26 February 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 8:04 PM]
Smiling Friends Season 3 will officially mark the end of the beloved Adult Swim animated comedy. In a heartfelt announcement, creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel confirmed that the show will conclude after its third season.
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Smiling Friends Season 3 Is the Final Chapter
Overview: The creators made it clear: this is not a joke or a publicity stunt. Smiling Friends Season 3 will be the show’s final season.
In a video posted online, Cusack and Hadel directly addressed fans. They confirmed that the animated hit on Adult Swim will end. Here’s what they clarified:
- This decision was intentional, not forced.
- The announcement is serious, not part of a comedy bit.
- No additional seasons are currently planned.
Hadel opened the video by saying he would “cut right to the chase,” emphasising the sincerity of the message.
After first premiering in January 2022, Smiling Friends quickly became a cult favourite due to its surreal humour, chaotic animation style, and unpredictable storytelling.
Why Smiling Friends Season 3 Is Ending
Overview: Creative burnout and a desire to “go out on top” played a major role in the decision.
After years of working nonstop on the series, the creators admitted they felt accomplished and exhausted.
Here’s what they shared:
- They felt “pretty burnt out” after finishing Season 3.
- They also felt “creatively accomplished.”
- They didn’t want to continue if quality suffered.
Hadel explained that from the very beginning, they aimed to give the show “110%” and then end it while it was still strong. Rather than risk delivering weaker seasons, they preferred to leave audiences wanting more.
Cusack added that even if they had ideas for five seasons, they wouldn’t want the show to stretch on unnecessarily.
In short, Smiling Friends Season 3 represents their vision completed.
Two Unreleased Smiling Friends Season 3 Episodes Coming in April
Overview: Fans still have something new to look forward to.
Although the main run of Smiling Friends Season 3 has wrapped, two additional episodes will air on April 12 at 11 p.m.
Below are the key details to know about these episodes:
- They are part of Season 3’s production order.
- They are not finales.
- They were simply not included in the original rollout.
Hadel described them as “little stragglers”; standalone instalments that don’t serve as grand conclusions.
So, April will give fans one final dose of the chaotic charm that made the show famous.
Was the Network Responsible?
Overview: The creators stressed that the decision was entirely theirs.
According to Cusack, the network was supportive from the beginning.
Check the reality:
- The network reportedly encouraged them to take a break.
- They were told they could return if they wanted.
- There was no cancellation pressure.
The executive allegedly said, “If you’re not feeling like making a cartoon, we’re not going to stop you.”
That means Smiling Friends Season 3 ends on the creators’ terms, not due to ratings or corporate interference.
Could Smiling Friends Return in the Future?
Overview: While no new seasons are planned, the door isn’t fully closed.
The creators confirmed:
- No Season 4 is currently planned.
- Future collaborations between Cusack and Hadel will continue.
- A special or standalone project isn’t impossible.
They also recently launched Zam Studios. It means that more animated content could be coming. They are aiming for something new, instead of unnecessarily more Smiling Friends seasons.
For now, they believe ending at three seasons protects the show’s legacy.
What the Creators Told Fans
Overview: The announcement was emotional and difficult.
Cusack admitted recording the message was hard and acknowledged fans would feel disappointed. They expressed the following directly:
- Gratitude for fan support.
- Appreciation for memes, fan art, and costumes.
- Pride in what they achieved.
They described the experience as “the ride of a lifetime.”
FAQs
1. Is Smiling Friends Season 3 the final season?
Yes. The creators confirmed the series ends after Season 3.
2. When do the final episodes air?
Two unaired Season 3 episodes will premiere on April 12 at 11 p.m.
3. Are the April episodes the series finale?
No. They are standalone episodes, not official finales.
4. Was the show cancelled?
No. The decision was made by the creators, and the network supported it.
5. Could there be a movie or special?
While no plans exist, the creators have not completely ruled out future specials.
Final Thoughts
Smiling Friends Season 3 closes the chapter on one of Adult Swim’s most distinctive animated comedies. Rather than stretching the story thin, Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel chose to exit while the show remains creatively strong.
