Despite its loyal fanbase and critical acclaim since its debut in January 2022, Smiling friends He will not be returning for season four. Co-creators Zach cooed and Michael Cusack The network surprised fans in February 2026 by announcing that the Adult Swim animated comedy series would end after its third season, even though the network had previously renewed it for seasons four and five.
“I’m going to cut right to the chase,” Hadel said at the top of the message. “This is not a little, this is not a joke. Michael and I are here to announce that Smiling Friends will be ending after Season 3.”
Find out more below.
What is it Smiling friends on?
Smiling friends is an adult animated comedy that follows Pim and Charlie, two small business employees who try (often hilariously and messily) to help people be happy. The surreal, off-beat series blends dark humor, absurd scenarios, and intense character moments that earned it a dedicated fanbase after its 2022 debut.
Will there be a season 4 of Smiling friends?
no – Smiling friends He will not be returning for Season 4 or later. Although the series was previously renewed for seasons four and five in June 2025, co-creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack announced in February 2026 that the show would end after its third season.
However, two additional (originally unreleased) episodes of Season 3 are scheduled to air on April 12, 2026 on Adult Swim as part of the final run.
Why was it? Smiling friends canceled?
The decision to finish Smiling friends It was not produced by the network – Hadel and Cusack chose to wrap the series themselves after years of non-stop work because they felt creatively burned out and wanted to maintain the quality of the show rather than extend it.
“To be completely honest, after we finished Season 3, Zack and I felt the same way where we felt very exhausted after putting years and years into this, but also very accomplished,” Cusack added. “We just got to this feeling where we were like, ‘I think this could be it,’ after season three.”
Hadeel added: “We do not want to spend more seasons listless, exhausted, or not feeling that way.” “It’s not fair to us, and it’s not fair to the public to give you guys fucking dirt. It’s disgusting.”
The creators have said they would rather wrap the show “on top” than produce episodes without full passion, and Adult Swim has publicly supported their choice. They also left the door open for specials or potential future material if inspiration strikes, but for now, the regular seasons are over.
