Adult Swim announced the cancellation of its animated comedy “Smiling Friends” on February 25, 2026, despite announcing last year that the show would receive seasons four and five. The creators of the show, Zack Hadel and Michael Cusack, shared the announcement through Adult Swim’s X account.
The series first aired on HBO Max in 2022 and quickly built a large fanbase worldwide. The show follows Pim and Charlie, two coworkers at a small company calling Smiling Friends, as they and their coworkers try to make unhappy clients smile. Each 15-minute-long episode features fast-paced humor and chaotic storylines that many fans found unique.
Creators Hadel and Cusack cited burnout as one of their main reasons for ending the show. Cusack said that he and Hadel felt content with where the show left off in season three, especially after spending years creating and voice acting in the show.
The creators also said it would be unfair to fans if they continued producing episodes that were half-hearted or low effort. Many show creators and producers believe it is better to end a series with viewers wanting more rather than just wanting it to end already.
Fans worldwide were devastated by the news, especially young adults and older teenagers who make up much of the show’s audience. However, most fans agree with the creator’s decision to end things sooner rather than later.
“I think it has made the most out of its three seasons and has not overstayed its welcome,” junior English major Garrett Haas said. “All good things have to come to an end, and it is better to end on a high note than become a bloated shell of what was once great.”
Similarly, junior social work major Lexi Castle supports the decision.
“If the creators believe that they cannot reach the level of entertainment that has already been brought to us for the last three seasons, I will gladly rewatch the last seasons knowing that was the best that could be offered,” Castle said. “Plus, OneyPlays still creates content, so I can still enjoy the Smiling Friends humor on a different domain.”
The creators stated that two previously unreleased episodes from season three will air April 12 on Adult Swim. Although the show ran for a relatively short time, it had a strong and lasting impact on viewers worldwide.
