Lauren Weedman discusses how her recurring role as Las Vegas mayor Jo Pezzimenti in HBO Max’s “Hacks” gave her unusual creative freedom and led to her first Emmy nomination. She says the show’s creators encouraged improvisation, allowing her to bring a more energetic and unpredictable style to a character than she had often been able to use on stage.

Weedman has appeared in all five seasons of “Hacks”, but has a larger presence in its final season, including the series finale. She was surprised by the strength of support after her nomination, with fans also citing earlier work, particularly on HBO’s “Looking”, as evidence that recognition had been overdue; the article also reflects on how Bell’s palsy affected her career.