Smiling Friends to End After Season 3 as Creators Cite Burnout; Two Final Episodes Set for April 12
The creators and stars of the animated comedy announced that smiling friends will conclude after its third season, a choice driven by exhaustion and a sense of creative completion. The decision was revealed in a video posted to the series' official social account and comes despite earlier plans for additional seasons; two unreleased Season 3 episodes are scheduled to air April 12 at 11 p. m. ET.
Smiling Friends Creators Cite Burnout, End Series After Season 3
Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, who both created and star in the show, explained in the announcement that after finishing Season 3 they felt both burnt out and accomplished, and concluded that ending the series now was the right move. They emphasized that this was their decision and that they would rather stop while the series still felt strong than continue half‑heartedly.
How the Announcement Was Delivered and What It Said
The pair revealed the news in a recorded message posted to the show's official social account. They described the choice as difficult—Cusack said recording the announcement itself was very hard—and framed the ending as a deliberate, creator-led decision intended to preserve the show's quality. Hadel stressed that they wanted to put everything into the project and go out on top rather than extend it beyond their enthusiasm.
What Fans Will See Next: Two Unreleased Season 3 Episodes
Fans will get two additional, previously unreleased episodes from Season 3 on April 12 at 11 p. m. ET. The creators characterized these installments as leftover or stray entries from the season rollout, not as final chapters or definitive series finales. One creator described them as smaller, standalone pieces that did not form a concluding arc.
Early Plans and Previous Renewals
The decision to end comes after a period when the show had been picked up for further seasons; it had previously been slated for seasons four and five. Earlier in the production cycle the creators had already written two episodes for a new season and had considered evaluating the series' future after a later season. Agents and representatives had expected a much longer run, with lighthearted talk of many more seasons, but the creators ultimately prioritized their own sense of timing and creative energy.
The Network Reaction and Possibilities Ahead
The series' network expressed pride in what the creators built and said it respected the decision to end the series with the remaining Season 3 episodes. The network also indicated openness to future collaboration and made clear the creators would be free to return to the project if they chose. Cusack and Hadel left the door open to potential future work in the same universe, including specials or occasional new episodes, but they did not commit to any concrete plans.
Creative Control, Quality Concerns, and the Final Word
Both creators said they would not hand the project off to other teams, citing a strong desire to protect the show's voice and quality; Cusack described their approach as intensely hands‑on. They argued that ending while the work still felt vital would better serve both the creators and the audience, preferring to leave viewers wanting more rather than stretching the show beyond its natural endpoint. They expressed gratitude for the fans' support and acknowledged disappointment will follow, while reiterating hope that the choice is understood.
As the two final Season 3 episodes prepare to air on April 12 at 11 p. m. ET, the series closes this chapter with creators framing the ending as a carefully considered, creator‑led decision rather than an abrupt cancellation. The future of the property remains open but undefined, hinging on whether the creators feel compelled to return.
