‘Smiling Friends’ Creators on Their Surprise Emmy Nom: ‘I’ve Never Won Anything. Like, Even at School’

“Smiling Friends” creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack were taken by surprise when their animated show earned its first Emmy nomination. In an interview, Hadel remarked that their small, independent project being compared to heavyweights like “The Simpsons” and “South Park” felt surreal. Cusack confessed he had never won anything, even in school, emphasizing the shock of the nomination.

The duo’s final season saw Mr. Frog, the show's protagonist, embark on a deeply emotional journey in the episode “Le Voyage Incroyable de Monsieur Grenouille,” featuring live-action actor Creed Bratton as his father. Cusack explained that the episode's emotional tone was a nod to the prestige of television and a serendipitous twist in the show's narrative arc.

Reflecting on their creative process, Hadel noted that the idea of the show ending in a trilogy was a subconscious choice, with the third season providing a fitting conclusion to Mr. Frog's character arc. The creators acknowledged the show's growing popularity and cited the unexpected reference by “The Simpsons” as a turning point, though they had initially hoped for a joke from “Family Guy.”

Looking back, they expressed pride in having provided a platform for various creators to showcase their unique styles, and they hinted at ongoing support for those involved in the project.