Watch Smiling Friends

Smiling Friends is an animated television show that premiered on Adult Swim in 2020. The show is created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, who also voice the titular characters. Marc M. serves as the executive producer alongside the creators. The show follows two best friends, Charlie and Pim, who work at a company named Smiling Friends. The company is tasked with spreading positivity and happiness throughout the world, and the show explores the duo's various adventures in their line of work.

While the show's premise may seem innocuous, Smiling Friends is decidedly not a children's program. The show is geared towards adults and contains mature themes, adult humor, and graphic violence. The animation style is reminiscent of older cartoons from the 90s and early 2000s, which adds to the show's nostalgic appeal.

Despite the show's whimsical premise, the episodes are often surreal and bizarre. The humor is absurd, with the characters engaging in outlandish antics that have unpredictable outcomes. The show also employs dark humor, with episodes featuring themes of death, mental illness, and existentialism.

The two main characters, Charlie and Pim, are polar opposites, which adds to the show's dynamic. Charlie is a sweet, naive, and optimistic character who always sees the good in people. Pim, on the other hand, is cynical, pessimistic, and prone to negative outbursts. The two balance each other out, though their clashing personalities often lead to comedic moments.

The show's supporting cast is just as zany as the two leads. There's a recurring character named Lord Tourettes, who suffers from Tourette Syndrome and frequently spouts vulgar language. Another character, Orel, is a cannibalistic monster who works as an employee at Smiling Friends. The show also introduces characters in the various scenarios the duo's line of work take them, adding diversity and interest to the show.

A notable aspect of Smiling Friends is the show's soundtrack. The show features catchy and upbeat songs that help set the tone for the various adventures the characters find themselves in. The soundtrack comprises a mix of genres, including pop, rock, and electronic music.

The animation style of Smiling Friends is simple yet effective. The show employs a low-budget approach, which contributes to the show's striking imagery. The animation style is reminiscent of traditional flash animation, with a limited color palette and bold outlines. The simplicity of the animation is contrasted by the bold and often violent scenes depicted in the show.

Smiling Friends was met with critical acclaim upon its release. The show's humor, characters, and animation style were praised by critics and audiences alike. The show's cult following has led to the creation of various mashups, parodies, and fan art online.

In conclusion, Smiling Friends is an animated show geared towards adults, featuring an absurd premise and bizarre characters. The show's humor is dark, surreal, and often unpredictable, making it a unique viewing experience. The show's optimism and messages of positivity coexist with themes of existentialism, mental illness, and death, making the show both thought-provoking and comedic. Its animation style is simple yet effective, contributing to the show's striking imagery. Overall, Smiling Friends is a must-see for fans of adult animation.

Smiling Friends is a series that ran for 2 seasons (17 episodes) between April 1, 2020 and on Adult Swim