Adult Swim’s quirky animated comedy Smiling Friends is officially ending after Season 3. Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel shared the news in an audio message posted on Adult Swim’s X account, confirming that the decision was entirely theirs.
Bonus Episodes Still Coming
Although Season 3 wrapped on November 30, fans will get two additional episodes on April 12. Cusack and Hadel described them as “little stragglers, little rogue planets out there,” noting they are not part of a planned finale. Instead, they serve as bonus content, leaving the possibility open for future revisits.
Why End Now
The duo explained that after years of nonstop work, they felt both burnt out and accomplished. Cusack said, “We feel pretty accomplished, like we just came to this feeling we’re all like, I think that could just be it after Season 3.” Hadel added that they wanted to end while the show was still strong: “We wouldn’t want to be doing more seasons with half-hearted or burnt out energy. That’s not fair to us. It’s not fair to the audience.”
Fan Appreciation
Cusack and Hadel expressed gratitude to fans for embracing the show, highlighting the fan art, costumes, and memes that helped Smiling Friends grow far beyond their expectations. “It’s been a ride of a lifetime,” Cusack said. They also encouraged other studios to hire the talented crew who helped bring the series to life.
What’s Next for the Creators
While Smiling Friends is ending, Cusack and Hadel are not stepping away from animation. In October, Deadline reported that the duo, along with producer Aron Fromm, launched Zam Studios, an independent animation studio based in Los Angeles. This new venture will allow them to continue developing fresh projects together.
The Legacy of Smiling Friends
Premiering in 2020, the series quickly became a cult favorite thanks to its absurd humor, colorful characters, and offbeat storytelling. Season 3 featured Pim, Charlie, Flint, and the gang diving headfirst into their ultimate quest to spread joy. Produced by Williams Street, Adult Swim’s in-house studio, the show will remain available to stream on HBO Max.
For fans, the ending is bittersweet. While the series won’t continue beyond Season 3, the bonus episodes and the creators’ future projects promise that the spirit of Smiling Friends will live on in new forms.
