The cult-favorite dark comedy Smiling Friends is officially set to return with a third season—and fans of the show’s chaotic, off-kilter energy couldn’t be more thrilled. Announced during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024, Adult Swim’s early renewal reflects just how much faith the network has in this bizarre, boundary-pushing gem created by Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Pim and Charlie’s grin-inducing missions or a newcomer intrigued by the internet hype, here’s everything we know about Smiling Friends Season 3—including new production details, expected release timing, and what the creative team is cooking up behind the scenes.
Season 3 Is Official: Early Renewal Confirmed
Adult Swim officially greenlit Season 3 in mid-2024—before Season 2 had even wrapped. That level of confidence isn’t just rare, it’s a testament to the show’s growing cultural footprint and devoted fanbase. With Season 2 drawing strong viewership and meme-worthy moments, the announcement didn’t surprise those who’ve been tracking its momentum on social platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
When Will Season 3 Be Released?
There’s no confirmed release date yet, but all signs point to a late 2025 or early 2026 debut.
The gap between Seasons 1 and 2 was around two years, and based on updates from co-creator Michael Cusack, the third season is already deep into development. That said, animation is time-consuming—especially when you’re dealing with a show that prides itself on mixing traditional, digital, and experimental styles.
Production Status: “We’re in a Great Stride”
According to Cusack’s March 2025 update, production is “moving smoothly” and the writing team has hit its creative rhythm. With two seasons under their belts, the creators have a sharper grasp on the personalities of their main cast—and that’s fueling better jokes, tighter scripts, and faster animation workflows.
Also worth noting: The show’s production pipeline has become more efficient, thanks to increased support from Adult Swim and a more refined internal process between the co-creators and the animation team.
Style & Creative Direction: Expect More Visual Experimentation
One of the reasons Smiling Friends stands out is its fearless approach to animation. From low-res 3D characters to live-action inserts and abrupt tonal shifts, the series plays with form in ways few adult animated shows dare to.
In interviews, Cusack and Hadel have made it clear that Season 3 will continue this tradition of visual experimentation. Whether that means full claymation segments, VHS-style sequences, or more real-world footage, expect the unexpected.
But while the aesthetic shifts are exciting, the creators also emphasize storytelling fundamentals. Hadel has stated they want to avoid weirdness just for weirdness’ sake. That’s why emotional moments—like Charlie’s existential dread or Pim’s misguided optimism—continue to resonate beneath all the madness.
How Many Episodes?
No official episode count has been confirmed, but Seasons 1 and 2 each included 8–9 episodes. Expect a similar length in Season 3, which fits the show’s format well: short, punchy episodes filled with unpredictable energy, without overstaying their welcome.
Plot & Returning Characters: What Could Be Next?
Smiling Friends thrives on standalone episodes, but it has always flirted with light serialization—bringing back oddball characters like Mr. Frog, Shrimp, and even the fan-favorite Glep. Season 3 will likely continue this trend, offering a mix of:
- One-off storylines involving new, emotionally disturbed clients.
- Unexpected returns from characters we thought were one-time gags.
- More chaos from the office team—Mr. Boss, Allan, Glep, and the ever-suffering Charlie.
Given the series’ unpredictable nature, we could even see bigger cross-episode story arcs or a wild two-part finale.
What Fans Should Expect in Season 3
Here’s what the creators and the show’s track record suggest fans can look forward to:
- Weirder visual gags than ever before.
- Stronger character development, especially between Pim and Charlie.
- Dark comedy that pushes limits—Season 2 featured episodes about cults, death, and warped celebrity culture. Don’t expect Season 3 to pull punches.
- Meta humor and genre parody—the show’s known for parodying YouTubers, video games, reality TV, and more.
Stay Tuned
As production continues, expect more sneak peeks from the creators on social media and during upcoming Adult Swim panels. If you loved the blend of chaos and craft that defined Seasons 1 and 2, Season 3 promises more of the same—but even weirder.
Smiling Friends isn’t just coming back. It’s getting bolder, darker, and funnier. And if you’ve ever wanted to laugh at something you probably shouldn’t… you’re in for a treat.
While Smiling Friends doesn’t get the same mainstream attention as Rick and Morty or BoJack Horseman, its influence runs deep in the online comedy community. It’s frequently cited by animators as a modern benchmark for offbeat, internet-native humor. Season 3’s success could further cement it as Adult Swim’s next long-term staple—especially as other animated hits face creative fatigue or production challenges.
Season 2: Release Date and Streaming Information
Smiling Friends Season 2 officially premiered on May 12, 2024, on Adult Swim with a special double-episode release. The show had some confusion around its release due to an April Fools prank earlier in the year.
- Smiling Friends Season 2 premiered on May 12, 2024
- The second season has eight episodes, more than the first season’s run.
- Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel return with their unique blend of bizarre humor and animation style that fans have come to love.
Premiere Date Details
Adult Swim renewed Smiling Friends for a second season on February 9, 2022, giving fans hope for more adventures with Pim, Charlie, and the rest of the Smiling Friends crew. On March 24, 2024, there was an announcement that Season 2 would premiere on March 31, 2024. However, this turned out to be an April Fools prank played by the network.
The actual premiere took place on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at midnight with a special two-episode launch. This Mother’s Day debut marked the official start of the new season. Following the premiere, the remaining episodes (3-8) began airing weekly at midnight on Adult Swim.
Streaming Platforms
After episodes air on Adult Swim, viewers can watch Smiling Friends Season 2 the next day on Max (formerly HBO Max). This streaming arrangement follows the pattern established with previous Adult Swim content.
While Max serves as the primary streaming platform for the show, fans should check digital marketplaces for potential purchase options. Currently, there’s no information about Smiling Friends appearing on Paramount+ or other major streaming services.
For those without cable or Max subscriptions, the Adult Swim website and app might offer episodes with valid TV provider credentials. Digital purchase options through platforms like Amazon, iTunes, or Google Play may become available as the season progresses.
Content and Themes of Season Two
Season Two of Smiling Friends builds on the foundation laid in the first season while introducing new elements that expand the show’s universe. The distinctive animation style continues alongside the dark comedy that made the series popular.
Season 1 Recap and Season 2 Expectations
Season 1 introduced viewers to Charlie and Pim, two employees at Smiling Friends Inc. who help people find happiness. The first season established the company’s mission while developing quirky characters and exploring absurd situations with dark humor.
After the success of Season 1, fans have high expectations for Season 2, which premieres on May 12, 2024, with a double-episode release. The new season is expected to continue exploring the concept of happiness through bizarre adventures and strange client encounters.
Many viewers are anticipating more development of secondary characters introduced in the first season. The show creators have hinted at deeper storylines while maintaining the chaotic energy that made the show popular.
Character and Plot Development
Season 2 promises deeper character development for Charlie, Pim, and the supporting cast. The relationship dynamics established in Season 1 will likely evolve as the characters face new challenges in their quest to spread happiness.
The plot structure is expected to follow the episodic format of Season 1, with each episode featuring a new client seeking the Smiling Friends’ help. However, based on creator statements, Season 2 might include more continuity between episodes.
New characters will join the cast, expanding the strange world of Smiling Friends. Early promotional materials suggest that these additions will contribute to the show’s unique blend of humor and existential themes.
The Influence of Retro Gaming and Pop Culture
One of the most anticipated additions to Season 2 is “Gwimbly: Definitive Remastered Enhanced Extended Edition DX 4K,” a retro video game character. This character represents the show’s continued embrace of gaming culture and nostalgic references.
Gwimbly embodies the show’s tendency to parody pop culture while creating something entirely original. The character design appears to draw inspiration from early 3D gaming mascots of the 1990s.
Season 2 will likely continue incorporating references to animation styles from different eras. The creators, known for their appreciation of animation history, often blend these influences with modern sensibilities to create the show’s distinctive visual language.
The series continues to examine the concept of happiness through these cultural references, using them as vehicles to explore deeper themes while maintaining its comedic approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have many questions about the upcoming season of Smiling Friends. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries about release dates and viewing options.
When is the premiere date for the second season of Smiling Friends in the United States?
The first two episodes of Smiling Friends Season 2 are scheduled to premiere on May 12, 2025, in the United States. This information comes from recent Adult Swim announcements.
It’s worth noting that there was an April Fools prank on March 24, 2024, falsely announcing that the season would premiere on March 31, 2024.
Is Smiling Friends Season 2 available on Netflix?
Smiling Friends Season 2 will not be available on Netflix at launch. The show is an Adult Swim production, which typically means it will be exclusive to Adult Swim and their associated streaming platforms.
Netflix may acquire streaming rights later, but there are no announcements about this arrangement as of March 2025.
What platforms will host Smiling Friends Season 2 for streaming?
Season 2 will primarily stream on Adult Swim’s website and app. The show will also likely be available on HBO Max (now known as Max), as it hosts other Adult Swim content.
Additionally, episodes may be available for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play after they air.
What is the expected release date for the third season of Smiling Friends?
There is currently no official release date for a third season of Smiling Friends. Adult Swim typically waits to see the performance of a current season before announcing future seasons.
Based on the gap between seasons 1 and 2, if a third season is approved, it might arrive sometime in 2027.
When can we expect the first episode of Smiling Friends Season 2 to be available?
The first episode of Smiling Friends Season 2 will be available at midnight on May 12, 2025, on Adult Swim. This follows the traditional late-night release schedule for many Adult Swim programs.
For streaming, the episode should be available on Adult Swim’s platforms shortly after the television broadcast.
Has the renewal for a third season of Smiling Friends been confirmed?
No, the renewal for a third season of Smiling Friends has not been confirmed as of March 2025. Adult Swim typically announces renewals several months after a season concludes.
Renewal decisions are based on viewership numbers, critical reception, and other metrics that can only be evaluated after Season 2 airs.
