Cult hit ‘Smiling Friends’ is ending after Season 3 with final episodes in April

Adult Swim’s ‘Smiling Friends’ is ending after its third season, with two final episodes set to air in April

The beloved animated comedy Smiling Friends is officially coming to an end after three seasons, its creators have confirmed in an emotional announcement. The news was shared directly by co-creators and stars Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack in a video message posted through Adult Swim’s official channels, making it clear that the decision was their own and “not a bit.”

Despite previously being renewed for two additional seasons, Hadel and Cusack said that after years of relentless work, writing, directing, voicing, and steering much of the show themselves, they felt both creatively fulfilled and burnt out. They explained that ending the series now, while it still felt strong and meaningful to them, was preferable to continuing under fatigue or diluting the quality that made the show special in the first place.

The creators emphasized that Adult Swim has been supportive of the choice, even telling them that if they ever feel inspired to revisit the world of Smiling Friends down the line, the door would be open for future specials or episodes. But for now, they want a clean and respectful conclusion rather than a slow fade.

For fans who are already mourning the news, there’s still a little more to look forward to: two additional episodes that were produced alongside Season 3 but hadn’t yet aired are scheduled to premiere on April 12, 2026, on Adult Swim. The creators described these as fun “stragglers”, not necessarily thematically tied to a grand finale, but an extra chance to enjoy the characters one last time.

Since its premiere in 2022, Smiling Friends won praise for its offbeat humour, surreal storytelling and unique animation, quickly earning a passionate fanbase and critical acclaim. The series follows an eccentric team tasked with spreading happiness, usually in deeply bizarre and unexpected ways, and became known for a style that blended absurd comedy with memorable character moments.

Though the announcement brought sadness from many viewers, a recurring theme in responses has been respect for ending on their own terms, choosing to stop while still creatively invested rather than risk fatigue or diminishing returns. Hadel and Cusack’s thoughtful explanation and gratitude toward the show’s fans, crew, and journey reflected how personal Smiling Friends has been to both its makers and its audience.