Adult Swim Cancels ‘Smiling Friends’ After Third Season
Adult Swim’s animated series “Smiling Friends” will conclude after its third season. Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel shared the news through a video on Adult Swim’s X account, emphasizing that this decision is final and not a prank.
Creators Discuss the Decision to End “Smiling Friends”
Both Cusack and Hadel expressed their feelings of burnout after years of dedicated work. Hadel stated, “We felt pretty burnt out after putting years into this and also pretty accomplished.” They concurred that ending the series after Season 3 felt right.
Maintaining Quality Over Quantity
Hadel highlighted their desire to ensure the show concluded on a high note. He stated it would be better for fans to “want more” rather than feel that the quality has declined. “We wouldn’t want to be doing more seasons half-hearted or burnt out,” he noted.
Support from Adult Swim
Cusack mentioned that Adult Swim has been very supportive of their decision. “If you’re not feeling like making a cartoon, we’re not going to stop you,” they were told by the network. This understanding paved the way for the creators to take a much-needed break.
Future Possibilities
Despite the cancellation, Cusack hinted at a potential return. “We could come back in the future and make more episodes if we want,” he said. However, he acknowledged that the future remains uncertain.
Final Episodes Announcement
- Two unreleased Season 3 episodes will air on April 12 on Adult Swim.
- These episodes, described as “little stragglers,” are not series finales.
In their closing remarks, Cusack expressed gratitude towards fans. He indicated that saying goodbye was a challenging task. “It’s been a ride of a lifetime,” he concluded, appreciating the support of their audience throughout the journey.
