Hacks co-creator and star Paul W. Downs has revealed he would love to make a spin-off series focused on talent manager Jimmy LaSaque Jr. and his assistant Kayla Schaefer, but prefers to leave the acclaimed HBO Max comedy as it ended.
Speaking alongside co-star Megan Stalter on the late-night talk show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Downs addressed ongoing fan speculation about a potential sequel following the duo after the main show completed its run.
According to a report by Deadline, host Andy Cohen asked Downs during the broadcast if there was any story compelling enough to convince the creative team to pursue a Jimmy and Kayla spin-off.
Downs explained that during the production of Hacks, the writers frequently came up with comedic storylines for Jimmy and Kayla that were ultimately scrapped because they did not make narrative sense within the main show, despite being very funny.
Preserving the series finale
When Cohen pressed further on whether he would consider making a standalone sequel, Downs admitted that while the team would love to create it, they ultimately want to preserve the show in its current state.
Downs noted that achieving a satisfying conclusion for the series was a difficult process. Now that the creative team has successfully delivered that ending, he said they feel it is best to leave the story where it stands.
Stalter, who joined Downs on the program, strongly agreed with his assessment. She stated that while both actors would love to do the project, they are not going to make it.
Five seasons on HBO Max
Downs co-created Hacks and stars as Jimmy LaSaque Jr., the long-suffering Hollywood agent representing legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart. Stalter plays Kayla Schaefer, Jimmy's chaotic and wealthy assistant.
The tragicomedy series ran for five seasons on HBO Max, airing from May 13, 2021, until May 28, 2026. The finale brought a definitive close to the central story arc between Deborah Vance and her head writer, Ava Daniels.
Although Downs had previously indicated that a Jimmy and Kayla project was unlikely, fan interest in the duo remained high following the finale. His latest remarks acknowledge the team's fondness for the characters while reaffirming that no spin-off is currently planned.
