Smiling Friends – the animated series for adults of 2022

“Smiling Friends” is an adult animated series from authors Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack, originally broadcast on Adult Swim, which quickly captured the attention of audiences and critics, becoming a point of reference for fans of the genre.

The series follows the events of a small company, Smiling Friends Inc., whose goal is to bring joy and happiness to its customers. Through the daily misadventures of its representatives, the lazy and cynical Charlie and the eternally optimistic Pim, “Smiling Friends” explores universal themes such as the search for happiness and the meaning of friendship, all seasoned with a black and surreal humor that is became the show's trademark.

The series debuted with a pilot episode on April 1, 2020, as part of Adult Swim's annual April Fools' Day event, and has continued to expand and evolve ever since. Following the success of the pilot, “Smiling Friends” has been renewed for a second season, scheduled for 2024, which promises to include a wide range of animation techniques, such as 2D, 3D, stop motion and live-action content.

The strength of “Smiling Friends” lies in its ability to address delicate and sensitive topics, such as depression and suicide, without losing sight of the humorous and entertainment element. The dynamic between the main characters, Pim and Charlie, gives the viewer a lens through which to understand these themes, while still anchoring the fun chemistry and relationship between the two.

Although the series has not yet been distributed in Italy, its cultural impact and popularity are undeniable. With the first season available on HBO Max and the second season on the way, “Smiling Friends” is positioned as a must-see series for animation lovers and beyond.

While waiting for the new season, we can only imagine what new adventures await our heroes and what new characters will enrich the already varied universe of "Smiling Friends". What is certain is that the series will continue to make us think, laugh and, perhaps, give us a smile when we need it most.

Data Sheet

• Gender: Black comedy, surreal humor, absurd fiction
• Created by: Zach Hadel, Michael Cusack
• Written by: Zach Hadel, Michael Cusack
• Directed by: Zach Hadel, Michael Cusack
• Protagonists:
  • Michael Cusack
  • Zach Hadel
  • Marc M.
• Composer of the theme music: Chris O'Neill
• Closing theme: “Brown Smile” (composed by Chris O'Neill)
• Composers:
  • Brendan Caulfield
  • Chris O'Neill (additional music)
• Country of origin: United States, Australia
• Original language: English
• Number of seasons: 1
• Number of episodes: 9
• Production:
  • Executive producers:
    • Michael Cusack (pilot)
    • Zach Hadel (pilot)
    • Brendan Burch (pilot)
    • Mike Cowap
    • Emma Fitzsimons
    • For Williams Street:
      • Keith Crofford (pilot)
      • Ollie Green
      • Walter Newman
  • Manufacturers:
    • Marshall B. Golde (pilot)
    • Ollie Green (pilot)
    • Laura Dimaio
  • Publishers:
    • Tony Christopherson (pilot)
    • Scott Henry
    • Lukas Xuereb
• Duration: 11 minutes per episode
• Animation studio:
  • Studio Yotta (pilot)
  • Princess Bento Studio
• Production houses:
  • 6 Point Harness (pilot)
  • Goblin Caught on Tape
  • Williams Street
• Original release: January 10, 2022 - present
• Network: Adult Swim