Singapore hosted the season four finale of Emmy-winning series HACKS, marking the first time the show filmed outside the United States, with support from local authorities and iconic city locations.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
A popular American TV show filmed its final episode in Singapore instead of its usual Los Angeles home, using famous local landmarks like Gardens by the Bay and Changi Airport. The government helped make this happen to show the world what Singapore looks like and to create jobs for local film crew and workers.
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Should Singapore invest more in attracting global TV and film productions to boost local jobs and tourism?
👍 👎 Vote ↓Singapore’s bright cityscape takes the global stage in a hit Emmy-winning series, shining a spotlight on local talent, famous locations, and the power of advanced media partnerships.
In a press release by STB, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) partnered with Max and Universal Studio Group for a special project.
This collaboration was for the HACKS finale (S4), an Emmy-winning comedy series.
The episode was filmed in Singapore and made its debut on 30 May 2025 at 9:00am SGT in Singapore and on 29 May 2025 in the USA.
According to STB, this is the first time HACKS filmed outside the United States.
HACKS usually films in Los Angeles.
This new season follows the main character, Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, as she is forced to travel and perform abroad.
This plot brought the cast and crew to Singapore, where they used several iconic locations for filming.
This episode allows viewers to see the city’s skyline and unique spots.
As quoted in STB, Eileen Lee, Senior Vice President at STB, Americas, said, Our city’s distinctive and dynamic cityscape provided the perfect backdrop for Deborah and Ava’s adventures, and this partnership reinforces Singapore’s position as a world-class filming destination while offering viewers a glimpse of our vibrant city.
The production team picked sites that showcase the best of modern Singapore.
The filming got help from the Singapore On-Screen Fund, a joint move by IMDA and STB.
The fund supports global film and TV projects and aims to shine the spotlight on Singapore for tourism and movie-making.
It also helps develop local talent and gives media workers chances to work with big players from overseas.
As quoted in STB, Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive of Media Industry Group at IMDA, mentioned, This exciting partnership with Max and Universal Studio Group for the HACKS season four finale is a great example of how Singapore can support global media productions – with skilled talent, reliable infrastructure, and creative capabilities.
This support makes Singapore more popular as a world-class filming location.
The project saw strong support from IMDA and STB leaders.
IMDA said the partnership highlights Singapore’s digital transformation for media and helps lift local skills with new global links.
STB said the show gives a fresh view of Singapore, showing off city life and famous landmarks to the world.
| Organisation | Role |
|---|---|
| IMDA | Develops digital and media industry. Provides support for global partnerships. |
| STB | Promotes Singapore as a tourist spot. Shapes events to boost the economy. |
| Max | Streaming platform. Hosts HACKS and other big-name shows. |
Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky from HACKS were quoted by STB as saying, We had such a blast shooting an episode of HACKS S4 in Singapore. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and we couldn’t have done it without the Infocomm Media Development Authority and Singapore Tourism Board’s support.
HACKS stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.
The episode also features Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, and many more.
The series is executive produced by Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, Michael Schur, David Miner, Morgan Sackett, and Joe Mande.
It has won multiple Emmy awards and features award-winning talent.
IMDA leads Singapore’s digital growth and brings new ways for the media sector to thrive.
It works with top technology, strong regulations, and pushes talent and infrastructure growth.
STB drives local tourism, creates joint projects, and uses the Passion Made Possible brand to attract visitors.
Max is the streaming home for large brands like HBO, DC, and Warner Bros.
Max offers top rated shows, movies, and documentaries including HACKS and Friends.
This media partnership shows how strategic collaboration and smart use of local funds can help Singapore stand out worldwide.
It brings jobs, skills, and global attention to our local film industry and key tourism spots.
Singapore’s advanced support and creative crew helped make the HACKS finale possible.
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