Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel announced the conclusion of their animated comedy, Smiling Friends, during an audio message on Adult Swim’s X account. This follows the airing of its eight-episode third season, which wrapped up on November 30, 2023.
Additional Episodes and Future Possibilities
While the third season has come to an end, fans can look forward to two additional episodes scheduled for release on April 12, 2024. Cusack and Hadel described these episodes as “little stragglers” that are not thematically connected to the main narrative, stating they weren’t conceived as a finale but rather leave the opportunity for future content open.
Creators’ Reflections
In their announcement, both creators expressed feelings of burnout after an intense production schedule spanning several years. Cusack remarked, “we feel pretty accomplished,” noting that after extensive dedication, it felt right to conclude the series at this juncture.
- Creators’ Intent: Aim to conclude while still at a high point.
- Production Background: Multiple years of non-stop work contributed to their decision.
Hadel added, “We wouldn’t want to continue if we felt burnt out. It’s not fair to us or the audience.” The duo emphasized their appreciation for the show’s fans, acknowledging the overwhelming support and creativity demonstrated by the audience through fan art and memes.
Looking Ahead
Cusack and Hadel are not stepping away from animation. They have teamed with producer Aron Fromm to establish Zam Studios, an independent animation studio based in Los Angeles. This new venture signals their commitment to continue creating engaging content post-Smiling Friends.
Smiling Friends is produced by Williams Street, Adult Swim’s in-house production company, and is available for streaming on HBO Max the day after episodes air.
