Smiling Friends to End After Season 3 as Creators Cite Burnout and Creative Limits
Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel have announced that Smiling Friends will end after its third season, delivering the news in a video posted to the show's network social account. The decision reflects exhaustion after years of work and a mutual desire to preserve the show's quality and legacy.
Creators announce Smiling Friends will end
In the video, Zach Hadel opened bluntly with, “I’m gonna cut right to the chase, ” and confirmed, “This is not a bit, this is not a joke. Michael and I are here to announce that ‘Smiling Friends’ will be ending after Season 3 is done. ” Michael Cusack said that after finishing Season 3, both he and Hadel felt “pretty burnt out after putting years and years into this, but also pretty accomplished, ” and that they’d come to the feeling that “I think that could just be it, ” after Season 3.
Why Smiling Friends is ending
Hadel framed the choice as intentional and protective of the show’s standards: from the start they wanted to put “110%” into the series and “go out on top. ” He argued it is preferable to leave the audience “wanting more” rather than continue past the point where the work suffers, paraphrasing the reaction they want to avoid: “That show is still on the air? Oh god. ” Hadel added that they “wouldn’t want to be doing more seasons half-hearted or burnt out or not feeling it, ” saying that would be unfair to both creators and viewers and calling low-quality continuation “fucking slop. ”
Network response and creators’ decision-making
Cusack described the choice to end the series as “our decision” and said the network has been “very supportive. ” When told of their feelings, the network’s response was, “If you’re not feeling like making a cartoon, we’re not going to stop you. Go have a break. Either come back or don’t. ” Cusack noted there remains the possibility that they could return to make more episodes in the future if they want—“maybe not. Who knows?”—underscoring that the current ending is a creator-driven pause rather than an absolute cancellation.
Unreleased Season 3 episodes and schedule
The pair announced that two unreleased Season 3 episodes will air on April 12 at 11 p. m. ET. Hadel clarified these installments are “not finales, ” describing them as “little stragglers” that didn’t make it into the initial season rollout but are part of the completed Season 3 order.
Creative limits, legacy and future possibilities
Beyond burnout, the creators framed the end as a choice to avoid compromising the show’s quality. They said they felt “burnt out and creatively accomplished after completing the third season” and do not believe they could continue without lowering standards. Cusack previously observed that the series was unlikely to follow the extended runs of other shows, saying, “We pretty much can guarantee it’s not going to go on as much as these other shows. ” Hadel added a similar sentiment about limiting longevity: “Even if we had a thousand ideas at the end of season five, we’re not going to go on long. ”
Message to fans and what comes next
Cusack acknowledged the announcement is “very disappointing” for viewers and said it was difficult for the creators to record the message. He asked that fans understand and expressed gratitude—“the fans have been so good. It’s been the best. It’s been the ride of a lifetime. ” While the series will conclude after Season 3, the creators left the door open for future projects in the same universe, including potential collaborations or a special, noting they have not ruled out returning in another form.
For now, viewers should expect the two additional Season 3 episodes on April 12 at 11 p. m. ET, and understand that the creators’ choice is driven by burnout, creative standards, and a desire to end the show on their own terms rather than continue past what they consider the show’s prime.
