Adult Swim’s hit animated series Smiling Friends will officially conclude after its upcoming third season, leaving fans divided over the abrupt announcement. Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel revealed that the show will wrap after Season 3, despite Adult Swim previously announcing renewals for Seasons 4 and 5. The decision, they explained, stems from concerns about creative burnout.
A Sudden Shift in Plans
The news shocked viewers who had expected the series to continue for years. With only two unreleased episodes still to come, fans expressed mixed emotions online. Some criticized the short run, while others praised the creators for ending the show on their own terms rather than letting it decline.
Comments ranged from frustration—“Burnt out while making 25 ten-minute episodes in six years”—to understanding: “Better than have it run indefinitely while becoming a shell of its former self.”
Why End Now?
Though Smiling Friends episodes are brief, the creators emphasized that animation requires thousands of hours of work. Unlike longer-running shows such as Rick and Morty, Cusack and Hadel were unwilling to hand over creative control to others.
“It’s their brainchild,” one fan noted, acknowledging that while disappointing, the decision reflects artistic integrity.
A Comfort Show Lost
Since its debut, Smiling Friends was hailed as Adult Swim’s biggest original success since Rick and Morty. Its quirky humor and surreal storytelling earned a loyal following. Many fans saw it as a comfort show, making the cancellation sting even more. Still, viewers can revisit the first three seasons on HBO Max, where the series remains available alongside other Adult Swim favorites.
What’s Next?
Adult Swim has teased upcoming projects, including Ha Ha, You Clowns and a new Rick and Morty spinoff. Meanwhile, fans hope Cusack and Hadel will return with fresh ideas in the future. For now, Smiling Friends will bow out with Season 3, leaving behind a short but memorable legacy in Adult Swim’s lineup.
