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 17 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a unique blend of absurd and cynical humor, often featuring graphic violence, profanity, and some sexual references, making it more suitable for teens than younger viewers. Many appreciate its quirky characters and optimistic narratives that often defy the typical nihilism found in adult animation, highlighting its charm and humor despite the adult themes present.
- absurd humor
- graphic violence
- adult themes
- teen suitable
- quirky characters
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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