hack

This article contains spoilers for the series finale of “Hacks.”

After five seasons and (thus far) 12 Emmys, “Hacks” has come to an end. The story of how Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a 70-something comedian of the Joan Rivers type, and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), a prickly 20-something comedy writer, came together to resurrect both their careers was a roller coaster ride of intergenerational judgment, wins, setbacks, ruthless behavior, personal growth, power reclamation and much general hilarity.

Deborah sees Ava as entitled and self-righteous, Ava sees Deborah as washed-up and boring. Eventually, of course, they realize they are kindred spirits who do their best work together.

In Season 5, Deborah attempts yet another comeback. Having walked off her late-night show rather than fire Ava in Season 4, she is determined to rewrite her premature obituary by playing Madison Square Garden. When that too is snatched away, she pivots (with much difficulty and hilarity, including a show-stopping monologue by Laurie Metcalf’s tour manager Weed) to Central Park, where she is finally allowed a moment of glory, basking in the adulation of applauding thousands.

But that is not the end of “Hacks.” In the final episode, Deborah reveals she has cancer and rather than undergo treatment, she is choosing to “go out on top” with the aid of a Zurich clinic. She asks Ava to accompany her, after they take a girls trip to Paris. After an emotional meltdown, Ava agrees, hoping to persuade Deborah to change her mind. She does, but only after Deborah realizes that she cannot bear to walk away from the jokes she could write about dying. And so the show ends, with the two women walking arm in arm, first in Paris and then in Las Vegas, working on Deborah Vance’s final show.

Here, Times TV and culture critics Robert Lloyd and Mary McNamara discuss the ending, and legacy, of “Hacks.”

Deborah, left, decides she doesn’t want to get treatment for cancer despite Ava’s protests. Deborah changes her mind when she realizes she could write jokes about dying.

(HBO Max)

Mary McNamara: Hey there, Robert; are you as devastated as I am that we have no more “Hacks” to look forward to? The only solace I can find is the news that creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are planning to release a DVD box set of the series. And the possibility that there could be a movie sequel — I for one want to see Deborah Vance’s death tour, especially since you know she’ll beat the odds and survive.

Seriously, though, sad as I am to contemplate life without “Hacks,” I am equally thrilled that the show so thoroughly stuck its landing. Finales are always a crap shoot and I appreciated how this season managed to show growth and cosmic justice while never tipping into treacle. I love that everyone ended on a win — including Marty! (Christopher McDonald) — and I didn’t even mind that suddenly Deborah had cancer (what?), was choosing assisted suicide (double what?) or that we were whisked to Paris (sure, I guess, why not?) because it made just enough narrative sense to set up Deborah’s decision to live because she just couldn’t leave good material on the table. “I may not have 30 years, but I do have one more hour,” may be the best line from a TV finale ever.

It is too easy to think of people like Deborah as clawing back their careers for fame, validation or money rather than a deep and essential love of their art. Having Deborah decide to prolong her life with chemo because she could not resist mining this final seam of comedic gold was a coup de grace.

What did you think?

Robert Lloyd: Hail, Mary. Reviewing the first-season finale, I wrote that the series was at heart a romantic comedy. And though many timely points were made along the way about artificial intelligence, the fate of late-night television and the awfulness of rich jerks who control media companies — Deborah’s Madison Square Garden show was undermined by the network head she named on national television in her resignation speech — the show asserted itself as a love story once again in the end. Where earlier seasons had depended on creating friction between Deborah and Ava, this one was mostly of concord, their only real clash being Deborah’s decision, introduced late in the season, to end her life (in a clean, posh way); her climactic change of heart spared us a medical tearjerker, but, believe me, I shed plenty of tears along the way. Unlike most seasons of “Hacks,” the fifth and final was orchestrated very much as a feel-good experience — “Ted Lasso” has nothing on it. A fairy tale, almost, as you point out, full of fairy-tale endings and plot points that were as good as magic. It could be contrived and improbable and old-fashioned in its triumphs snatched from the jaws of defeat, and I completely loved it.

Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) didn’t get the Madison Square Garden show she imagined, but she did get one at Central Park.

(HBO Max)

McNamara: The series had a lot to say about a lot of things (including vengeful power brokers/network executives) that feel particularly pointed now. But I deeply appreciated that while underlining the real obstacles Deborah and Ava faced, the writers showcased and explored how the bad choices each women had made, and defended, also contributed to their situations. Obviously having the great Jean Smart in the driver’s seat helped a lot — she revealed the woman beneath the diva even in Deborah’s most outrageous actions. The writers did not shy away from calling attention to the blatant sexism female comedians faced (and continue to face) or how the “woke” women of Ava’s generation are often able to see that kind of injustice more clearly.

It was, as you say, more rom-com than morality play, and rom-coms are often based on discovering that the differences that initially divide are too often based on, well, to put it in its original form, pride and prejudice. So while there was some hilarious and spot-on commentary about intergenerational miscommunication, there was also a clear message of how important it is for people with vastly different experiences to listen to, and learn from each other, which also feels incredibly important at this moment in time, especially given the show’s essential, and deeply human, respect for creative work. What motivated Deborah and Ava, and virtually every character in “Hacks” — agent Jimmy (Downs), his assistant Kayla (Megan Stalter) and later Randi (Robby Hoffman); Deborah’s staff, including Marcus (Carl Clemons Hopkins), Damien (Mark Indelicato) and Josefina (Rose Abdoo) — was a belief in the importance, and difficulty, of the creative process. It’s something that is rarely, if ever, the work of a single individual — as Deborah finally acknowledges at the opening of the Diva casino. Or as Laurie Metcalf’s Weed makes clear in her hilarious monologue before the Central Park gig.

1

2

1. Creativity isn’t the work of a single individual: Damien (Mark Indelicato), Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins) and Deborah (Jean Smart) at work on the casino. (HBO Max) 2. Deborah’s crew at her Central Park show. (HBO Max)

Lloyd: In a way Deborah’s speech summed up what we’d already been seeing through an especially generous season that served as “Hacks’” tribute to itself and its people. It was a party to which most every significant and many minor characters were invited, including Metcalf and McDonald; Luenell as comedian Miss Loretta; Poppy Liu as Deborah’s personal blackjack dealer, Kiki; Jane Adams as Ava’s mother, Nina; J. Smith-Cameron as Deborah’s estranged sister, Kathy; and Kaitlin Olson as Deborah’s daughter, DJ, who finally got her mom to partner with her on “The Amazing Race” and was allowed to sell her detachable earrings on QVC.

Gifts were distributed widely, including a previously unseen interview with Deborah’s late husband and co-star, Frank (Peter Strauss), giving her credit for their success — credit he had previously accepted for himself — and thus removing a giant thorn that drove the early plot. These kind-hearted acts of closure were performed both for the benefit of these very real, made-up people, and for We the Viewers, who have made them our family. Declarations, or at least demonstrations of love, were abundant, not merely between Deborah and Ava, with the characters acting as our proxies, feeling what we want them to feel, and what we feel for them ourselves. (There are moments this year when Einbinder — whose brilliance Smart could seem to outshine, but who was never less than an equal partner — absolutely killed me, just in the tender way she gazed upon Deborah.) That’s why it’s so hard to let go of a show like this, even when we know it’s time to say goodbye. You can only stretch an arc so far before it breaks.

McNamara: You’re right, of course. But I still want to see the “Hacks” movie.

The ‘smart’ holiday hack went viral on social media after a family used it on their recent trip

A family has gone viral after using what’s been described as the ‘ultimate’ travel hack to simplify their holiday. The ‘smart’ method could be ideal for anyone visiting crowded tourist areas.

According to Clarissa Hen, who posts on TikTok under the username @Clarhens, her family used AirTags to keep track of each other during a recent day out in Japan. Sharing a video of the ‘genius’ hack in action, Clarissa wrote: “Ultimate travel hack: Put airtags on everyone before going to crowded tourist traps.”

As seen in the post, everyone received a lanyard with their own AirTag, making it easier to find each other after they were finished exploring. The idea caught the attention of social media users.

The video went viral, racking up over one million views and more than 50,000 likes. In her caption, Clarissa asked viewers if they thought the hack was ‘smart or extra’.

Explaining why her family gave it a go, she wrote: “When everyone has the attention span of a goldfish, airtags are key!!! No need to worry about someone’s phone dying or them not replying/answering (like my dad and sister) you can just track them like lost luggage lol.”

In response, TikTok users were quick to share their thoughts. While not everyone was convinced, several viewers loved the idea. Someone commented: “We just have meeting spots when we break up and come back together at the same place.”

Another social media user said: “Me and my friends shared our google maps locations and it was so helpful.” A different response read: “Use the Life360 app!! It’s free and it is super accurate! Used it to find my friends when we went to Japan.”

Meanwhile, a commenter wrote: “But if y’all have iPhones you wouldn’t need AirTags, just saying.” But Clarissa replied: “Yes we have our phone locations on too but iPhone batteries can run out within the day and cell service isn’t always reliable so AirTags are a great alternative!”

Other social media users loved the hack. A fan of the idea commented: “Needed this for all my aunties.” Another reply said: “Genius.” Someone else wrote: “Very smart.” More praise read: “I love this!”

A viewer shared: “That’s literally what I did with my family in Japan so I can freely roam around.” Meanwhile, a commenter replied: “Wait!!!! This is so smart! I gotta do this with my family at Disney.”

Clarissa said: “Right!?? Soo useful lol we all lost each other then I tracked them down.” Someone else claimed: “Save those for Tokyo Disney if you’re going. I got lost TWICE for HOURS both times and I was just trying to find a place to pee.”

THERE’S nothing worse than coming home from holiday to be hit with massive data roaming charges from your mobile provider.

As thousands of Brits head off on their summer hols, many are still being caught out by unexpected data roaming fees.

Get 5% off Holafly eSIMs with discount code THESUNHOLA5

It’s easy to slip into ‘holiday mode’ abroad and fire off a WhatsApp message or check Google Maps, forgetting that every click is racking up a massive bill behind the scenes.

And even if you have a roaming pass from your mobile provider, the monthly cost can be eye-watering – and that’s if they cover your destination at all.

Thankfully, an eSIM from Holafly can help you avoid those unexpected fees.

FAMILY FUN

Checklist: Top 10 days out and travel tips for your spring break

HACK IT

We’ve tested popular social media travel hacks – ones that work and ones to AVOID

The eSIMs start from just £2.99 and offer unlimited data – so no need to keep checking if you’ve nearly hit your data limit.

Plus, Sun readers can bag an extra 5% off an eSIM by using the coupon code THESUNHOLA5.

The code also gets you 10% off monthly plans. These are great if you’re a regular traveller, as they offer you unlimited data globally from £38.95 a month.

Once you buy your eSIM, it arrives via email and WhatsApp instantly.

You simply scan the QR code, or if you’re on iOS 17.4+, you can install it in one simple tap.

It’s easy-peasy and keeps your regular SIM (and WhatsApp number) active, so you won’t miss any messages from home.

And if you’re wondering whether Holafly covers the destination you’re headed to? It’s pretty likely that they do.

The eSIM company have expanded the amount of places they cover to over 200 destinations worldwide.

Whether you’re hitting European hotspots like Spain, France, and Italy, or going long-haul to the USA, Canada, Australia and beyond, you can stay online from the moment you land.

Other providers slap you with fair usage limits that can soon run out – but Holafly offers unlimited data.

There are no hidden fees, so don’t expect any unexpected charges or texts telling you you’ve gone over the limit.

Get 5% off Holafly eSIMs with discount code THESUNHOLA5

How to get your discounted Holafly eSIM

Getting set up with Holafly is incredibly simple, all you’ll need to do is:

1. Download the Holafly app.
2. Browse 200+ destinations and pick how many days you’ll need it for. If you’re travelling in a group, you can even buy everyone’s in one go.
3. Buy your eSIM (saving 5% with code THESUNHOLA5) and activate in seconds via QR code or one-tap install – then enjoy your unlimited data abroad!

With eSIMs, you can forget hunting for a paperclip to poke into your phone or queuing at an airport kiosk for an expensive local SIM card.

Holafly eSIMs saves you the faff of inserting a physical sim card – instead, you can buy and install via the app.

Plus some countries are slowly ditching physical sim cards, meaning eSIMs are the way forward.

For example, starting with the iPhone 14, Apple iPhones in the USA only work with eSIMs and no longer accept physical SIM cards.

When you pick up yours, make sure to use our exclusive code at checkout to bag a saving: THESUNHOLA5.

Don’t get caught out this summer – get your eSIM sorted before you hit the runway.

Get 5% off Holafly eSIMs with discount code THESUNHOLA5

PLANE CRAZY

How savvy Brits bagged £449 return flights to Oz with genius £5 subscription

KINGDOM COME

Make Disney World Florida your 2027 adventure – save 10% on bookings

ELIZABETH Hurley really is the gift that keeps on giving and today the sexy star gave fans another treat.

The stunning actress, 60, thrilled her followers when she shared her latest bikini selfie which showed off her enviable figure and also gave them her secret body hack.

In Liz‘s latest sizzling post, she was seen modelling a stunning white striped bikini.

The pictures saw the model languishing by a swimming pool, while showing off her timeless body.

In one photo the stunning actress threw her head back to soak up the sun, with her washboard abs on full display.

Taking to Instagram to share the slew of sexy snaps, Liz penned a body positivity message to fans.

MILEY’S APART

Truth behind Miley’s rift with Liz Hurley – & why it’s driven wedge with dad

BEDAZZLING

Liz Hurley stuns as she revives iconic look in 27-yr-old Versace Met Gala dress

“Being photographed in a bikini can be scary so here’s my number one tip: LIE DOWN!!” she wrote.

It comes as the actress continues to enjoy a sizzling romance with country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus.

The smitten couple took the world by surprise, when they revealed they were dating.

The pair went public on Easter Sunday last year with a loved-up picture in a field.

Since then they have continued to thrill fans with their romance, and can’t seem to keep their hands off each other.

Billy and Liz were recently spotted snogging at a country and music festival.

The Sun previously revealed the pair reconnected in 2024 after his third marriage to singer Firerose crumbled.

Confirming this, Billy revealed how Liz got in touch with him to make sure he “was doing ok” during his last divorce.

“Suddenly, I get a text from a number I don’t recognise. It says, ‘The vultures are circling, but I’m in your corner,’ the singer revealed.

“The thing is, I didn’t know who sent it. It turned out to be from someone I least expected.

“This girl was just as beautiful as her words. We went out for a date, and our chemistry was real. We’ve been together ever since.”

A travel content creator has shared a simple two-second trick to help keep your belongings safe

A globetrotter has left social media users amazed after revealing her “genius” tip to help keep her possessions safe. In a viral TikTok post, @Charlottenorth demonstrated a two-second trick for fashioning a “makeshift lock” for your handbag.

The “smart” concept impressed viewers, with some branding it “the best hack.” The method is “so simple”, as you’ll only need one item to try it. As seen in the viral clip, Charlotte recommended using a claw clip to “lock” bags. Commenters also suggested using carabiners for the same effect.

In her post, Charlotte wrote: “How to lock your bag when travelling – I might just be dumb but I figured this out halfway through my trip and it felt revolutionary.” She then demonstrated the method, which saw her feed a hair clip through the zip and then clip it to her bag’s strap to create a “makeshift lock.”

Viewers loved the idea, with the footage gaining over 100k likes. One impressed viewer said: “I love this omg how smart!!” A second posted: “So simple yet genius!” Another fan of the idea wrote: “That’s so smart omg!! Thanks for sharing!”

A fourth commenter echoed: “This is so smart!!” Charlotte replied: “Honestly felt so much better walking round crowded areas like this!!!”

Sharing a similar idea, someone else said: “I’ve been doing this with a carabiner and it’s perfect when I travel!!” A different reply read: “Been doing this for a year and it’s the best hack!!” Another social media user shared: “I always do this! Looks cute and my stuff is safe.”

Keen to try the idea, a fan said: “Ohhhhhh! I think I’ll do this for my upcoming Italy trip this summer!” Yet another fan wrote: “Ohhh, I might do this for our summer euro trip.”

Issuing advice on pickpocketing, the Metropolitan Police’s website states: “Remember, having a zipped bag doesn’t mean you’re totally safe. Thieves have been known to walk behind victims while slowly unzipping bags. Yes, they can be that bold. So, never underestimate a pickpocket.”

The webpage also includes dos and don’ts to help keep your belongings safe. The tips include carrying bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest and concealing your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket.

When travelling, the advice is to separate your wallet and phone and keep the contact numbers of family in case your phone is stolen. The guidance recommends opting for a purse that’s difficult to open.

People are also advised not to leave bags hanging on the back of a chair, attached to a pushchair, or out of sight on the floor when they visit cafes and restaurants. Pickpockets can target people in these areas.

The traveller shared her top hand luggage hacks to avoid having to check in a bag, and it’s inspired other holidaymakers to reveal their favourite airport tips and tricks

A savvy traveller has been praised for her ‘genius’ hack to effectively double her hand luggage allowance without forking out for additional fees when flying.

The holidaymaker, known as @lifeofjazz_ on social media, has revealed her top trick for getting away with hand luggage only, dodging the need to check a bag in at the airport. First and foremost, she makes sure her suitcase meets the required dimensions and weight restrictions to avoid any headaches at check-in. She went on to explain: “I have a few tricks that I do when travelling with only hand luggage.

“Number one, I put a bag inside a bag. You see this bag [referencing her video], there’s another bag inside of it. I usually go to Boots or Duty Free, and get a bag because they are not allowed to touch anything inside something you’ve bought already within the airport.

“I have a crossbody bag, obviously that’s fine, it’s tiny. Then I have my small suitcase, make sure you roll everything within your suitcase so it can fit.”

She also advises getting on the plane early to secure overhead locker space rather than having to cram your bag beneath the seat in front.

Responding to her post, one follower commented: “I do the duty thing too. Get a cheeky meal deal from Boots and ask for the biggest bag.”

Another added: “People also don’t realise you don’t need to use those plastic bags for toiletries, you can use your own see through makeup bag, doesn’t matter how big.”

A third user said: “But nowadays you can even bring a cabin wheeled bag, just a rucksack. I do the duty free bag but Ryanair told me they have limitations on duty.”

One more user added: “I always bring a pillow case put some clothes in.”

This follows other passengers revealing their tricks to enhance the airport experience overall, with one user saying: “You can’t bring a full water bottle through airport security, but you can bring an empty one.

“Most airports have water bottle fillers installed at drinking fountains after security. Beats paying six dollars for bottled water.”

Adding to the discussion, another traveller recommended speeding up security screenings by taking off bottle lids, thereby demonstrating to officials the bottles are completely empty.

Meanwhile, someone else chimed in with: “You can bring ice in a bottle though as long as it’s not melted. I like to do that and then fill it up inside the airport. I love ice water.”

Another comment advised against using the first water refill station immediately after security – typically congested due to high traffic – suggesting instead to look for the next available one for a swifter top-up.

A different user contributed yet another travel tip, advising travellers to pack compression socks for longer journeys, explaining: “For personal comfort, I find compression socks to really help during longer flights/trips. I also carry an empty water bottle through security, then refill it before boarding in order to have plenty of water for the flight.

“I carry a light sweater or thin-down vest in my bag (too many cold flights). Noise-cancelling headphones. I also carry a small external battery pack. Always plan for the worst (long lines, delays) allow plenty of time and arrive early.”

Travel fans swear by the ‘game-changing’ packing method that prevents creases and saves space in your suitcase

A traveller has shared a “game-changing” packing hack that prevents clothes from getting creased in your suitcase. The popular method was demonstrated in a TikTok video posted by womenswear brand Sophie Cameron Davies.

Taking to social media, @Sophiecamerondavies explained why dedicating a little extra time to packing your suitcase can save considerable hassle during your trip. The caption said: “If your suitcase is full of floaty dresses, silk pieces or anything remotely crease-prone, try this. No more steaming out wrinkles for half your holiday.

“It’s simple, space-saving, and actually works. Save this one – your future self will thank you.” As shown in the clip, the method sees holidaymakers fold their garments as few times as possible, ensuring they stay flat within the suitcase.

Sophie said: “Lay your clothes completely flat, don’t roll or overfold. Fill the full width of your suitcase right into the corners, and fold only once or twice max to avoid deep creases.

“Then just lay each piece on top of the other like a stack. It keeps everything smooth and compact, so simple but game-changing.” The video racked up thousands of likes.

It also prompted commenters to share their preferred methods, and it seems many are devoted to Sophie’s approach. One fan of the idea wrote: “I have packed like this for years and it’s honestly a game changer! Less folds = more space.”

A second fan replied: “I’ve been doing this more recently!” A third viewer wrote: “I always pack like this – never have to iron.” Adding to the praise, someone mentioned: “I’ve always done this and left them on hangers too. So once I arrive, hang straight up.”

There was more feedback. A social media user wrote: “I do this too ….makes unpacking at hotel sooooo much easier.” Others shared their own methods, with a viewer writing: “I use the other side for clothes as it’s flat and the side you have put the clothes in I use for toiletries and shoes, swimwear etc .. it works no creases.”

Another response added: “I do this but I lay each piece flat hanging from the sides. Lay items on top then flip the sides inwards and secure it.”

Not everyone was so convinced, though. A commenter wrote: “Then when you stand the case up everything will fall down,” someone defended the method but highlighted a different criticism, saying: “No, it doesn’t. I’ve packed like this – just a pain looking for things when arriving at destination.”

A flight attendant has revealed the best way to save money ahead of a holiday abroad, and it could cost just £4.99 and save travellers £100 if they are ‘proactive’

A flight attendant has revealed a savvy £4.99 hack for holidaymakers that could help them cut costs on their next getaway.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to save some extra cash, whether that’s a packing tip to avoid paying for luggage, being flexible with our travel dates to secure the best price, or flying from a different airport. One sure way to save money is how you get to the airport, with parking prices astronomical at some airport hubs, which can reach as much as £132 for a week’s stay or £8 for every five minutes at a drop-off area.

In a bid to avoid these unwanted charges, some travellers opt to be dropped off at the airport, while others book their parking months in advance or a car park farther from the airport to secure a lower price. However, Wizz Air cabin crew member Adam Hodge, 35, has outlined a vital hack for getting to the airport, and it could cost just £4.99.

READ MORE: ‘I’m cabin crew – Europe has the best Maldives dupe just three hours from the UK’READ MORE: ‘I’m cabin crew – there’s a major downside to seats with extra legroom’

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Adam, who is based at Luton Airport, revealed: “You can get some really cheap deals on the trains and the bus.

“In Luton, for example, there’s now going to be two coach operators, National Express and FlixBus, so it means there’s going to be even more affordable options to get from the centre of London or the surrounding area, such as Cambridge, Milton Keynes and as far as Gatwick.

“If you book in advance, you can get a ticket, with FlixBus for example, for as little as £4.99.

“For National Express, if you have a coach pass, you can get fares from as little as £10 one-way, to and from the centre of London, Gatwick or one of the connecting airports.”

But that’s not the only affordable option. Adam highlighted: “At Luton Airport, there are also two train operators, Thames Link and East Midlands Railway.

“On East Midlands Railway, you can get a fare to St Pancras from Luton Airport Parkway or Luton for as little as £4.95, if you book and plan in advance. It has to be the specified train at the specified time, but if you’re flexible and want to save some money, you can get some really cheap fares if you book ahead.”

He added: “It’s about being proactive and saving a bit of money, especially with the cost of living crisis. And I think it’s actually very savvy and fashionable to be seen saving money, and being more money-conscious.”

While Adam mentioned Luton Airport, most UK airports also offer similar bus and coach services, so it’s well worth checking in advance to plan your route and secure the best price. And with some prices starting as low as £4.99, it’s a no-brainer.

Having travelled to around 30 countries, with Prague and Tirana being his personal favourites,

Away from airport travel, Adam has a wealth of other knowledge and advice, having visited around 30 countries, with Prague and Tirana being his personal favourites. One piece of advice is about what he packs, and there’s one item he never travels without.

“I had been looking at this item for a while, and I wasn’t sure at first, but now I have them, I’ve got them in all my suitcases, my crew bag and cabin bag,” Adam told the Mirror.

He revealed: “They are suitcase packing cubes, and are like little pouches. The worst thing is when you open a suitcase, and everything falls out, but with the packing cubes, everything is organised.

“For example, you have your electricals, your tops, trousers and shoes, they fit everything in organised cases, and you can actually fit more in, so it’s a really good hack. They don’t take up any space, so when they’re empty, they just lie flat, and they’re not bulky.”

To check out Adam’s public transport recommendations to the airport, visit the National Express or FlixBus websites. Or for more information about Wizz Air flights or to book your next trip, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Paul W. Downs can’t help it that even on the weekends, his life intersects with “Hacks,” the HBO comedy he co-created and co-showruns with his wife, Lucia Aniello, and their friend Jen Statsky. (He also appears on the show as Jimmy LuSaque Jr., the besieged manager of its two stars, played by Emmy winners Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.) The fifth and final season of “Hacks” premiered last week, but on Downs’ days off, he often finds himself at its previous filming locations or hanging out with cast members who have become like family.

In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.

Downs moved to Los Angeles in 2011, but soon after, he and Aniello were hired to write (and for him to act) on the über-New York show “Broad City,” keeping them away from the West Coast for years. Now the couple live in Los Feliz, which they enjoy with their young son.

“I love Los Feliz because it’s a real neighborhood with restaurants and bars, but also feels close to nature with Griffith Park,” Downs says. “Also it’s very central to my Eastside friends and Westside agents.”

And if he had to live at a local mall, like the character Ava Daniels did in the third season of “Hacks,” which would he choose?

“It would be the Americana, obviously.”

Here’s how he’d spend a perfect day in L.A.

10 a.m.: A late rise and a li’l barista

I’m sleeping in if I can, which I can’t because I have a toddler, but let’s say I can sleep ’til 10. That would be insane.

Then I’m making coffee at home. I’m making it with my 4-year-old because he likes to make my coffee now. He always wanted to help, now he really wants to do it on his own. I’m still there to supervise, but he does do a lot of it.

I do batch brew. I’m doing Verve Coffee that I’m grinding there, and then I’m brewing four cups because I need my coffee. I had a Moccamaster for a long time, but I recently got a Simply Good Coffee. There’s no plastic — it’s all glass and metal.

11 a.m.: Chocolate croissants for everyone

We’re driving to Pasadena and we’re going to [Artisanal Goods by] CAR, which is the place to get the best chocolate croissant, I think, in the world. I don’t just think in L.A., I think they’re better than Paris. I’m going there with my wife and my kid and I’m having another coffee and some pastry. We’re ordering three [chocolate croissants]. We’re not doubling up.

11:45 a.m.: The family business

We’re driving to Fair Oaks in Pasadena. There’s a place called T.L. Gurley. We shot “Hacks” there, actually. Not only in Season 1, but also full circle in Season 5. We’re going to shmay around and look at antiques. My kid is going to want to play a vintage pinball machine. We’re going to find a little piece of art for the house or what have you. It’s not necessarily that I’m on the hunt. It’s to pass the time and to have some fun. If I could do anything and have a leisurely day and take my mind off work, that’s what I’m doing.

People love to interact with my kid when he’s there. We’re really training him to appraise things at a young age. My parents are part-time dealers of antiques. My grandmother bought and sold antiques. It’s kind of a family business.

1:30 pm.: Baguettes and books

We’re driving to Larchmont and we’re getting a sandwich at Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese. I’m doing prosciutto-mozzarella-basil on a baguette.

Then we’re going to Chevalier’s Books. What’s sad is that I’m often not looking for leisure material. I’m looking for something that I’m interested in learning more about or writing about, or that they’re turning into a show I want to audition for. But we’re also doing Little Golden Books for my son. He’s obsessed. We’re not huge on screen time, so we really encourage the book-buying.

2:30 p.m.: Cast pool party

We’re having some family fun in the pool and we’re doing that until evening. We invite people over all the time. My sister-in-law is a New Yorker, but she actually wrote last season on “The Rooster” and she’s often writing on shows in L.A., so she’s often here and she’ll have a couple friends come over. I know this sounds like a piece of PR or something, but we’ll really literally have Hannah [Einbinder] and maybe Mark Indelicato from “Hacks” come over to swim. Jen, our co-creator of “Hacks,” will come over.

6:00 p.m.: Family dinner

Sometimes we’ll order Grá to the house, which is a pizza place in Echo Park — excellent sourdough crust pizza. But if we don’t do that, an ideal evening is an early dinner at All Time on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. We’re ordering the ceviche and my son is having all of it and not sharing with anybody at the table.

8:45 p.m.: A thrilling ending to the day

After putting my kid to bed, my wife and I, in an ideal world (full disclosure: we haven’t done this in two years), we’ll watch something together that we’ve been meaning to watch. We have a long list of movies and we either want to revisit or that we haven’t seen that we need to watch.

We don’t watch a lot of comedies. It’s a dream to watch a “Black Bag” or a little espionage thriller. We really like that because it’s so different than the stuff that we’re working on in the day.

Often the things we watch are things that we admire. We like deconstructing it as fans of film and television. We do like talking about the making of it, but it’s less of a critique and more of a listing of the things we appreciated about it.

10:30 p.m.: No work tomorrow

And then it’s lovemaking ’til morning on a perfect Sunday. If it’s a perfect Sunday, there’s also a Monday that’s off.