Paul W. Downs, co-creator and star of the HBO comedy "Hacks", has definitively ruled out a spin-off following the show's fifth and final season. Speaking to Variety after the series broke the record for the most-nominated comedy at this year's Emmys, Downs said a spin-off centred on his character Jimmy and Megan Stalter's Kayla was "not going to happen", marking the first time he has stated so unequivocally.

Downs explained that the ending had been planned from the show's inception in 2019 and that the team did not want to alter a conclusion they and audiences were happy with. Showrunners Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky had previously left the door open, but are now moving on and are actively writing their next project for HBO. The finale aired in May, and among the show's record 24 nominations this year, Stalter earned her first nod for Kayla and Downs was recognised for Jimmy.