If you’ve been following the whirlwind that is Ali Wong’s life lately, you know it’s been a chaotic mix of record-breaking comedy specials, Emmy sweeps, and a love life that keeps the internet in a collective state of "wait, what?"
Honestly, it's a lot.
Just when we all got used to seeing her and Bill Hader being the "it" couple of the comedy world, the news dropped in January 2026 that they’ve called it quits. It’s the end of an era—well, a two-year era. But to understand how we got here, you’ve basically got to look back at the messiness and the "unconventional" way Ali does romance.
The Justin Hakuta Era: From the "Trap" to Best Friends
Most people first met Ali when she was seven months pregnant in a leopard-print dress during Baby Cobra. Back then, her husband, Justin Hakuta, was the "Harvard Business School" guy she joked about "trapping."
They met at a wedding in 2010. Ali says she knew within five minutes that he was the one. Not because of a lightning bolt of love, but because she thought he was a catch and she was ready to settle down. They got married in 2014, had two daughters (Mari and Nikki), and seemed like the rare Hollywood success story.
Then came the prenup.
It’s one of the most famous parts of the Ali Wong dating history. Justin’s family made her sign it because he was the one with the money back then. Ali later called it "one of the greatest things that ever happened" to her because it forced her to be a breadwinner. By the time they announced their split in April 2022, the tables had turned. She was the one with the massive Netflix deals.
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What really throws people is how they’ve handled the divorce. It wasn’t finalized until May 2024, and through the whole process, they stayed incredibly close. We’re talking "playing pickleball and traveling together" close.
- April 2022: Official separation announced.
- December 2023: Ali officially files for divorce.
- May 2024: The marriage is legally over.
She even thanked him in her 2024 Golden Globes speech. Calling your ex-husband your "best friend" while your new boyfriend is sitting in the audience? That is pure Ali Wong energy.
The Bill Hader Chapter: Flowers, Split-ups, and 2026
The romance with Bill Hader didn't just happen overnight. It was more like a slow-burn pursuit that started almost the second Bill heard she was single.
According to Ali’s 2024 special Single Lady, Bill (though she didn't name him at first) called her up and confessed he'd had a crush on her for years. He told her she was his "dream girl."
Ali's response? Basically, "I just paid $25 for a dating app, I need to get my money’s worth."
She went on a tour of Europe and dated around—famous directors, 60-year-old surfers, you name it. But Bill didn't give up. He sent massive flower arrangements to every single hotel she stayed at across Europe. Eventually, the persistence paid off.
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A Timeline of the Hader-Wong Romance
They first dated "very briefly" in late 2022 but broke up by December because they were both too busy.
By April 2023, things were back on. Bill mentioned a "girlfriend" in an interview, and a few days later, they were spotted kissing on Ali’s 41st birthday while wearing matching Hoka sneakers.
They made their red carpet debut in early 2025 at the Directors Guild Awards. For about a year, they were the darlings of the awards circuit. But the cracks started showing in early 2026.
The 2026 Split: On January 7, 2026, reports confirmed that Ali and Bill had officially broken up after two years together. Sources say it was "very amicable"—a word that seems to follow Ali everywhere. The reality is that Ali is heading out on a massive stand-up tour, and Bill has a stacked filming schedule. Between their careers and their five combined kids (he has three, she has two), the logistics just stopped working.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Dating Life
There’s this weird myth that Ali's Don Wong special—the one where she talked about wanting to cheat—was the reason her marriage ended.
People love a "life imitates art" narrative. But the truth is usually more boring. Long-term relationships in the spotlight are hard. Transitioning from a marriage to a friendship while raising kids is even harder.
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She also briefly dated a drummer and allegedly a few tech entrepreneurs during her "single" phase in 2022, but those were blips. The most significant thing about her dating history isn't actually the men; it’s the fact that she refuses to let a breakup be a "failure."
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Ali?
If you're looking for lessons from the Ali Wong dating history, it’s mostly about boundaries and being "selectively private." Even when she's joking about her sex life on stage, she keeps the intimate details of her actual relationships under lock and key.
With the 2026 breakup with Bill Hader still fresh, here is what we can actually expect:
- A massive tour: Ali is currently prepping for new dates, which is where the real "tea" will likely be spilled.
- Co-parenting as a priority: She and Justin Hakuta are still the gold standard for friendly exes.
- New material: Every time Ali goes through a life shift, we get a legendary special. If Single Lady was about the aftermath of her divorce, the next one will almost certainly tackle the Bill Hader era.
Don't expect her to jump back into a serious relationship tomorrow. She’s famously said she enjoys her independence, and with her career at an all-time high, she’s likely focusing on her own "beautiful beginning."
Keep an eye on her upcoming tour dates—that's usually where she tests out the truth before it hits Netflix.