‘Smiling Friends’ Shocks Fans as “Burnt Out” Creators End Show After Season 3 Despite Previous Renewal

Hollywood Reporter

by Ryan Gajewski

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

'Smiling Friends,' an animated series created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, has come to an unexpected end after season three despite being renewed for seasons four and five. The creators announced on Adult Swim's social media that they had decided to conclude the show following their burnout after years of work on the project. The final two episodes of season three are set to air on April 12, with Hadel emphasizing that these episodes are not grand finales but rather part of the season as originally planned. The decision to end the series was based on the creators' emotional and physical exhaustion after completing season three. Cusack and Hadel shared that they felt a sense of accomplishment alongside fatigue, leading them to conclude that it was time to bring the show to a close. They also expressed their desire to maintain creative control over the project and not hand it off to other creators. Despite this, they left the door open for a potential revival in the future, stating that Adult Swim has been supportive of their decision. Adult Swim issued a statement praising the creators' vision and acknowledging the show's impact. The network emphasized its commitment to creator-driven content and expressed gratitude for the bold and boundary-pushing nature of 'Smiling Friends.' While fans may be disappointed by the abrupt ending, the series finale will allow them to reflect on the show

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/26/2026