Adult Swim’s animated comedy ‘Smiling Friends’ is ending after Season 3, with creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel announcing the decision in a video posted to Adult Swim’s social media. “This is not a bit, this is not a joke,” Hadel said. “Michael and I are here to announce that Smiling Friends will be ending after Season 3 is done.” The show had previously been renewed for Seasons 4 and 5, and ranked among HBO Max’s top 10 series during its Season 2 premiere, but Cusack and Hadel say finishing Season 3 left them feeling both accomplished and burned out. “We wouldn’t want to be doing more seasons half-hearted or burnt out,” Hadel said. “That’s not fair to us, and it’s not fair to the audience.”
‘Smiling Friends’ debuted in 2022 and quickly built a devoted following around its premise of co-workers Charlie (voiced by Hadel) and Pim (Cusack) attempting to bring positivity into the lives of others. The show became one of Adult Swim’s top-performing properties, ranking among HBO Max’s top 10 series during its Season 2 premiere and earning a reputation for bold, boundary-pushing comedy that reflected the singular creative vision of its two co-creators. Adult Swim had already renewed it for Seasons 4 and 5 as recently as August 2025, making the announcement all the more surprising. “Everyone at Adult Swim is incredibly proud of what Michael and Zach built,” the network said in a statement. “Like fans, we are sad to see this series come to an end.”
The decision was entirely Cusack and Hadel’s own, and Adult Swim has been fully supportive. Cusack cited the Beatles ending on ‘Abbey Road’ as the model they aspired to, telling The Hollywood Reporter earlier this season that “leaving the audience wanting more is the best.” Two final Season 3 episodes will air April 12 on Adult Swim, with the door left open for a potential return if the pair feel genuinely inspired to revisit the show. “We could come back in the future and make more episodes if we want,” Cusack said. “But it’s got to be right, and it’s got to be done right.”