Adult Swim’s animated comedy Smiling Friends is wrapping up. Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel shared the news in a message on their X account.
Despite this disappointing announcement, there’s a silver lining. The third season just ended, but two bonus episodes will air on April 12. These episodes aren’t a finale but “little stragglers,” according to the creators, allowing for the possibility of more adventures in the future.
Cusack and Hadel made it clear that this decision was theirs. They were grateful for Adult Swim’s support throughout the show’s journey.
They shared their thoughts on ending the series. Cusack mentioned feeling burnt out but proud after spending years on Smiling Friends. Hadel echoed this sentiment, saying they wanted to leave the show at its peak, rather than dragging it out. “We didn’t want to give fans something half-hearted,” he said.
Both creators expressed their gratitude to the fans, who have embraced the show beyond their expectations. The fan art, memes, and costumes meant a lot to them.
Looking ahead, Cusack and Hadel plan to continue collaborating. They have started Zam Studios, a new animation venture based in Los Angeles.
Smiling Friends is available on HBO Max. Season 3 takes Pim, Charlie, Flint, and the gang on hilarious quests to spread joy, showcasing the unique blend of humor that fans love.
In an era where viewership statistics matter, Smiling Friends performed well with strong ratings, often trending on social media during its episodes. This success reflects a growing trend where audiences crave original animated content. As the landscape of adult animation evolves, shows like Smiling Friends set a standard for creativity and fandom engagement.
Looking at the broader context, animated series targeting adults have seen a significant rise over the past decade. Shows like Rick and Morty and Big Mouth have paved the way, indicating a strong appetite for innovative storytelling in animation.
This shift suggests that while Smiling Friends may be ending its current chapter, the show’s legacy could inspire another wave of animated series that resonate with audiences.
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Adult Swim,Michael Cusack,Smiling Friends,Zach Hadel
