Sometimes, the end of a creative journey is just as powerful as its beginning. After years of laughter, chaos, and unforgettable characters, one of Adult Swim’s boldest animated comedies is preparing to take its final bow.
Fans who’ve followed every absurd twist, heartwarming moment, and razor-sharp joke are now bracing for a farewell that’s both poignant and inevitable.
Adult Swim’s acclaimed animated comedy, Smiling Friends, is concluding after its third season. The creators and stars of the series, Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, shared the news in a candid video posted on Adult Swim’s X account, emphasizing that the decision was a deliberate choice to end on a high note.
“I’m going to cut right to the chase. This is not a joke,” Hadel said in the six-minute clip. “Michael and I are here to announce that Smiling Friends will be ending after Season 3.” Cusack added, “After finishing Season 3, we felt accomplished but also burnt out. We simply knew it was time to conclude this chapter.”
From the outset, Cusack and Hadel invested “110%” into the series, striving to deliver the sharpest humor and most engaging stories possible. Hadel explained that ending the show now ensures the audience is left wanting more, rather than seeing the series decline in quality.
“We wouldn’t want to produce half-hearted seasons or burn out creatively it wouldn’t be fair to ourselves or the fans,” he said.
Adult Swim has been supportive of the creators’ decision, offering flexibility should they wish to return to the series in the future. “They told us, ‘If you’re not feeling like making a cartoon, we’re not going to stop you. Take a break, and maybe come back later if you want,’” Cusack revealed.
Fans can still look forward to two previously unreleased episodes from Season 3, scheduled to air on April 12, 2026. Hadel clarified that these episodes are not the series finale but rather “little stragglers” that didn’t make it into the initial rollout.
Cusack concluded with gratitude toward the audience: “This has been the ride of a lifetime. The fans have been incredible. We hope you understand our decision and appreciate the journey we’ve shared together.”
With its signature blend of absurdity, heart, and wit, Smiling Friends leaves a lasting imprint on the world of adult animation, proving that sometimes, knowing when to bow out is part of a creative legacy.
