Megan Stalter 2026: Hacks Finale, Broadway, & New Album

Megan Stalter 2026: Hacks Finale, Broadway Debut, and ‘Crave’ Album Guide
Megan Stalter isn’t just a scene-stealer anymore; she is owning 2026. After four seasons of making us cringe and laugh as Kayla on Hacks, Stalter is moving from the small screen to the center of the cultural stage.
This year marks a massive career pivot. She is wrapping up her breakout TV role, releasing a debut pop album, and heading to Broadway all in the same few months.
Megan Stalter is currently starring in the fifth and final season of Hacks (April 2026) and will make her Broadway debut as Mary Todd Lincoln in the play Oh, Mary! starting July 6, 2026, at the Lyceum Theatre. She also released her debut pop album, Crave, in May 2026, featuring the lead single “Prettiest Girl In America.”
Key Takeaways
- The final season of Hacks concluded the story of Kayla Schaefer in April 2026.
- Stalter’s Broadway run in Oh, Mary! is a limited engagement through September 2026.
- Her debut album, Crave, was released in May 2026 with an early 2000s pop sound.
- She won the Vanguard Award at the 2026 Queerty Awards for her cultural impact.
- Stalter is maintaining a North American comedy tour alongside her New York residency.
Quick Answer: Where is Megan Stalter now?
As of May 2026, Megan Stalter is based in New York City preparing for her Broadway debut. You can stream her final episodes of Hacks on Max and listen to her new album Crave on all major music platforms. If you want to see her live, her residency at the Lyceum Theatre begins this July.
The End of an Era: Megan Stalter in the Hacks Series Finale
The fifth and final season of Hacks premiered on April 9, 2026. For fans of the show, it was a bittersweet farewell to one of the most chaotic characters on television: Kayla Schaefer.
Kayla, the “nepo baby” assistant with a heart of gold and zero professional boundaries, turned Stalter into a household name. Her chemistry with Paul W. Downs, who plays her boss Jimmy, remained the show’s comedic backbone until the very last episode.
The Legacy of Kayla Schaefer
Stalter’s portrayal of Kayla did more than just provide comic relief. She humanized a character that could have easily been a one-dimensional joke. By the series finale, Kayla’s growth, or lack thereof, was a highlight for critics and viewers alike.
Awards and Recognition
Her work on the final stretch of the show didn’t go unnoticed. Stalter won the Breakthrough Performance award at the 2025 Critics Choice Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema and Television. More recently, she was honored with the Vanguard Award at the 2026 Queerty Awards, cementing her status as a comedy icon.
Common Mistake: Many fans assume Hacks will return for a sixth season. However, the creators and cast confirmed that Season 5, which aired in April 2026, is the definitive series finale.
2026 Broadway Debut: Playing Mary Todd Lincoln in ‘Oh, Mary!’
In a move that surprised both the comedy and theater worlds, Stalter is taking her talents to the historic Lyceum Theatre. Starting July 6, 2026, she will star in the hit play Oh, Mary!.
Taking the Reins from Maya Rudolph
Stalter is stepping into a role previously played by Maya Rudolph. She will portray a bratty, high-octane version of Mary Todd Lincoln. This role perfectly suits Stalter’s “absurdist” style of comedy, which first went viral on Instagram during the pandemic.
What to Expect at the Lyceum
The production is a limited-run engagement. Stalter is scheduled to perform from July 6 through September 12, 2026. Because of this residency, her usual stand-up tour dates will be limited to the New York area during the summer months.
Broadway Attendance Checklist:
- Venue: Lyceum Theatre, 149 W 45th St, New York, NY.
- Dates: July 6 – September 12, 2026.
- Tickets: Available through the official Lyceum box office or Telecharge.
- Note: These shows are expected to sell out quickly due to Stalter’s current momentum.
From Comedy to Charts: The ‘Crave’ Album and Music Career
Megan Stalter is not just a comedian who sings; she is now a pop artist with a clear vision. In May 2026, she announced her debut music album, Crave. This project moves away from her usual parodies and enters the world of early 2000s-inspired pop.
The Sonic Shift
The lead single, “Prettiest Girl In America,” was released on May 1, 2026. Critics have noted that the production mimics the high-gloss, energetic sound of the Y2K era. While her humor is still present in the lyrics, the musicality is professional and polished.
Comparison: Megan Stalter’s 2026 Creative Pivot
| Project | Medium | Release/Start Date | Role/Status |
| Hacks | Television | April 9, 2026 | Series Regular (Kayla) |
| Crave | Music | May 2026 | Solo Artist (Debut Album) |
| Oh, Mary! | Broadway | July 6, 2026 | Mary Todd Lincoln |
| Too Much | Streaming | July 2025 | Lead Role (Jessica) |
Megan Stalter 2026 Tour Dates and Live Appearances
Even with a Broadway residency and an album launch, Stalter has not abandoned the comedy stage. She is currently on a North American tour, though her schedule has shifted to accommodate her New York City commitments.
Balancing Stand-up and Stage
Earlier in April 2026, Stalter performed at the Traverse City Comedy Fest alongside Sarah Sherman. Her current tour includes major stops like The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. However, fans should expect fewer West Coast dates once her Broadway run begins in July.
Pro Tip: If you want to see her stand-up set, prioritize any dates before July 6. Once her residency at the Lyceum Theatre starts, her travel will be limited almost exclusively to the New York area until mid-September.
Mid-Article Summary
- Current Focus: Rehearsing for Broadway and promoting her debut album, Crave.
- Last Release: The series finale of Hacks (April 2026).
- Next Big Milestone: Opening night of Oh, Mary! on July 6, 2026.
The Backstory: Cleveland Roots to Global Recognition
Stalter was born on September 15, 1990, in Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up in Dayton, where she began honing the “delusionally confident” characters that would eventually make her famous.
A Family of Creatives
The “Stalter” name has deep roots in Cleveland. Her father, Dave Stalter, owns the well-known Voodoo Monkey Tattoo shop. This connection to the local arts and business scene in Ohio remains a part of her public identity, even as she becomes a fixture in New York and Los Angeles.
The Pandemic Pivot
While she was already working in the Chicago and New York alt-comedy scenes, the 2020 pandemic changed everything. Her chaotic Instagram Live sketches, where she often played an incompetent corporate worker or a struggling actress, built the digital foundation that led directly to her role in Hacks.
Final Thoughts: 2026 is the Year of Stalter
From the final bow of Kayla Schaefer to her first steps on a Broadway stage, Megan Stalter’s 2026 is a masterclass in career growth. She is successfully navigating the transition from a digital “it-girl” to a multi-platform entertainer.
3 Next Steps for Fans
- Listen: Stream the single “Prettiest Girl In America” and the full album Crave on Spotify or Apple Music.
- Book: Check the Lyceum Theatre website for Oh, Mary! tickets before the September 12 closing date.
- Rewatch: Catch the series finale of Hacks on Max to see the conclusion of the Kayla and Jimmy storyline.
FAQs
Is Megan Stalter still on Hacks?
The series concluded with Season 5, which premiered in April 2026. This was the final season for all characters, including Stalter’s Kayla Schaefer.
When is Megan Stalter’s Broadway debut?
Her first performance in Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum Theatre is scheduled for July 6, 2026.
What is Megan Stalter’s new album called?
Her debut pop album is titled Crave, released in May 2026.
Who is Megan Stalter playing in Oh, Mary!?
She is playing the lead role of Mary Todd Lincoln, taking over the role in the Broadway production.
Where is Megan Stalter from?
She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Dayton, Ohio.
Did Megan Stalter win any awards recently?
Yes, she won the Breakthrough Performance award at the 2025 Critics Choice LGBTQ+ celebration and the Vanguard Award at the 2026 Queerty Awards.
Is Megan Stalter touring in 2026?
Yes, she is performing North American tour dates, including festivals and major theater stops, throughout 2026.
References
- Wikipedia — 2026
- Stereogum — 2026
- TheaterMania — 2026
- Cleveland Magazine — 2026
- RogerEbert.com — 2026
- Prime Video — 2026



