Andy Cohen Confronts 'Hacks' Creator Paul W. Downs Over Brutal Joke About Him on Live TV - AOL

Andy Cohen confronted Hacks co-creator Paul W. Downs during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live over a harsh joke the series made about him in Season 5. Cohen reminded Downs he was a co-creator and showrunner and played the scene in which Jean Smart’s character, Deborah Vance, took a swipe at reality TV. Downs said, “Use someone else’s name,” after discussing how the line ended up in the episode. Cohen reacted with visible surprise. Downs also explained that Smart improvises extensively. The conversation turned to whether Hacks could continue via a spinoff, with Stalter indicating there’s interest but “we’re not going to” return. The series last month earned 24 record Emmy nominations for a comedy in a single year.