Adult Swim's 'Smiling Friends' to End After Season 3

Variety

by Jack Dunn

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Adult Swim’s animated comedy *Smiling Friends* is set to conclude after its third season, with creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel announcing the news in a heartfelt video shared on Adult Swim’s X account. The duo revealed that after years of dedication to the series, they felt emotionally drained but accomplished following Season 3. “We just came to this feeling where we were like, ‘I think that could just be it,’ after Season 3,” Cusack shared. Hadel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that they wanted to leave the show on a high note rather than continuing half-heartedly or burning out creatively. The pair explained that their decision was driven by a desire to avoid producing content they weren’t fully invested in. “It’s better to leave the audience wanting more than to have fans think, ‘That show is still on the air? Oh god,’” Hadel said. Cusack added that Adult Swim had been incredibly supportive of their decision, giving them the freedom to step away or return in the future if they felt inspired. “If you’re not feeling like making a cartoon, we’re not going to stop you,” Adult Swim representatives told them. In a bittersweet update, Hadel and Cusack confirmed that two unreleased episodes from Season 3 will air on April 12 on Adult Swim. These episodes, however, are not finales but rather “little stragglers” that didn’t fit into the initial rollout schedule. The creators expressed gratitude to fans for their overwhelming support over the years, calling the experience a “ride of a lifetime.” They acknowledged the disappointment this news may bring but stressed that it was an inevitable decision after pouring so much of themselves into the show. The conclusion of *Smiling Friends* marks the end of an era for both the creators and its loyal fan base. While fans will surely miss the series, they can take solace in knowing that the show’s legacy remains intact, with two final episodes set to air. This decision by Cusack and Hadel highlights their commitment to maintaining quality and integrity in their work, even as they step away from the spotlight. For entertainment enthusiasts, this story underscores the challenges creators face in balancing passion projects with personal well-being, making it a compelling narrative in the world of

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Originally published on Variety on 2/26/2026