Jean Smart gave Architectural Digest a tour of the kitchen set used for the fifth season of the HBO series "Hacks" [1].

The tour provides a rare glimpse into the production design used to establish the persona of Deborah Vance. By showcasing the specific aesthetic of the Bel Air mansion, the production highlights how environment contributes to the storytelling of the series.

The kitchen is described as a lavish and over-the-top space. It features a massive island, a Diet Coke machine, and an eclectic collection of salt-and-pepper shakers [1, 2]. The set was designed to simulate a real Bel Air home to allow the audience to feel immersed in the character's world [1].

"I love the kitchen – it’s like a character in its own right, with every little detail telling a story," Smart said [1].

While some reports suggest the kitchen design was inspired by a real Bel Air mansion, other records indicate the residence is a fictional creation built specifically for the show [1, 2]. The detailed construction serves as a backdrop for the series, which premiered its fifth season on April 8, 2024 [1].

An unnamed production designer said the space was built to feel authentic, even though it is a set, so the audience can get lost in Deborah’s world [1]. The collaboration with Architectural Digest serves both as a showcase of the show's high-end production values and as a promotional tool for the latest season [1, 2].

“"I love the kitchen – it’s like a character in its own right, with every little detail telling a story."”

The use of a high-profile design publication like Architectural Digest to tour a fictional set illustrates the intersection of production design and brand marketing. By treating a television set as a real architectural study, the production emphasizes the 'hyper-reality' of Deborah Vance's wealth, reinforcing the character's status and the show's commitment to visual authenticity.