Smiling Friends has become a cultural phenomenon, joining the ranks of iconic animated shows like The Simpsons and South Park. Its unique blend of absurdist humor and genuine empathy has captivated audiences, establishing it as a defining show of the 2020s. FYM News had the opportunity to sit down with creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel to discuss the show’s success, inspirations, and the evolving landscape of animation.
This interview delves into the minds of Cusack and Hadel, exploring their creative process and vision for the future. We’ll uncover the influences that shaped Smiling Friends, their thoughts on the current state of animation, and their aspirations for the show’s future, including the possibility of a movie. Get ready for an insightful journey into the world of Smiling Friends, offering a glimpse behind the curtain of one of today’s most beloved animated series.
The Genesis of Smiles: Early Influences
Cusack and Hadel draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, blending classic animation with the raw energy of the internet. Shows like The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants, and South Park laid the groundwork for their comedic sensibilities. However, it was the unfiltered creativity of early webtoons and online cartoons that truly shaped the unique flavor of Smiling Friends.
MC: We were cartoon heads; we’re inspired by a lot of the same, similar stuff… Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, all those shows, so, maybe it’s all trickled in a little bit subconsciously.
ZH: the internet stuff, I think it’s the infusion of those two, which is what…it was what makes Smiling Friends.
This fusion of traditional and internet animation is a key ingredient in the show’s success. Smiling Friends captures the chaotic energy of the online world while maintaining a level of polish and sophistication rarely seen in internet cartoons, creating something fresh and original.
From Web to TV: The Surreal Rise to Fame
Both Cusack and Hadel started their careers self-publishing content on YouTube. While they experienced some success with their independent projects, the explosive popularity of Smiling Friends was a completely different experience. The show resonated with a wide audience, including people unfamiliar with their previous work, leading to unexpected recognition in everyday situations.
ZH: …this thing, totally, it’s a different experience because people that have no idea who either of us are just watch the show and enjoy it, so it’s really surreal.
MC: Yeah. It’s weird scrolling on whatever, Instagram, TikTok, and coming across Smiling Friends stuff when you’re just, like, not expecting it to. So yeah, it’s been amazing to see.
The show’s unexpected success highlights the power of online platforms to launch new talent and the growing appreciation for unique and unconventional animation. Smiling Friends‘ journey from the internet to Adult Swim is a testament to the creators’ talent and the show’s undeniable appeal.
The Simpsons Parody: A Surreal Honor
One of the most surreal moments for Cusack and Hadel was seeing The Simpsons, a show they grew up watching, create a parody of Smiling Friends. The recognition from such an iconic animated series was both unexpected and deeply gratifying, solidifying their status as major players in the animation world.
ZH: It was surreal. It was really weird because it wasn’t like, you know, like, when that came out, like, a couple hours after the episode aired, everybody had seen it, and it was, like, big on Twitter… And I thought it was AI or something at first, and I immediately sent it to Michael. But, yeah, that’s one of the weirdest things ever. It was very cool. It’s an honor.
The parody serves as a cultural milestone, indicating that Smiling Friends has not only achieved critical acclaim but has also permeated the broader cultural consciousness. The nod from The Simpsons underscores the show’s lasting impact on animation and pop culture.
Evolving Animation Styles: Keeping it Fresh
Cusack and Hadel are constantly exploring new animation styles to keep the show fresh and visually engaging. They strategically incorporate different techniques, such as 3D and stop motion, to enhance specific characters and storylines. Their goal is to ensure that these stylistic choices feel organic and purposeful, rather than gimmicky.
MC: There are, but we try not to, like… we try not to worry about it too much. We keep it more in our back pocket to wait for the character that’s right for it.
ZH: We always want to make sure that it doesn’t feel… you know when people that watch the show go, ‘Alright, what’s the, what’s the gimmick this week? What’s the… oh, you’re doing stop-motion?’
This careful approach to animation styles demonstrates the creators’ commitment to artistic integrity and their desire to create a visually dynamic and unpredictable viewing experience. By thoughtfully integrating different techniques, they avoid stylistic fatigue and keep audiences engaged.
Guest Stars and Cameos: A Focus on Humor
When casting guest stars and cameo voice roles, Cusack and Hadel prioritize humor and comedic timing above all else. They seek out individuals who can bring something unique and funny to the show, regardless of their fame or subscriber count. This commitment to genuine humor ensures that guest appearances enhance the show’s comedic sensibilities without feeling forced or contrived.
MC: …we never wanna, like, be like, oh, we’re in season 3 of the show, it’s now big, now it’s our time to go to the big celebrities, Pedro Pascal, whatever, like, we’re not interested in that. It’s like, whoever like, they could be really… they could have, like, no subscribers, but they’re funny to us, or, like, it’s just a role that’s right, for a character, so… it’s kind of similar to the animation style thing.
ZH: Well, even with the actors, we never want it to feel… we’ve had so many conversations…we were like, well, the only real stipulation was, like, well, they have to be funny when they scream.
This approach to casting reflects the creators’ dedication to preserving the show’s unique comedic voice and their willingness to take risks by featuring lesser-known talents who possess exceptional comedic skills.
Smiling Friends: The Movie?
The possibility of a Smiling Friends movie has been on Cusack and Hadel’s minds since the early stages of the show. Inspired by the South Park movie, they envision a feature-length film as a potential culmination of the series. While specific story ideas are still developing, the creators are open to the idea of ending the show with a movie and a video game, providing a definitive conclusion to the Smiling Friends universe.
MC: Definitely come up. Like, it was one of the first things we thought, like, oh yes, you know, do a bunch of seasons and a movie, because we love the South Park movie… So, I’ve always thought about, like, maybe ending the whole series with a movie…
ZH: It’s funny, we’re so… we jumped the gun…we thought of everything, like, what would the video game be? So we’ve had stuff for that for a while…
The potential for a Smiling Friends movie and video game underscores the creators’ long-term vision for the show and their desire to create a complete and satisfying experience for fans.
The State of Animation: A Boom and a Bleakness
Cusack and Hadel share their perspectives on the current state of animation, acknowledging both its opportunities and challenges. While the accessibility of animation tools has led to a boom in creativity, it has also resulted in a proliferation of derivative content. They also point out the industry’s struggles with picking up new projects. Despite these challenges, they remain optimistic about the future of animation, emphasizing the importance of independent artists and the power of online platforms to showcase original work.
MC: It’s an interesting time because it’s definitely, like, a… in a way, it’s like a boom, because of the accessibility to making it, and the fan bases that have grown for animation… the great thing is just how seeing, like, a bunch of young people getting into animation, like, the best things I’m seeing is, like, on Instagram or TikTok reels, like, independent artists making their own stuff.
ZH: Whenever I talk to people that, work in, sort of, TV animation, or, like, or in L.A., there is a… there, you know, there’s a bit of bleakness… It seems like nobody’s really picking stuff up right now…So, I think, in some ways, yeah, the traditional thing is going through some problems, but I feel like now has never been a better time to make your own stuff and put it out there and find an audience.
Their insights into the animation industry provide valuable context for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing aspiring animators. Cusack and Hadel’s own success story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to break into the field.
Final Thoughts: A Lasting Legacy
Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel have carved a unique space in the animation landscape with Smiling Friends. Their ability to blend absurdist humor with genuine empathy, combined with their willingness to experiment with different animation styles, has resonated with a wide audience. As they continue to push the boundaries of animation, their insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring creators.
From their early influences to their thoughts on the current state of animation, Cusack and Hadel’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and a commitment to artistic integrity. As Smiling Friends continues to evolve, it’s clear that the show has already secured its place as a landmark program in the history of animation, inspiring a new generation of artists and viewers alike. The future of Smiling Friends remains bright, with the potential for even greater heights as Cusack and Hadel continue to surprise and delight audiences with their unique brand of humor and heart.
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