Andy Cohen playfully challenged Hacks co-creator Paul W. Downs on Watch What Happens Live over a Season 5 joke that referred to Cohen. The exchange highlighted the show’s irreverent humour as its five-season run has now ended, while also drawing attention to its strong awards recognition.

Cohen played a clip in which Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance says she has rejected Cohen “more than every twink on Fire Island”. Co-star Meg Stalter said she had advised against using Cohen’s name, while Downs jokingly blamed Smart’s improvisational style; Hacks received a record 24 Emmy nominations for its final season.