New Delhi, June 12 -- An immaculate first episode is a thing of rare beauty. It's uncommon to see a series emerge fully formed, with a voice, a vibe, originality and self-awareness. Even the most loved shows usually can only establish an original premise or protagonists in the first episode, growing into a world over time and seasons. Therefore I remember how delighted I was with the first episode of Hacks back in 2021, compelled to write about the show in this column even when it wasn't then streaming in India (all four seasons can now be found on JioHotstar, mercifully).

Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky, the Hacks opener is a marvel. Up and coming comedy writer Ava has been cancelled for making a problematic poli...