I: 94 Surprise: I. Adagio. Vivace assai” by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Stefan Sanderling – This classical piece plays over the opening scene of Hacks season 3, episode 3, “The Roast of Deborah Vance.” While Ava is trying to meditate, Deborah barges into her room to get notes on a joke. The scene then cuts to Deborah’s gardening staff hard at work.
“Afrikaan Beat” by Bert Kaempfert – This song plays as Ava arrives in the dressing room of the P.T.A. fashion show. She reconvenes with Deborah’s former blackjack dealer, Kiki, who’s now a model.
“Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire – This progressive soul classic plays over the montage of Deborah being roasted by Mario Cantone, Natasha Leggero, Patton Oswalt, Andy Kindler, Steph Tolev, and Naomi Ekperigin.
“T.C.B. or T.Y.A.” by Bobby Patterson – This song plays over the end credits of Hacks season 3, episode 3.
Hacks Season 3 Episode 4 Songs
" the Club"
Dolly Parton’s “Baby I’m Burnin’” plays at the end of Hacks season 3, episode 4, as Deborah starts her campaign for the Late Show hosting gig.
“Time Check” by Buddy Rich – This Buddy Rich gem plays over the opening scene of Hacks season 3, episode 4, “ the Club.” One of Deborah’s staff risks his life by running onto an active runway – all to deliver Deborah’s sunglasses on her private plane.
“Never Enough” by AXS Music – This song kicks in over a montage of establishing shots as Deborah and her team arrive in New York.
“Dancin’ in My Feet” by Laura Taylor – As episode 4 cuts from Jimmy and Kayla on the pickleball court to Ava at bar trivia with Marcus and his family, Laura Taylor’s “Dancin’ in My Feet” can be heard on the soundtrack.
“Evil Gal Blues” by Aretha Franklin – This appropriately titled Aretha Franklin track plays when Deborah steals Terry’s toilet paper after overhearing him and the other comics complaining about her.
“Baby I’m Burnin’” by Dolly Parton – Dolly Parton’s “Baby I’m Burnin’” plays at the end of Hacks season 3, episode 4, as Deborah starts her campaign for the Late Show hosting gig.
Hacks Season 3 Episode 5 Songs
"One Day"
The lyrics of America’s “Lonely People” tie in beautifully with the episode’s themes of loneliness and worrying about mortality.
“Deep Blue Sea” by Art Lown – As they suffer from writer’s block at the beginning of Hacks season 3, episode 5, “One Day,” Deborah and Ava decide to go for a walk. As they embark on a hike in the wilderness, “Deep Blue Sea” by Art Lown plays on the soundtrack.
“Lonely People” by America – After getting stranded in the woods and suffering a couple of injuries, Deborah and Ava set up a makeshift camp. They’re ecstatic when some kids on dirt bikes arrive to save them. As they’re driven out of the woods on the back of the kids’ bikes, America’s “Lonely People” plays on the soundtrack. This song’s lyrics tie in beautifully with the themes of the episode. During their time in the woods, Deborah realizes she’s lonely and confides in Ava that she’s worried life has ed her by, and the song touches on both of these universal emotions.
“It Don’t Come Easy” by Ringo Starr – When Deborah finally returns from the woods and gets to the QVC studio to sell infinity scarves, she gets in the make-up chair and Ringo Starr’s solo track “It Don’t Come Easy” kicks in on the soundtrack. The song continues over the end credits of the episode.
Hacks Season 3 Episode 6 Songs
"Par for the Course"
Freddie King’s “Going Down” kicks in on the soundtrack as Deborah steps up her golf game and plays ruthlessly against Bob Lipka.
“Funky Funky Way of Makin’ Love” by The Soul Brothers Six – The Soul Brothers Six’s “Funky Funky Way of Makin’ Love” plays on the soundtrack of Hacks season 3, episode 6, “Power Play,” while Deborah is practising her golf swing and learning about the owners she’ll have to schmooze. This is the second Soul Brothers Six song to be featured in Hacks season 3 after “Give Me Some More of Your Funky Good Lovin’” was played in episode 2.
“At the Top of the Hill” by Jackie Moore – Jackie Moore’s “At the Top of the Hill” can be heard as Deborah gets a drink with the owners after a round of golf.
“Going Down” by Freddie King – After learning that Bob Lipka favors Jack Danby for the late-night job, Deborah steps up her golf game and plays ruthlessly against him. Freddie King’s “Going Down” kicks in on the soundtrack to underscore this change. This song is best known as the theme song from a different HBO comedy: Eastbound & Down.
“Purple Snowflakes” by Marvin Gaye – In the final scene of Hacks season 3, episode 6, as Kathy Vance is surprised to get an invitation to her sister’s Christmas party, Marvin Gaye’s “Purple Snowflakes” plays on the soundtrack. The song carries over the episode’s end credits.
Hacks Season 3 Episode 7 Songs
"The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular"
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Darlene Love – Hacks season 3, episode 7 opens up with this song as Deborah steps outside of her home to see fake snowblowers decorating her house for a sunny Las Vegas Christmas morning. The Christmas classic brings some early life into Hacks season 3's chaotic holiday outing.
"Up on the Housetop" by Gene Autry – Jane Adams reprises her role as Ava's mother, Nina, in Hacks season 3's Christmas episode, with this holiday tune scoring the scene in which Ava picks her up from the airport. The song continues to play until just before Kayla has lunch with her father.
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" (Instrumentals) – About five minutes into "The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular," the instrumentals to the classic Christmas carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" can be heard on the soundtrack. The tune continues to play while Deborah is wrapping her own gifts before her guests arrive for the holiday party.
"Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes – Bringing a few more Hacks season 3 guest stars into the mix, this song plays on the episode 7 soundtrack as guests start to arrive at Deborah's house. The song continues to play as Madam Mayor Pezzimenti arrives in a Mrs. Claus costume until the episode surprisingly reveals a new guest behind her: Deborah's sister.
"Carol of the Bells" by Michael Tedstone, Maryann Tedstone & Rory Finn – The instrumental version of this classic Christmas carol plays as Deborah stands at the door of her home speaking to J. Smith-Cameron's Kathy Vance, who Deborah has been estranged from for several decades.
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (Instrumentals) – This tune s Hacks season 3, episode 7's soundtrack as Deborah and Kathy head into the living room of her home to speak with D.J. and Aidan.
“Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV Menuets I” by Jeanne Bovet – "The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular" features this song after Christopher Lloyd's character Larry is invited to Christmas dinner at Jimmy's mom's house. The classical tune continues to be heard on the soundtrack as Ava's mother begins talking about chutney.
"Have a Little Faith" by Benny Latimore – Highlighting the more sentimental and optimistic turn of Hacks season 3, episode 7's events, this song plays after Larry asks Jimmy to produce the movie based on his screenplay about Fatty Arbuckle. The song is still playing when Deborah is seen playing Virtual Reality.
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams – This song plays right after Deborah learns that she's back in the running for the Late Night hosting gig, as Jack Danby dropped out after Jimmy succeeded in getting the rights for Fatty Arbuckle's biopic. The Christmas hit continues to play through the closing credits of Hacks season 3, episode 7.
Hacks Season 3 Episode 8 Songs
"Yes, And"
"Change (feat. Kira Divine)" by PNAU – The opening sequence of Hacks season 3, episode 8 is scored by the upbeat song "Change." The track continues to play as Deborah gets her pictures taken at a photoshoot while also learning that she was double-booked for appearances at events in Berkeley and Palm Springs.
"Who Let the Dogs Out" by Baha Men – Hacks season 3's soundtrack features this iconic 2000 song when Deborah and the improv group at Berkeley first arrive on stage for their performance.
"Freak Me Now" by Jessie Ware – Shortly after the improv scene, Hacks season 3, episode 8 cuts to the pool party Marcus is hosting in Palm Springs. This song is heard playing about 16 minutes into the episode when Marcus begins kissing a guy by the pool.
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Hacks season 3 gives its creators another hit with critics and audiences, continuing their TV success after another acclaimed sitcom from 2014.
"Players" by Coi Leray – When Deborah and Ava are dancing in a crowd at the frat party, this song is played over the montage. The song is still playing in Hacks season 3, episode 8 when the frat guy named Chris comes over and starts dancing with Deborah.
"Rhythm of the Night" by Corona – This upbeat song plays in Hacks season 3, episode 8 during the scene at the bar when Marcus is talking to Reggie. The two discuss how being a fan of Deborah Vance has changed since she became popular with a wider variety of audiences, and Marcus is given advice that "sometimes good things come from letting go."
Hacks Season 3 Episode 9 Songs
"Bulletproof"
"Elastic Tango (Remastered)" by Edmund Vera & the Edmund Vera Orchestra – Deborah and Marty dance the tango to this song during the opening scene of Hacks' season 3 finale.
"Good Thing" by Michael Nau – When Jimmy is working on his laptop at a coffee shop while Kayla comes in to discuss a new client, this tune is playing on Hacks season 3, episode 9's soundtrack.
"Some Love" by Laura Taylor – Before introducing Kathryn Newton as the big guest star of Hacks' season 3 finale, "Some Love" plays while Kayla and Jimmy wait for their meeting with Bella. This song also comes directly after Damien cries over Marcus leaving his job with Deborah.
"It's Still Good" by People's Choice – This upbeat song plays when Ava gets her new headshots taken by a professional photographer.
"Oregano" by Chilly Gonzales – Hacks' season 3 soundtrack features this track after Deborah meets with Winnie and the other network executives. The song still plays when the episode cuts to Deborah and Ava chatting about the meeting in the kitchen.
"Hotel Sorriso" by Kraak & Smaak – This song is heard in Hacks season 3 directly after Jimmy pleads with Kayla to stay with their company on the plane. It continues to play as Ava gets food at a restaurant and sees Helen Hunt's Winnie Landell outside.
"Cannock Chase" by Labi Siffre – This song is first heard when Jimmy and Ava hug each other in his new office. "Cannock Chase" continues into the scenes where Ava buys alcohol and cigarettes at a gas station and Deborah takes a picture of her name on a parking spot at the studio.
"Neverloved" by Parcels – The final song on Hacks season 3's soundtrack plays as Deborah and Ava tensely sit across from each other in the writers room, with the song then playing over episode 9's closing credits.
Hacks, released in 2021, is a dark comedy series that explores the evolving relationship between Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian in Las Vegas, and an ambitious, outcast young writer. The show delves into the complexities of mentorship and creativity in the entertainment industry.
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