What Happened
Adult Swim’s animated series Smiling Friends will conclude after its third season, as announced by creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel in a video posted on Adult Swim’s X account. The duo confirmed that this decision is final and not a joke, stating, “This is not a bit, this is not a joke. Michael and I are here to announce that ‘Smiling Friends’ will be ending after Season 3 is done.” They expressed feelings of burnout after years of work but also a sense of accomplishment.
Why It Matters
The creators emphasized their desire to leave the show on a high note, stating it is better for the audience to feel they want more rather than to continue producing content that feels half-hearted. Hadel remarked, “We wouldn’t want to be doing more seasons half-hearted or burnt out or not feeling it. That’s not fair to us, and it’s not fair to the audience to give you guys fucking slop.” The decision to end the series was made independently, with both creators praising Adult Swim for their support.
What’s Next
While Smiling Friends will not continue beyond Season 3, there are two new episodes set to air on April 12. The creators hinted at the possibility of future collaborations but have not committed to any specific projects. They noted, “We’ll have to see how we feel after four and five, and then Zach and I will get into the war room and decide what the next plan is.” For now, fans will have to say goodbye to the beloved series.
