From cancelled celebrity frogs to heartbroken shrimp, the vast “Smiling Friends” universe is home to a lot of strange side characters. But co-creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel took things to another level for the Season 2 premiere of their Adult Swim series. The episode, which sports the concise title “Gwimbly: Definitive Remastered Enhanced Extended Edition Dx 4K (Anniversary Director’s Cut),” follows the eponymous Smiling Friends as they attempt to cheer up Gwimbly, a beloved ’90s video game character who is unable to star in new games because the evil corporation known as Insane Groundbreaking Games refuses to grant him access to his own I.P.
The episode, which was previewed for fans last month after the network’s puppet-filled April Fool’s prank, is a classic “Smiling Friends” adventure that sees the gang rescue Gwimbly from his sad life of making undignified Cameo videos and help him produce his own independent game.
The episode, which was previewed for fans last month after the network’s puppet-filled April Fool’s prank, is a classic “Smiling Friends” adventure that sees the gang rescue Gwimbly from his sad life of making undignified Cameo videos and help him produce his own independent game.
- 5/12/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
“There’s one important thing to know about ‘Smiling Friends,’” the show’s co-creator Zach Hadel said during a recent Zoom interview with IndieWire. “It’s not smart.”
It was a reoccurring sentiment. Over the course of our conversation, Hadel and co-creator Michael Cusack repeatedly called their show “dumb,” “stupid,” “not smart,” and, in one colorful tangent, suggested that society would be better off if they were barred from producing television and sent to work in underground mines. But their humility masks a deep commitment to silliness that might be the secret to making “Smiling Friends” feel so damn refreshing.
The animated series, which follows an eclectic group of nonprofit employees who are tasked with making sad people smile (and are legally obligated to do anything a sad customer asks until they smile), was a massive hit in alternative comedy circles when it premiered on Adult Swim in 2022. The show...
It was a reoccurring sentiment. Over the course of our conversation, Hadel and co-creator Michael Cusack repeatedly called their show “dumb,” “stupid,” “not smart,” and, in one colorful tangent, suggested that society would be better off if they were barred from producing television and sent to work in underground mines. But their humility masks a deep commitment to silliness that might be the secret to making “Smiling Friends” feel so damn refreshing.
The animated series, which follows an eclectic group of nonprofit employees who are tasked with making sad people smile (and are legally obligated to do anything a sad customer asks until they smile), was a massive hit in alternative comedy circles when it premiered on Adult Swim in 2022. The show...
- 5/10/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Any alternative comedy fan knows that Adult Swim’s April Fool’s Day programming is must-see television. The unabashedly weird late night network has turned messing with viewers into an annual tradition, often dropping buzzy new premieres in unexpected ways (like airing the entire “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” movie in a deliberately unwatchable picture-in-picture format) or replacing its existing programming with nonsensical content (like a 2021 stunt in which it satirically rebranded itself as a pre-school channel known as Adult Swim Jr.). Fans have come to expect a lot of Adult Swim on the internet’s least favorite holiday, and 2024 saw the network deliver one of its most viral triumphs to date.
One of the most anticipated shows on Adult Swim’s upcoming slate is Season 2 of “Smiling Friends,” Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack’s animated series about two mid-level employees at a company that promises to cheer up any sad...
One of the most anticipated shows on Adult Swim’s upcoming slate is Season 2 of “Smiling Friends,” Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack’s animated series about two mid-level employees at a company that promises to cheer up any sad...
- 4/6/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Smiling Friends, the animated comedy co-created by and starring Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, will return for a second season on Sunday, May 12, at midnight on Adult Swim.
The series follows the employees of a small company dedicated to bringing happiness to a bizarre yet colorful world.
Adult Swim continued its annual April Fools’ Day tradition this morning at midnight with the unexpected debut of three episodes of Smiling Friends re-created in various styles of puppetry.
This was followed by a surprise airing of the season two premiere episode, “Gwimbly: Definitive Remastered Enhanced Extended Edition Dx 4k (Anniversary Director’s Cut).”
Smiling Friends fans who missed out on the block can still enjoy the puppet-style season one episodes on YouTube.
In season two, Pim, Charlie, Zongo, Allan, and Glep continue their mission to bring happiness to the world, whether it’s a washed-up retro video game character, a troubled marriage,...
The series follows the employees of a small company dedicated to bringing happiness to a bizarre yet colorful world.
Adult Swim continued its annual April Fools’ Day tradition this morning at midnight with the unexpected debut of three episodes of Smiling Friends re-created in various styles of puppetry.
This was followed by a surprise airing of the season two premiere episode, “Gwimbly: Definitive Remastered Enhanced Extended Edition Dx 4k (Anniversary Director’s Cut).”
Smiling Friends fans who missed out on the block can still enjoy the puppet-style season one episodes on YouTube.
In season two, Pim, Charlie, Zongo, Allan, and Glep continue their mission to bring happiness to the world, whether it’s a washed-up retro video game character, a troubled marriage,...
- 4/1/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Smiling Friends Season 2 received an official release update amid high anticipation for its return on Adult Swim.
Created by Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack, Smiling Friends explores the story of a company that dedicated its time to spreading happiness, mostly focused on two lead characters named Pim and Charlie.
The show's pilot episode made its debut as part of Adult Swim's annual April Fools' Day event on April 1, 2020.
Read full article on The Direct.
Created by Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack, Smiling Friends explores the story of a company that dedicated its time to spreading happiness, mostly focused on two lead characters named Pim and Charlie.
The show's pilot episode made its debut as part of Adult Swim's annual April Fools' Day event on April 1, 2020.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 10/13/2023
- by Aeron Mer Eclarinal
- The Direct
Adult Swim revealed details today for their annual Adult Swim Festival featuring an exciting schedule headlined by Eric Andre, comedian and host of “The Eric Andre Show,” and producer, rapper and filmmaker Flying Lotus. Taking place outside the San Diego Convention Center (5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way) on Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, July 22, the Adult Swim Festival on the Green in San Diego will also include performances by comedian Sarah Sherman, Hemlocke Springs, Ginger Root, DeathbyRomy, and producer and DJ Akira Akira. All activities are free to attend, with advance reservations now available for the most popular moments at AdultSwimFestival.com.
“Adult Swim has always been more than its shows,” said Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen. “It’s also about music, comedy, art, and, as often as possible, getting out there with the actual fans in real life and celebrating the stuff we love together. So that’s what this is about.
“Adult Swim has always been more than its shows,” said Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen. “It’s also about music, comedy, art, and, as often as possible, getting out there with the actual fans in real life and celebrating the stuff we love together. So that’s what this is about.
- 7/9/2023
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Adult Swim’s huge plans for the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con include meet and greets, lots of music, and other fun activities – all taking place during their Adult Swim Festival outside the San Diego Convention Center. The Eric Andre Show‘s Eric Andre and Flying Lotus are headlining the event which will include performances by Saturday Night Live‘s Sarah Sherman and producer/DJ Akira Akira.
The Adult Swim Festival will run Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, July 22. Additional performers include Hemlocke Springs, Ginger Root, and DeathbyRomy.
“Adult Swim has always been more than its shows,” said Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen. “It’s also about music, comedy, art, and, as often as possible, getting out there with the actual fans in real life and celebrating the stuff we love together. So that’s what this is about. And it’s free. But you have to promise us you’ll wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
The Adult Swim Festival will run Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, July 22. Additional performers include Hemlocke Springs, Ginger Root, and DeathbyRomy.
“Adult Swim has always been more than its shows,” said Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen. “It’s also about music, comedy, art, and, as often as possible, getting out there with the actual fans in real life and celebrating the stuff we love together. So that’s what this is about. And it’s free. But you have to promise us you’ll wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
- 6/28/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Show: "Yolo: Crystal Fantasy" (2022)
Where You Can Stream It: HBO Max
The Pitch: Quick question, have you heard of "Smiling Friends"? The Adult Swim animated comedy totally swept the scene in 2022, and one-half of the creative team on that project is responsible for "Yolo: Crystal Fantasy." Michael Cusack's animated series — which was created prior to his "Smiling Friends" collaboration with Zach Hadel — follows two best friends, Sarah and Rachel, who live in a fictionalized version of Wollongong, Australia. By night, they take the city by storm and party their asses off, and by day, well, they nurse their hangovers, learn from their mistakes, and go on all kinds of wild and wacky surrealist adventures. Sounds like fun, right? It's more than fun,...
The Show: "Yolo: Crystal Fantasy" (2022)
Where You Can Stream It: HBO Max
The Pitch: Quick question, have you heard of "Smiling Friends"? The Adult Swim animated comedy totally swept the scene in 2022, and one-half of the creative team on that project is responsible for "Yolo: Crystal Fantasy." Michael Cusack's animated series — which was created prior to his "Smiling Friends" collaboration with Zach Hadel — follows two best friends, Sarah and Rachel, who live in a fictionalized version of Wollongong, Australia. By night, they take the city by storm and party their asses off, and by day, well, they nurse their hangovers, learn from their mistakes, and go on all kinds of wild and wacky surrealist adventures. Sounds like fun, right? It's more than fun,...
- 12/27/2022
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
The animated "The Paloni Show! Halloween Special!", is hosted by 'Leroy', 'Reggie', and 'Cheruce Paloni', given the opportunity of a lifetime to host a 'Halloween Special' full of 'spooky' shorts from Justin Roiland ("Solar Opposites"), streaming October 17, 2022 on Hulu:
From 20th Television Animation...
... the special stars the voices of Roiland, Zach Hadel, Pamela Adlon, Vatche Panos and Karl Wahlgren.
Click the images to enlarge...
From 20th Television Animation...
... the special stars the voices of Roiland, Zach Hadel, Pamela Adlon, Vatche Panos and Karl Wahlgren.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 10/7/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Exclusive: A very special special is planned for Oct. 3 from Solar Opposites.
A Sinister Halloween Scary Opposites Solar Special will stream on Hulu with the promise that “sometimes, alien life can be spooky.” Ergo, a Halloween special for adult animation lovers!
Co-created by Justin Roiland (Rick & Morty) and Mike McMahan, Solar Opposites centers around a team of four aliens who are evenly split on whether Earth is awful or awesome. Korvo (Roiland) and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) only see the pollution, crass consumerism, and human frailty while Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack) love TV, junk food and fun stuff. In season three, this alien team strives to be less of a team and more of a family team.
Solar Opposites is executive produced by Roiland, McMahan and Josh Bycel. The series is produced by 20th Television Animation.
Hulu has another Halloween special in the works from Roiland.
A Sinister Halloween Scary Opposites Solar Special will stream on Hulu with the promise that “sometimes, alien life can be spooky.” Ergo, a Halloween special for adult animation lovers!
Co-created by Justin Roiland (Rick & Morty) and Mike McMahan, Solar Opposites centers around a team of four aliens who are evenly split on whether Earth is awful or awesome. Korvo (Roiland) and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) only see the pollution, crass consumerism, and human frailty while Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack) love TV, junk food and fun stuff. In season three, this alien team strives to be less of a team and more of a family team.
Solar Opposites is executive produced by Roiland, McMahan and Josh Bycel. The series is produced by 20th Television Animation.
Hulu has another Halloween special in the works from Roiland.
- 9/8/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In 2009, Justin Roiland pitched an animated comedy to Fox that was a mix of family high jinks and screwball variety acts. The result was The Paloni Family Comedy Show, an off-the-rails pilot presentation that didn’t make the cut for Fox’s Animation Domination. A show ahead of its time, perhaps?
Looks like the time is now: On October 17, Hulu will air The Paloni Show! Halloween Special!, which follows Leroy, Reggie and Cheruce Paloni as they host a Halloween special full of spooky shorts from a group of up-and-coming animators.
Roiland voices Leroy, the oldest sibling in the family who is an optimistic, hardworking guy who’s dream is to make and host his own variety show. Zach Hadel (Smiling Friends) plays Reggie, the short-fused, fast-talking little brother of Leroy who has a tendency to let his temper get in the way of doing his job as a host.
Looks like the time is now: On October 17, Hulu will air The Paloni Show! Halloween Special!, which follows Leroy, Reggie and Cheruce Paloni as they host a Halloween special full of spooky shorts from a group of up-and-coming animators.
Roiland voices Leroy, the oldest sibling in the family who is an optimistic, hardworking guy who’s dream is to make and host his own variety show. Zach Hadel (Smiling Friends) plays Reggie, the short-fused, fast-talking little brother of Leroy who has a tendency to let his temper get in the way of doing his job as a host.
- 8/31/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
“Smiling Friends” (2020) is an adult animated television series following employees of a small company dedicated to bringing happiness to a bizarre yet colorful world. This Australian-American series is created by Zach Hadel and co-creator Michael Cusack for Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. The first episode “Desmond’s Big Day Out” aired on April 1, 2020, as part of Cartoon Network’s annual April Fools Day event alongside another work of Michael Cusack’s, “Yolo: Crystal Fantasy.”
According to the “Smiling Friends” wiki, “Smiling Friends features eponymous small company Smiling Friends Inc.’s duty to bring happiness to its clients, leading to the various misadventures of workers Charlie, Pim, Alan, and Glep.”
The animation style, vibe, and comedy are similar to TV shows like “South Park,” “Family Guy,” “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “Robot Chicken,” and “Rick and Morty.” Creator Zach Hadel and co-creator Michael Cusack were influenced and inspired by the shows they...
According to the “Smiling Friends” wiki, “Smiling Friends features eponymous small company Smiling Friends Inc.’s duty to bring happiness to its clients, leading to the various misadventures of workers Charlie, Pim, Alan, and Glep.”
The animation style, vibe, and comedy are similar to TV shows like “South Park,” “Family Guy,” “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “Robot Chicken,” and “Rick and Morty.” Creator Zach Hadel and co-creator Michael Cusack were influenced and inspired by the shows they...
- 6/21/2022
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Animated comedies Birdgirl and Smiling Friends will get another go at Adult Swim, which has renewed both series for second seasons.
Birdgirl, a spinoff of Adult Swim’s Harvey Birdman franchise, is a half-hour animated comedy series starring Paget Brewster. Season one followed Brewster’s Judy Ken Sebben aka Birdgirl who, after being named CEO of the world’s largest and most non-sensical corporation, Sebben & Sebben; has to find a way to maintain her work/superhero life balance.
In Season 2 of Birdgirl the Birdteam is back and still not learning from their mistakes. Judy Ken Sebben and the Birdteam attempt to navigate the troubles of modern corporations, tackling everything from ethics in new tech, to cancel culture and rejuvenating skin sack health fads. Will they fail? Spectacularly! But sometimes it’s not about the solutions we come up with, it’s about the new problems we make along the way.
Birdgirl, a spinoff of Adult Swim’s Harvey Birdman franchise, is a half-hour animated comedy series starring Paget Brewster. Season one followed Brewster’s Judy Ken Sebben aka Birdgirl who, after being named CEO of the world’s largest and most non-sensical corporation, Sebben & Sebben; has to find a way to maintain her work/superhero life balance.
In Season 2 of Birdgirl the Birdteam is back and still not learning from their mistakes. Judy Ken Sebben and the Birdteam attempt to navigate the troubles of modern corporations, tackling everything from ethics in new tech, to cancel culture and rejuvenating skin sack health fads. Will they fail? Spectacularly! But sometimes it’s not about the solutions we come up with, it’s about the new problems we make along the way.
- 2/9/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a new animated Superman series! And a new animated Batman series! And a new “Rick and Morty” short! And a handful of other animated projects!
WarnerMedia unveiled a slew of new animated projects on Wednesday morning prior to the company’s virtual upfront event. Chief among the company’s upcoming animated titles include “Batman: Caped Crusader” and “My Adventures With Superman,” which were officially greenlit by HBO Max and Cartoon Network on Wednesday.
Jack Quaid (“The Boys”) will voice Superman in the latter show, which will focus on twentysomethings Clark Kent, the bright and driven Lois Lane (Alice Lee), and their best friend Jimmy Olsen as they begin to discover who they are and everything they can accomplish together as an investigative reporting team at the Daily Planet. The synopsis for the show reads: “In this serialized coming-of-age story, we...
WarnerMedia unveiled a slew of new animated projects on Wednesday morning prior to the company’s virtual upfront event. Chief among the company’s upcoming animated titles include “Batman: Caped Crusader” and “My Adventures With Superman,” which were officially greenlit by HBO Max and Cartoon Network on Wednesday.
Jack Quaid (“The Boys”) will voice Superman in the latter show, which will focus on twentysomethings Clark Kent, the bright and driven Lois Lane (Alice Lee), and their best friend Jimmy Olsen as they begin to discover who they are and everything they can accomplish together as an investigative reporting team at the Daily Planet. The synopsis for the show reads: “In this serialized coming-of-age story, we...
- 5/19/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Kenan Thompson, Danielle Brooks, Simu Liu Among Banff Rockie Award Gala Recipients (TV News Roundup)
The Banff World Media Festival announced Kenan Thompson, Danielle Brooks, Simu Liu and Sinking Ship Ent. are this year’s Rockie Award Gala recipients. Hosted by Jasmeet Raina, the ceremony will stream live on YouTube June 15 at 3 p.m.
Thompson, best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and now headlining the NBC sitcom “Kenan,” will be bestowed the Sir Peter Ustinov Award, which recognizes a creative talent who has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry. Past honorees include Sean Hayes, John Cleese, Tracey Ullman, Bob Newhart, Tantoo Cardinal, John Candy and Bill Hader.
Brooks, who recently starred in “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia” and was on the long-running “Orange is the New Black,” will receive the A+E Inclusion Award, which recognizes an individual whose efforts and vision in the media realm champion and reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Past honorees include LeVar Burton,...
Thompson, best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and now headlining the NBC sitcom “Kenan,” will be bestowed the Sir Peter Ustinov Award, which recognizes a creative talent who has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry. Past honorees include Sean Hayes, John Cleese, Tracey Ullman, Bob Newhart, Tantoo Cardinal, John Candy and Bill Hader.
Brooks, who recently starred in “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia” and was on the long-running “Orange is the New Black,” will receive the A+E Inclusion Award, which recognizes an individual whose efforts and vision in the media realm champion and reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Past honorees include LeVar Burton,...
- 5/19/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Adult Swim announced two all-new original series on Wednesday morning.
Royal Crackers is Jason Ruiz’s first project with the network. It will introduce fans to the Hornsby family in a new half-hour comedy series. Ruiz previously — along with David A Goodman — created Murder Police for Fox.
Royal Crackers is an animated series that follows two brothers: Stebe, a family man with a wife and child; and Theo Jr., a single, bass guitar player trying to relive his glory days. Together they reside in their comatose father’s house waiting for him to die (which he never does) so they can inherit his cracker company empire. Ruiz serves as executive producer alongside with Seth Cohen. The series is produced by Titmouse and will premiere on Adult Swim in 2022.
The second series is Smiling Friends, an animated take on self-help created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel. The pilot for Smiling...
Royal Crackers is Jason Ruiz’s first project with the network. It will introduce fans to the Hornsby family in a new half-hour comedy series. Ruiz previously — along with David A Goodman — created Murder Police for Fox.
Royal Crackers is an animated series that follows two brothers: Stebe, a family man with a wife and child; and Theo Jr., a single, bass guitar player trying to relive his glory days. Together they reside in their comatose father’s house waiting for him to die (which he never does) so they can inherit his cracker company empire. Ruiz serves as executive producer alongside with Seth Cohen. The series is produced by Titmouse and will premiere on Adult Swim in 2022.
The second series is Smiling Friends, an animated take on self-help created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel. The pilot for Smiling...
- 5/19/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.