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WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Hacks season 4, episode 4.
Merrill Markoe’s cameo in Hacks season 4, episode 4, “I Love LA”, honors her legacy as a legendary comedy writer that dates even farther back than working on Late Night with David Letterman. Markoe is one of several notable guest stars in Hacks season 4, along with Carol Burnett, Helen Hunt, and Randy Newman. Her appearance in Hacks season 4, episode 4 as Deborah fulfills her lifelong dream of hosting a coveted late-night show – years after she was robbed of the opportunity – is certainly no coincidence.
Markoe’s cameo involves a conversation in a workplace snack room with Ava Daniels, the self-imposed via blackmail (but well-deserved) head writer of Deborah’s late-night show. While Ava is just a fictional character in Hacks, Markoe is the real deal when it comes to late-night legacy, especially considering she rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s when women faced much more difficult obstacles and uphill battles in the entertainment industry.
Before Becoming The Head Writer For Late Night With David Letterman, Merrill Markoe Was A Cast Member On Mary Tyler Moore’s 1978 Variety Show
She Also Dated Letterman For 10 Years From 1978 To 1988
Markoe was the head writer on Late Night with David Letterman from 1982 to 1986, which earned her three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program. Markoe and Letterman were also romantically involved from 1978 to 1988. Although Markoe’s claim to fame was becoming Letterman’s first head writer and helping him become a household name that landed him his decade-spanning Late Show, her career started even before that landmark position.
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Hacks season 4, episode 4 “I Love LA”, gets the ball rolling with Deborah’s new late-night show while refreshingly chipping at her impenetrable armor.
Markoe’s Hacks season 4 cameo mainly focuses on her Letterman history but she was also involved in one of the first female-led variety shows, Mary, starring Mary Tyler Moore. Markoe was actually a cast member on the 1978 variety show, although it was canceled after just 3 episodes. Variety shows like Mary were quite similar to the late-night shows we often see today, so Markoe’s crucial role in it is significant to a huge theme in Hacks of the history of women in late-night and TV hosting roles.
Hacks Season 4 Episode 4’s Biggest Cameos Make Deborah’s Late-Night Show Story Even Stronger
Markoe & Burnett Are Two Real-Life Legends Of Late-Night & Variety Shows
Incorporating real female comedians from past eras who paved the way for Deborah’s rise to late-night stardom in Hacks season 4, episode 4 really drives home the struggles and importance of Deborah getting this coveted gig. Markoe and Carol Burnett are both hugely influential figures in that side of the industry, so bringing them in to talk with Ava and Deborah is a smart move by Hacks.
Not only does it add authenticity to the self-reflexive showbiz show, but it also honors both of their significant careers and legacies on an Award-winning platform.
Not only does it add authenticity to the self-reflexive showbiz show, but it also honors both of their significant careers and legacies on an Award-winning platform.
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