Sunday evenings continue to be a prime time for HBO, as audiences were treated to engaging episodes of “IT: Welcome To Derry” and “I Love LA,” alongside the season finale of the highly acclaimed comedy series “The Chair Company.” Both “The Chair Company” and “I Love LA” are set to return for a second season, and fans are anxiously awaiting the official announcement for Season 2 of “Welcome To Derry.”
While HBO remains a staple for viewers, Adult Swim is also making waves as a go-to Sunday night destination thanks to the animated hit “Smiling Friends,” created by Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack. This cult favorite depicts the quirky employees of a small business aiming to spread joy, offering short episodes packed with absurdist humor that makes it addictive and binge-worthy.
The recently concluded third season of “Smiling Friends” comprised eight episodes, with its final episode, “The Glep Ep,” now available to stream on Adult Swim and HBO Max. Good news for avid fans: the show has been renewed for Seasons 4 and 5, following a two-season pickup announcement made in June 2025. Co-creator Michael Cusack expressed excitement, highlighting the creative freedom this provides.
Cusack noted, “It means you don’t have to make the same episode that the engine of the show relies on,” allowing for explorations of secondary characters and deeper dives into their stories. This shift reflects the desire to create more unique narratives akin to beloved shows from their own childhoods.
Looking ahead, there is no official word on what comes after Season 5. However, both Cusack and Hadel have emphasized a preference to leave audiences wanting more. They plan to assess the show’s direction after the upcoming seasons, understanding that they don’t intend to extend the series indefinitely.
For fans eager to catch up, the first three seasons of “Smiling Friends” are currently streaming on HBO Max and Adult Swim. Additionally, HBO Max is offering a special Cyber Monday promotion, providing subscriptions at $2.99/month for a year, valid until December 1st. This is a perfect opportunity for viewers to immerse themselves in this whimsical series before the new seasons premiere.