The creators behind the quirky animated show Smiling Friends, Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, are thrilled with their journey so far. The season three finale, which aired on Sunday, took a closer look at the character Glep, a green and enigmatic figure. The show revolves around co-workers Charlie and Pim, who strive to spread positivity. Since its debut, it has become a standout series on Adult Swim, leading to two more seasons being greenlit.
In a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Cusack and Hadel shared insights about how early seasons influenced the current one. They reflected on fan interpretations of their work and revealed that the Beatles inspire them when thinking about the show’s future.
Why explore Glep’s backstory now? Hadel joked that after three seasons, it was about time fans found out more about him. They’ve had ideas for Glep’s history since the show’s inception, but wanted to ensure any backstory was entertaining and humorous rather than overly serious.
As for Charlie and Pim’s evolving friendship, Cusack noted it grows naturally, reflecting what they find funny. Charlie sees Pim more as a colleague, while Pim looks up to Charlie as a best friend, creating a humorous imbalance in their relationship.
This season has also stirred social media chatter, especially with the “anime con tag” from the Squim episode. Cusack found the online discussions amusing but pointed out that sometimes fans overthink certain moments. Hadel added that they enjoy embedding subtle jokes into the show, leading to diverse interpretations.
When politics pop up in their stories, Hadel explained it often reflects the chaos of current events, while Cusack stressed that the show aims to remain apolitical, focusing instead on humor.
Interestingly, actor Brian O’Halloran from Clerks made a guest appearance this season. Hadel joked that O’Halloran might not be a Smiling Friends fan but appreciated his professionalism during filming. For Cusack and Hadel, bringing in a legend from their childhood was a dream come true.
Looking ahead, they’ve already written some scripts for new episodes. They emphasized the importance of staying true to their vision without falling into the Hollywood “hit-making” machine, which often lacks passion. Cusack believes shows should come from genuine ideas, not just formulas. They are determined to avoid making the series drag on indefinitely, wanting to leave audiences wanting more rather than overstaying their welcome.
As they continue to create, they focus on fun and spontaneity. Their approach allows for improvisational moments, distinguishing the essence of Smiling Friends from many other shows.
In a world where many animated series seem to chase after trends, Cusack and Hadel remain grounded, prioritizing authenticity and humor over flashy storytelling styles. With the future of the show in sight, they look forward to what’s next, promising to keep the spirit of the show alive as they move forward.
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Adult Swim,animation,Clerks,kevin smith,Smiling Friends,The Beatles,The Simpsons,Wings
