"Smiling Friends" to Conclude After Third Season
Adult Swim's critically acclaimed animated comedy, "Smiling Friends," is scheduled to conclude its run after its third season. Series creators and stars Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel have officially announced this decision.
Zach Hadel confirmed the series ending following the completion of Season 3, stating definitively that the decision "was not a joke."
Creators Cite Burnout and Desire for Strong Finish
Michael Cusack elaborated on the decision, explaining that he and Hadel felt "burnt out" and accomplished after dedicating years to the show. They mutually decided that ending the series after Season 3 was appropriate, aiming to conclude while the audience still desired more content.
"We felt burnt out and accomplished after dedicating years to the show. We mutually decided that ending the series after Season 3 was appropriate, aiming to conclude while the audience still desired more content." — Michael Cusack
Hadel further emphasized their initial commitment to give "110%" to "Smiling Friends." He stressed the importance of ending the series strongly, rather than continuing with diminished enthusiasm. Producing content half-heartedly, Hadel noted, would be unfair to both the creators and the audience.
"Our initial commitment was to give 110% to 'Smiling Friends' and to end the series strongly. Producing content half-heartedly would be unfair to both the creators and the audience." — Zach Hadel
Adult Swim Expresses Support
Cusack clarified that the decision to conclude the series was entirely theirs. Adult Swim, the network, has expressed its full support for their choice. The network also indicated openness to them returning to create more episodes in the future, should they choose to do so.
Two Additional Season 3 Episodes Scheduled to Air
The creators also announced that two previously unreleased Season 3 episodes are slated to air on April 12 on Adult Swim. They specified that these are not the series finales, but rather additional installments from the current season.