Fans of Christopher Briney know him best as the brooding Conrad Fisher from the teen romance The Summer I Turned Pretty. Now, the actor is taking on a surprising new role. Briney has officially joined the cast of the Emmy-winning comedy Hacks for its upcoming fifth season, marking his first major project since his hit show concluded.
From Cousins Beach to the Comedy Stage
Christopher Briney is making a significant career move from dramatic teen romance to sharp adult comedy. The casting was officially announced on October 9, 2025, alongside a first-look photo from the set. The photo shows Briney looking very different from his Summer I Turned Pretty character, wearing a stylish blue-and-orange Versace silk blouse with his arm wrapped around comedy legend Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart.
While specific details about Briney’s character are being kept secret, his fashionable appearance in the set photo has sparked speculation that he could be playing a fashion designer or a pop star. What is clear is that his character appears to be on very friendly terms with Smart’s Deborah Vance.
A Look at the New Season of Hacks
Hacks follows the story of legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance and her young writer, Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder. The show has been a critical success, winning multiple Emmy Awards. For its fifth season, which began filming in late September 2025, the story will focus on Deborah reclaiming her legacy after a false report of her death circulated in the Season 4 finale.
The core cast is returning, including Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Mark Indelicato, and Rose Abdoo. While star Hannah Einbinder has stated this will be the show’s final season, HBO Max has not yet made an official announcement.
Christopher Briney’s Rising Career
Christopher Briney, age 27, rose to fame playing Conrad Fisher in the popular Amazon Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty, which concluded its third and final season on September 17, 2025. His portrayal of the complex older brother in a love triangle made him a fan favorite. He is also set to reprise this role in a follow-up movie that continues the story after the series finale.
When asked about the pressure of being a romantic lead in a hugely popular show, Briney shared his approach to handling fame.
“I don’t really feel it,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “I stay away from most people and social media as much as I can. I just try to do my own thing.”
Beyond his breakout role, Briney has also appeared in the Mean Girls movie musical and made his off-Broadway debut in 2025. His role in Hacks represents a notable expansion of his acting range into comedy.
What This Means for Fans
For viewers who have followed Briney’s career, this move showcases his versatility as an actor. Transitioning from a young adult drama to a sophisticated, award-winning comedy allows him to reach a broader audience and demonstrate new skills. The pairing of Briney with the seasoned Jean Smart promises to create compelling and likely very funny scenes.
The announcement has generated positive reactions online, with many fans expressing excitement to see Briney in a different light. The addition of a younger star to the ensemble of Hacks also suggests the new season will continue to explore themes of generational differences in the entertainment industry.
Production for Hacks Season 5 is currently underway, though a specific premiere date on HBO Max has not yet been announced.
Also Read: The 11 Best Songs from ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 3 Soundtrack
