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Adult Swim
Have you ever wondered why a series hailed by Looper as one of the top 25 Adult Swim shows is wrapping up so quickly? In a revealing video, Cusack shared, “After wrapping up Season 3, Zach and I both felt a sense of burnout, but also a sense of achievement from years of dedication. We reached a point where we thought, ‘This could be the end.’”
Hadel highlighted their intention to pour their all into the series, aiming to exit on a high note, leaving audiences wanting more instead of dragging on. The creators were wary of the show becoming “half-hearted.” Unlike other enduring animated comedies that have changed creative hands, Cusack noted that such a shift would be “too strange” for “Smiling Friends,” given their hands-on approach and the fact that they voice the main characters.
Adult Swim has expressed a willingness to produce additional episodes or specials for “Smiling Friends” if inspiration strikes the creators. Both Cusack and Hadel have indicated a potential return if they feel creatively motivated, but they are cautious about making promises, which is why they’ve declared the show’s conclusion rather than a hiatus.
Should they decide to return, Hadel insists, “It has to be done right, ensuring we create something fantastic for the fans and ourselves.” Meanwhile, the pair will continue to work together on projects outside the “Smiling Friends” universe, as well as pursuing individual endeavors.
Smiling Friends may return in the future, when the creators feel like it
Adult Swim
The timeline for the show’s possible temporary conclusion remains unclear. However, in a November 2025 discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Cusack and Hadel were adamant about not extending the series indefinitely, regardless of external pressures. “Even if we had countless ideas by the end of season five, we wouldn’t continue endlessly. That’s certain,” Hadel remarked.
If they come back, Hadel said, “it’s gotta be done right and we have to know we’re gonna make something that’s great for you guys that you guys could enjoy and that we enjoy.” The duo will continue to collaborate on other non-“Smiling Friends” projects, as well as creating their own work.
It’s not clear how long ago the series’ maybe-temporary conclusion was decided upon. However, in a November 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cusack and Hadel were clear that they didn’t want to go on forever, despite what their agents and the network might wish. “Even if we had a thousand ideas at the end of season five, we’re not going to go on long. I will say that much,” said Hadel.
Cusack talked about how he admired The Beatles going out on a high point: “They ended with Abbey Road on a peak, and it’s like this nice little discography you can go back to watch. Leaving the audience wanting more is the best.”