Hacks Showrunners Announce Julianne Nicholson's Dance Mom Return

In Hacks Season 4, Episode 5, Deborah Vance faces pressure to boost her late-night show's ratings and targets suburban moms by bringing on TikTok influencer Dance Mom, played by guest star Julianne Nicholson. Nicholson, known for her dramatic roles, embraced the comedic opportunity, working closely with a choreographer to create Dance Mom’s viral routines, which ultimately became a highlight of the episode. The storyline emphasizes the show's commitment to realism, featuring cameos from real celebrities like Kristen Bell and Jimmy Kimmel to reflect the competitive late-night landscape. Dance Mom’s on-screen performance resonates with both the audience and the show’s crew, sparking joy and engagement. Nicholson’s portrayal grounds the outsize character in authentic emotion, blending earnestness with underlying loneliness. The episode explores the tension between appealing to broad audiences and maintaining creative integrity, as seen in the evolving dynamic between Deborah and head writer Ava.