Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Suicide threat, drugs in violent, darkly humorous animation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Smiling Friends
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a hilarious and absurd animated series that combines humor with occasional violence and profanity, making it best suited for older kids and teens rather than young children. The characters are generally viewed positively, and the show balances its darker themes with comedic and light-hearted moments, appealing to audiences looking for offbeat humor.
- humor and absurdity
- mature themes
- positive characters
- not for young kids
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
SMILING FRIENDS follows Charlie (Zach Hadel) and Pim (Michael Cusack), employees of a company aimed at cheering up their distressed clients. Each episode features the duo dealing with different, often bizarre and dark scenarios.
Is It Any Good?
This unsettling animated series delivers a blend of jarring, chaotic storylines filled with dark humor and bizarre antics. Its over-the-top violence and disturbing themes make Smiling Friends suitable only for mature audiences and, while its unique style may appeal to fans of surreal and abrasive humor, its lack of depth and relentless negativity quickly grows tiring.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how dark humor is used in Smiling Friends and other similar shows. What's the purpose of such humor, and how does it affect viewers differently? Is there a point where dark humor goes too far, and how do we recognize that line?
Explore how different types of media content can impact mental health. What feelings does this show evoke, and why might it be important to balance such content with more positive or uplifting media?
In scenes of substance what seems realistic or implausible about what the characters are doing? What (if any) are the consequences?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 1, 2024
- Cast : Michael Cusack , Zach Hadel
- Network : Max
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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