Smiling Friends 'Cancelled'? Here's Why They Are Pulling the Plug On the Series After Season 3

The creators of the Adult Swim series Smiling Friends have confirmed that the programme will conclude following the completion of its third season. In an official video address released on 25 February 2026, Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack clarified that the decision to end the show was a voluntary choice rather than a traditional network cancellation. The announcement follows the series' significant success in both the US and the UK, where it has cultivated a dedicated following on streaming platforms.

During the address, Hadel and Cusack explained that they reached a mutual agreement to stop production to preserve the quality of the work. They noted that after years of 'grinding non-stop' on the project, they felt a sense of accomplishment rather than a desire to continue indefinitely. The creators emphasised that they wished to leave the series 'on top'.

The conclusion of the series highlights a rare instance in modern animation where creators prioritise their own mental health and artistic standards over commercial longevity. While Adult Swim has historically supported long-running franchises, the network has reportedly endorsed the duo's decision to step away. This move ensures that the Smiling Friends brand remains a concise, high-quality body of work rather than succumbing to the creative exhaustion that often plagues successful animated properties.

Burnout and the 'Control' Factor

The primary reason for the conclusion is the substantial toll the production has taken on its architects. Unlike many animated shows that delegate tasks to large writing rooms, Hadel and Cusack remain intimately involved in every script and animation review. Cusack described the pair as 'control freaks' over the show's DNA, noting that it simply would not be the same programme if it were handed over to other showrunners.

'Zach and I just both had the same feeling where we felt pretty burnt out after putting years and years into this,' Cusack stated. He added that while they feel accomplished, they reached a point where they felt season 3 was the natural conclusion. Hadel reinforced this, stating they have been working '24/7' on the show since 2020 and do not wish to produce future episodes if they are not feeling inspired.

Rejecting the Production of 'Slop'

A recurring theme in the announcement was the creators' refusal to produce what Hadel categorised as 'slop'. This term refers to content created out of obligation. Hadel was emphatic that continuing the series while burnt out would be unfair to the production crew and the viewers. 'We wouldn't want to be doing more seasons half-hearted,' Hadel remarked. 'It's not fair to the audience to give you guys f---ing slop. That sucks.'

This decision ensures the show avoids becoming a 'zombie show' that remains on the air long after its original creative spark has vanished. By ending the series now, the creators intend to leave their audience 'wanting more'. This philosophy aligns with the show's reputation for dense, high-effort comedy that relies on the specific comedic timing of its two founders.

Final 'Stragglers' and Future Prospects

Despite the finality of the announcement, fans have a small amount of content remaining. Two 'straggler' episodes, which were completed during the season 3 production cycle, are scheduled to air on 12 April 2026 at 11:00 pm on Adult Swim. Hadel described these as 'little rogue planets' that are not intended to serve as grand finales but are part of the total 10-episode count for the third season.

While the show is officially ending, the creators have not entirely ruled out a return in the distant future. They noted that Adult Swim has left the door open for a special or additional episodes should the pair feel 'hungry' to return. However, they stressed that any return must be done for the right reasons. For now, Hadel and Cusack confirmed they have 'squirted the whole thing out' of their systems and will be moving on to new, separate collaborations.