Image Credit: Adult Swim/Warner Bros.
Regardless of its devoted following and critical praise since its premiere in January 2022, Smiling Friends will not be back for a fourth season. The announcement in February 2026 from co-creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack stunned fans when they revealed that the Adult Swim animated program will conclude after its third season — in spite of the fact that the network had already given the green light for seasons 4 and 5.
“I’m just going to be upfront with you,” Hadel stated at the start of the announcement. “This is not some kind of skit; this is not a joke. Michael and I are here to share that ‘Smiling Friends’ will be concluding once Season 3 is finished.”
Keep reading for additional information.
What Is Smiling Friends About?
Smiling Friends is a comedic animated show on Adult Swim that centers on Pim and Charlie, a duo of colleagues at a small enterprise who endeavor (often in ways that are both chaotic and humorous) to assist others in attaining happiness. The unique and bizarre series utilizes elements of dark humor, outlandish situations, and keen character development that garnered it a committed fanbase subsequent to its debut in 2022.
Will There Be a Season 4 of Smiling Friends?
The answer is no — Smiling Friends will not be revived for Season 4 or any future seasons. While the series had previously been given the go-ahead for a fourth and fifth season in June 2025, co-creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack declared in February 2026 that the show would conclude following its third.
Nevertheless, a pair of additional episodes (previously unreleased) from Season 3 are scheduled to air on Adult Swim on April 12, 2026, as a component of its final airing.
Why Was Smiling Friends Cancelled?
The verdict to end Smiling Friends was not dictated by the network — Hadel and Cusack opted to bring the series to a close on their own accord following years of relentless effort, as they felt creatively drained and desired to maintain the show’s caliber rather than diluting it.
“Truthfully, after we wrapped up Season 3, Zach and I simply shared the sentiment that we were feeling pretty worn out after dedicating years and years to this, but also quite fulfilled,” Cusack added. “We both came to the realization that ‘I think this could be the end,’ after Season 3.”
“We wouldn’t be interested in creating further seasons in a lackluster or exhausted state, or if we weren’t feeling it,” Hadel included. “It’s unfair to us, and it’s unfair to the audience to present you guys with garbage. That’s just awful.”
The creators conveyed their preference to end the show “at its peak” rather than generating episodes devoid of complete enthusiasm, and Adult Swim publicly voiced their support for their decision. They also alluded to the possibility of prospective specials or content should inspiration emerge, but for the time being, ongoing seasons are finished.