Adult Swim didn’t initially focus on anime, launching after Toonami, which was already known for it. But as Adult Swim grew in popularity, Toonami actually became part of its late-night programming. Now, with Toonami bringing in both classic and new anime, Adult Swim is playfully trying to become a bigger player in the anime world. Their first attempt, an anime version of Rick and Morty, didn’t quite hit the mark with fans, so they’re now reimagining two of their popular characters as anime-style icons.
Adult Swim’s animated series, Smiling Friends, has become a hit, following Charlie, Pim, and their colleagues as they try to make people happy. In the recent episode “Squim Returns,” characters Glep and Alan are noticeably missing – they’re at an anime convention! Alan is dressed as a funny version of Sailor Moon, and Glep is cosplaying as Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII. Adult Swim shared new artwork of the pair online, showing them off as the ultimate anime duo.
Check out this amazing anime fanart by @Goddasaurus, @miauest, @liconich, and @lunarboofshroom! Plus, new episodes of Smiling Friends Season 3 are available every Monday on HBO Max and Warner TV Next (France) in Europe. #adultswimeurope #smilingfriends #digitalart
— Adult Swim Europe (@AdultSwimUK) November 28, 2025
A Smiling Friends Anime?
Surprisingly, Zach Hadel, one of the creators of Smiling Friends, mentioned the possibility of an anime-style version of the show last year. Although he dismissed the idea of a full anime series centered on Charlie, Pim, and the others, Hadel did suggest they might experiment with a similar visual style in future episodes. He emphasized that if they did, it would need to be exceptionally well-done – not a cheap imitation or a throwback to 90s animation. He jokingly warned that a poorly executed version would be terrible and to avoid watching it.
Adult Swim recently created a fun crossover, imagining the characters from ‘Smiling Friends’ within the world of ‘Dragon Ball Z’. They depicted Glep as Piccolo, Charlie as Goku, and Mr. Boss as Raditz, and even recreated a famous, surprising scene from the ‘Dragon Ball Z’ series with them.
Although the third season of Smiling Friends is concluding this year, the show isn’t over yet! Adult Swim has already renewed it for seasons four and five. Creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack have suggested they know how the series will eventually end, leading fans to speculate whether the fifth season might be the finale.
What are your thoughts on this funny take on Smiling Friends? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-11-28 22:44