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 7 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say this show blends wacky and absurd humor with darker themes like depression and drug abuse, making it suitable for mature audiences, particularly teens aged 15 and up. While there are moderate instances of profanity and violence, many viewers appreciate its optimistic messages led by characters like Pim, who strive to spread positivity amidst the chaos.
- wacky humor
- mature themes
- optimistic messages
- suitable for teens
- profanity and violence
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate