Key Points
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Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel are ending the series after Season 3
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Final two episodes will air April 12 on Adult Swim
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Network remains open to future specials or revival
LOS ANGELES, California. Adult Swim’s cult animated comedy Smiling Friends is set to end after its third season, with creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel saying they chose to walk away while the show is still at its peak.
The announcement came in a February 25 video posted to Adult Swim’s YouTube channel, where the duo confirmed the decision was voluntary despite the network previously renewing the series through Season 5.
“To be perfectly honest, after we finished Season 3, Zach and I just both had the same feeling where we felt pretty burnt out,” Cusack said. “But also pretty accomplished.”
The creators stressed the move was about protecting the show’s quality rather than extending its run.
Final episodes already scheduled
Two remaining Season 3 episodes will air April 12 on Adult Swim. Hadel emphasized they are not designed as a grand finale but rather additional standalone adventures.
“This is not a bit,” Hadel told fans in the video. “This is not a joke.”
The pair said they did not want the series to continue in a diminished form or be handed off to a different creative team. Cusack described the show as highly creator driven, noting they have been closely involved in every aspect of production.
Network leaves door open
Adult Swim said it supports the decision and remains open to future collaborations if the creators decide to return.
Cusack and Hadel also hinted that Smiling Friends could come back someday if inspiration strikes, but they did not want to label the current pause as a temporary hiatus.
The series debuted in 2022 and quickly built a strong fan base for its offbeat humor and distinctive animation style.
So, the early ending highlights a growing trend in animation where creators choose shorter, tightly controlled runs rather than long multi-season stretches. For Adult Swim, losing one of its most talked-about recent hits leaves a notable gap in its late-night lineup.
For now, fans will have to wait until April 12 for the show’s final two Season 3 episodes.
