I know you were both on the picket lines during the SAG and WGA strikes; what did you miss most about the Hacks set while you were away?
Einbinder: I think just getting to be in this collective of individuals who are all so funny and hardworking and lovely. We really do get into a groove, and having that disruption and dealing with the very real-life consequences for our crew and all of the people who work below the line created a lot of anxiety in terms of how hard the strike was for them. We were so eager to get everybody back to work.
Smart: We laugh so much on the set, we just laugh all the time. It’s not just the cast, it’s also the crew, and I hope that the fans and crew and people in other unions realize that the actors weren’t just out there asking for more money or something. This was really something that we felt had to be done for the future of the industry.
We’ve seen Ava and Deborah’s relationship evolve so much. How would you two describe your IRL relationship these days?
Smart: We actually don’t speak anymore, except during interviews. [Laughs.] I love her so much!
Einbinder: We don’t bicker the way those two do, but we do laugh the way they do.
Smart: That’s a good way of putting it.
Hannah, I have to ask you about the Christina Hendricks of it all. What was it like working with her?
Einbinder: She’s incredible. She’s one of our great American actresses, and I feel so honored to have been able to watch her work. I’ve been a fan of hers for many, many years now, and she’s iconic. It’s so insane. I can’t believe I got to work with her!
Smart: I met her when she was…oh, my God, she was just a baby. Not a baby, but, you know, just starting out, and she was so darling, and she still is.
Based on this season’s arc, I’d love to ask both of you who in Hollywood you’d most like to see host a late-night show.
Einbinder: Sarah Sherman.