Adult Swim
Creators Announce the End of the Run
Adult Swim confirmed the news in a short video posted to its X account. In the message, Zach Hadel opened with: “I’m gonna cut right to the chase. This is not a bit, this is not a joke. Michael and I are here to announce that ‘Smiling Friends’ will be ending after Season 3 is done.”
Why the decision was made
Michael Cusack said both he and his co-creator felt “pretty burnt out after putting years and years into this,” but also “pretty accomplished.” They agreed it felt right to stop while they still had energy and pride in the work. Cusack explained the decision was theirs and that Adult Swim has been “very supportive.”
Creators’ message on quality over quantity
Hadel said from the start they wanted to put “110%” into the show and “then go out on top.” He added they’d rather leave fans “wanting more” than keep making episodes half-heartedly. “We wouldn’t want to be doing more seasons half-hearted or burnt out or not feeling it,” he said.
What Adult Swim will air next
The creators announced that two unreleased Season 3 episodes will air on April 12 on Adult Swim. Hadel clarified these are “not finales” but “little stragglers” that didn’t make the initial rollout.
Network reaction and future possibility
Cusack noted that when they told the network their plan, Adult Swim replied: “If you’re not feeling like making a cartoon, we’re not going to stop you. Go have a break. Either come back or don’t.” The creators left open the possibility of returning someday — “maybe not. Who knows?”
Final thoughts from the team
Both creators expressed how difficult it was to make the announcement and thanked fans for their support. Cusack said, “It’s been the best. It’s been the ride of a lifetime,” and asked the audience to understand their choice to end after Season 3.
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