Both shows will also be available next day on HBO Max (or whatever they call it that week). More news and info below.

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ADULT SWIM SETS OCTOBER RETURN OF HIT SERIES “SMILING FRIENDS” AND PREMIERE OF ANIMATED COMEDY “HAHA, YOU CLOWNS”

BURBANK (August 28, 2025) – “SMILING FRIENDS,” the fan-favorite series about a company dedicated to lending a helping hand to anyone needing to smile, returns to Adult Swim for its third season on Sunday, October 5 at 11:30pm ET/PT. Also joining the lineup is a new comedy “Haha, You Clowns,” debuting Sunday, October 19 at 11:45pm ET/PT. New episodes of both quarter-hour adult animated series will be available to stream the following day on HBO Max. “We love shows that make you smile and go ‘haha’- and that’s what you’ll get with ‘SMILING FRIENDS’ and ‘Haha, You Clowns.’ It’s right there in the titles.” said Michael Ouweleen, president, Adult Swim. “While totally different from each other, these two shows are united in that they’re hilarious, gently unnerving, and sometimes even profound.” Season Three of “SMILING FRIENDS” finds Pim, Charlie, Flint and the whole gang going absolutely bonkers once again, diving headfirst into their ultimate quest to spread joy upon the land. We’ll see a bunch of unexpected stuff here such as Mr. Frog running full speed at the camera, the team finally collecting all the spirit gems they need, and a totally epic showdown spectacle with an Ancient Witch of some sort. AHHHHH!!!! One of Adult Swim’s top-performing shows on HBO Max outside of “Rick and Morty,” “SMILING FRIENDS” ranked among the platform’s top 10 series during its Season Two premiere. Adult Swim has also renewed the series for a fourth and fifth season. Created by Joe Cappa, “Haha, You Clowns” is an unexpected new series from Adult Swim that celebrates wholesome family programming. Join the Campbell boys, three doting teenagers and their tenderhearted dad, as they live, laugh, love their way into your living rooms. They’re big dudes with big feelings who are learning to navigate life in the wake of their mother’s death, sensing her presence in everyday adventures. Originally an Adult Swim SMALLS short series, a first look at “Haha, You Clowns” debuted to a packed house at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Both “SMILING FRIENDS” and “Haha, You Clowns” are produced by Williams Street, Adult Swim’s in-house production company.

“Annecy, with its unique and global mix of industry professionals and passionate fans, is the perfect place for us to share what we are up to and most excited about,” said Michael Ouweleen, president, Adult Swim. “We’re not just announcing new series, but also new ways of creating – from Adult Swim SMALLS to a special done in an unconventional way – all that hopefully help push the boundaries of animation. As always, we will be creator-driven and chance-taking until such time someone puts us in handcuffs. Literal ones.”

The upcoming projects announced include…

The Elephant, a special in three parts by Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe), Ian Jones-Quartey (OK KO!), Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time) and Patrick McHale (Over the Garden Wall). Not many details aside from the power hour team behind it were announced but we expect to learn more in the coming months. The Elephant will be produced by Titmouse for Adult Swim

Keeping Up with the Joneses is a new half hour animated comedy from Hugh Davidson, Rachel Ramras and Larry Dorf that focuses on the Newberry family as they try to “keep up” with their staggeringly wealthy Dallas neighbors – including the one next door, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Keeping Up with the Joneses is being produced by Warner Bros. Animation for Adult Swim.

Heist_Safari is a new offering from celebrated creator and director Genndy Tartakovsky. Pitched at Annecy in 2024, Heist_Safari tells the story of three Frog brothers robbing a bank. Seems simple enough, but the execution is special as ****??!!! Heist_Safari is currently in development with both Adult Swim and Cartoon Network Studios.

Along with the announcements involving new programming, Adult Swim also announced the renewal of both Smiling Friends and Ninja Kamui, each for two additional seasons.

Smiling Friends fans can rejoice as it’s been announced that the show created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel has been picked up for a fourth and fifth season. This is in addition to the third season set to premiere this fall. The news came out of Annecy Animation Festival where Smiling Friends had a dedicated panel.

Cusack had this to say to The Hollywood Reporter about the freedom the multi-season pick up now gives the creative team. “It means you don’t have to make the same episode that the engine of the show relies on, which is the smiling friends go out and help a depressed character. Just like the shows we love and grew up with, the best part is now we can make a whole episode about a secondary character and zoom in on them more and explore the town.”

To hear more, check out the exclusive interview with Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel on The Hollywood Reporter.

Fun with Zach and Michael (Sat, 7/27 @ 7:30pm Pacific) – Smiling Friends co-creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack will be in attendance for a “special live draw and Q&A event” for fans.

We’ll have a more extensive list of activities, etc. closer to the show. Until then, here’s the full AS press release:

ADULT SWIM TO HOST FOUR-DAY “PIRATE PARRRTY” AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2024 ALONGSIDE EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEKS, SERIES PANELS AND LAUNCH OF THE “RICK AND MORTY: THE ANIME” ANIME-RICAN TOUR

BURBANK (July 9, 2024) – Adult Swim, the global leader in adult animation, unveiled plans today for San Diego Comic-Con which includes an ongoing Pirate-themed fan “parrrty” featuring a series of special evening events, exclusive panels diving into key Adult Swim programs, and the kick-off of a cross-country mobile tour to celebrate “Rick and Morty: The Anime.”

“For reasons too long to get into, we at Adult Swim have always used a pirate ship (and, owls, but maybe we’ll do that at a later con) as a metaphor for how we operate,” said Michael Ouweleen, president, Adult Swim. “We thought, since we like to think of us, fans and network, as all one thing, that we should bring the pirate ship to the harbor of San Diego this year and let everyone join us on the – erm – poop deck.”

ADULT SWIM PIRATE PARRRTY
Adult Swim will crash onto the shores of San Diego with a shipwreck adventure on the network’s Adult Swim on the Green space outside the San Diego Convention Center (5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way). The “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty” will include custom games, exclusive first looks, giveaways, and evening entertainment including DJ laser sets – no badge required!

The space will also host a series of special evening events including:

• AEW x Adult Swim “Battle for the Booty” Wrestling Tournament – Join a collection of AEW wrestlers who will face-off in tag team matches against famous Adult Swim faces for a no-holds-barred event as each competitor vies for the chance to win the “Battle for the Booty” title. Thursday (7/25) at 7:30pm
   
• Adult Swim’s Night of New – Comic-Con attendees will be the first to experience a collection of brand-new Adult Swim series at this special screening event featuring the full-length premiere episodes of “Common Side Effects,” “Rick and Morty: The Anime,” “Invincible Fight Girl,” and “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” alongside more never-before-seen Adult Swim content.  The screening will also be livestreamed in real-time on Adult Swim’s YouTube Channel. Don’t miss your chance! Friday (7/26) at 7:30pm 
   
• Fun with Zach and Michael – Fresh off the finale of the hit series’ second season, join “SMILING FRIENDS” co-creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel for a special live-draw and fan Q&A event. Saturday (7/27) at 7:30pm 

The first 1,000 attendees to join the “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty” at 1pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday will receive an exclusive giveaway! For more details on the “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty” visit here.

RICKMOBILE TOUR KICK-OFF
This summer marks the return of the famed Rickmobile and Mortymobile for Adult Swim’s “Anime-rican” tour in support of the new series “Rick and Morty: The Anime,” and San Diego Comic-Con is its first stop! Fans attending the “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty” will have a chance for a photo-op with the Mortymobile, while the Rickmobile will roam San Diego’s Gaslamp District with special giveaways. After Comic-Con, both the Rickmobile and the Mortymobile will cross the country for a nine-city tour that will conclude in Adult Swim’s hometown of Atlanta.

PANEL EVENTS
The fun continues inside with a series of can’t-miss panels featuring advanced looks, breaking news and insightful discussion from series creators and voice talent:

• Adult Swim’s “Common Side Effects” Series First Look – Come experience the side effects of an incredible panel discussion about Adult Swim’s highly anticipated new series.  “Common Side Effects.”  From executive producers Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, and creators Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, this comedic thriller follows two former high school lab partners who take on big pharma and government agencies as they try to bring a medicine that cures everything to the whole world. Co-creator Steve Hely and writer/director Sean Buckelew will join the series voice cast including Martha Kelly, Emily Pendergast, Joseph Lee Anderson and Dave King to discuss the new series. Friday (7/26) at 11am, Indigo Ballroom 
   
• Adult Swim’s “Rick And Morty: The Anime” Series First Look – Go further into the multiverse of Rick and Morty with the new series “Rick and Morty: The Anime” as it lands at San Diego Comic-Con.  Writer/director Takashi Sano, producers Joseph Chou and Takenari Maeda, and Adult Swim’s head of action and anime Jason DeMarco will share details about the intergalactic adventure and show you the inner workings of the new series on Adult Swim. Friday (7/26) at 12pm, Indigo Ballroom 
   
• “My Adventures with Superman” Screening Presentation and Panel – Join executive producers Jake Wyatt, Josie Campbell, Brendan Clogher, and voice cast members Jack Quaid, Alice Lee, Ishmel Sahid, and Kiana Madeira as they answer your burning questions from season two. Plus get the early scoop on all the action, comedy, and romance that awaits Clark, Lois, and Jimmy in season three. Airing on Adult Swim, “My Adventures with Superman” is produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Saturday (7/27) at 10am, Indigo Ballroom

Oh My God, Yes! A Series of Extremely Relatable Circumstances – One of four pilots that aired during the M. Night Shyamalan “Night of Pilots to Hawk My New Movie, Sponsored by Burger Restaurant” back in February 2023. I tried doing a write-up that night but was too busy (plus the site wasn’t up yet). I did however keep the quick notes I made: The show takes place in the year 2102 and feels like a cross between Cyberpunk and the Boondocks. OMG, Yes was created and Exec Produced by Emmy Nominated Adele “Supreme” Williams (My Dad the Bounty Hunter) with animation from Six Point Harness.

Ha Ha You Clowns – Created by Joe Cappa (Ghost Dogs) and originally aired online, via the Adult Swim Smalls program. For those uninitiated with recent AS, Smalls started on the old adultswim.com (prior to the bloodletting that happened shortly after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger) and was touted as a sketch anthology series. It eventually morphed into a sort of pilot program where pilots/projects will sometimes air late night on the network. In the two-minute presentation below, there’s not much to go on outside of “Single dad taking care of his three sons after the death of his wife,” but it’s still a very silly two minutes and animation-wise has sort of a Bushworld/Yolo feel to it. If you’re on board, the rest of the episodes are available online with more Clowning. Hopefully with the 11.5 minute standard runtime, Cappa and crew can open it up further.

BUT WAIT…

In addition to new series (and kind of expected since co-creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel were there at the panel) Season THREE of Smiling Friends was announced! Obviously, with the second season still airing, we may have to wait quite a while to find out when exactly that will be. But still welcomed news.

Video + Info below. Information on release dates as they become available.

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At today’s Adult Swim – Defying Expectations Panel at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Adult Swim announced the following new series currently in production for the network:

“Oh My God, Yes! A Series of Extremely Relatable Circumstances” – Created by Emmy nominated writer and executive producer Adele “Supreme” Williams (Netflix’s “My Dad the Bounty Hunter”), the quarter-hour comedy follows three best friends navigating the wild and dicey dating misadventures in South Central LA, circa 2102. A pilot episode for the series aired last year as part of Adult Swim’s pilot block, and is currently available to watch on Adult Swim.com. “Oh My God Yes!” is executive produced by Dominique Braud and produced for Adult Swim by Six Point Harness.

“Ha Ha You Clowns” – Adult Swim has ordered a full series pick-up of the popular Adult Swim SMALLS animated short series. The quarter-hour comedy follows three sweet natured brothers who, alongside their deeply caring father, embark on various adventures as they bond together in the wake of their mother’s passing. Inspired by suburban family TV shows of the past, this series mixes heartfelt emotions with surreal comedy. It is created by Joe Cappa, whose animated short “Ghost Dogs” was a 2021 Sundance Festival Official Selection and winner of the Satoshi Kon Award at Fantasia.

Returning Series – In addition, Adult Swim announced that the hit series “SMILING FRIENDS,” currently in its sophomore season, will return to Adult Swim for a third season. 

Co-created and starring Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, “SMILING FRIENDS” follows the employees of a small company dedicated to bringing happiness to a bizarre yet colorful world. The series was also selected for official competition at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Previously announced, the Adult Animation panel which appears to be a general panel of WBD heads for Max, WB Animation, and Cartoon Network/Adult Swim. Additionally there will be a “making of” panel featuring last year’s announced Common Side Effects by creators Joe Bennett and Steve Hely as well as a general Adult Swim panel featuring Primal’s Genndy Tartakovsky as well as Smiling Friends’ Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel.

There’s no telling at this point what could be announced. Besides the previously announced Common Side Effects, the previously announced shows are Season 3 of Primal and Yolo, the Rick and Morty shows, Spanish-Language Women Wearing Shoulder Pads. It’s anyone’s guess as to what else they may announce.

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Here’s the Press Release:

ADULT SWIM TO PRESENT WORLD-PREMIERE SCREENING OF “COMMON SIDE EFFECTS,” NEW SERIES ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES AT ANNECY INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL Genndy Tartakovsky, Joe Bennett, Steve Hely, Michael Cusack, And Zach Hadel To Join Adult Swim Network Showcase at This Year’s Festival

BURBANK (May 28, 2024) – The global leader in adult animation, Adult Swim returns to Annecy International Animation Film Festival with a robust slate of first-looks, breaking news and special appearances that will spotlight what’s to come in the world of Adult Swim. “Common Side Effects” Making-of Panel – Adult Swim will screen the entire first episode of the highly anticipated new series “Common Side Effects” exclusively at Annecy. After the world-premiere screening, co-creators Joe Bennett (“Scavengers Reign”) and Steve Hely (“Veep,” “American Dad!,” “The Office”), will join Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen, Head of Adult Animation Suzanna Makkos and Bandera Entertainment President Dustin Davis, for an in-depth conversation and Q&A about this special new series. From Executive Producers Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, “Common Side Effects” follows Marshall and Frances, two former high school lab partners who share a secret: Marshall has discovered the world’s greatest medicine, a mushroom that can heal almost anything. But getting it out into the world won’t be easy – the DEA, big pharma, and international businessmen are all on the chase to stop them. The half-hour serialized comedic thriller is produced by Bandera and Green Street Pictures. (Wednesday, June 12 at 5pm, Bonlieu – Petite salle)     Adult Swim – Defying Expectations – Featuring appearances by Emmy-winning creator Genndy Tartakovsky (“Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal”) and “SMILING FRIENDS” co-creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack, this can’t-miss panel will offer first-looks at a collection of forthcoming Adult Swim content that will continue to defy expectations. Ouweleen and Makkos will join Adult Swim Head of Production Kelly Crews for a show-stopping panel filled with first looks and breaking news that will underscore the network’s global dominance in adult animation.  (Thursday, June 13 at 2pm, Impérial Palace – Salle de la Volière) Adult Animation at Warner Bros. Discovery – Studio Focus – Adult Swim, Max, and Warner Bros. Animation spotlight their strategy and efforts in the booming adult animation space. Ouweleen, Makkos, and Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Warner Bros. Animation Peter Girardi will preview current and upcoming projects and share their team’s strategies to ensure Warner Bros. Discovery remains the destination for adult animation. (Friday, June 14 at 12pm, Impérial Palace – Salle de la Volière)  On the heels of its sophomore season debut on Adult Swim, the quarter-hour comedy “SMILING FRIENDS” was selected for official competition at this year’s festival as well.

First, let’s recap this year’s gag… as with every year since 2004, the Internet’s been rampant with speculation and ideas of what this year’s would end up being. With AS announcing “New Smiling Friends” at midnight, there were ideas… but no one (outside of creators Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, as well as the “Adult Swim Center For Puppetry Farts”) could have seen this one coming: PUPPETS!

I would totally buy a Mr. Frog puppet, but otherwise the puppet redux concept was fantastic. Especially, each of the three episodes were completely different. First, was the traditional Muppet/Felt Puppet look for Season One’s second episode, “Mr. Frog”. Second aired, “Shrimp’s Odyssey” was done in sock puppets (Charlie and Shrimp especially looking perfect) plus “Shrimpina” as a live-action human. Lastly, we got a paper macher puppet version for episode “Charlie Dies and Doesn’t Come Back”. Personally, I would have loved to see them do “Who Violently Murdered Simon S. Salty?” but overall this was fantastic! In a post-pandemic/WBD “shredding and deleting everything” era where the past 3 years were mid at best, this was a fresh idea and a welcome surprise. However, not the last bit of the night…

After the gag portion, we were treated to the aforementioned “new” episode from the upcoming S2 titled “Gwimbly: Definitive Remastered Enhanced Extended Edition DX 4k (Anniversary Director’s Cut)”. While it didn’t feature puppets, rather back to animation (mostly), the episode was definitely back to form for SF and gives some anticipation for the upcoming season… which was announced for May 12th at Midnight on AS (next day on Max).

As of writing this, you can catch the entire 34 minutes of puppet fun below. Also a sneak peek at the upcoming season. One (maybe) interesting factoid from our friend Wizard of Jim on Discord…

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Check out official info below:

ADULT SWIM SURPRISES FANS WITH “SMILING FRIENDS” SEASON TWO PREMIERE EPISODE AND PUPPET SHOW TO ANNOUNCE SERIES RETURN ON MAY 12

BURBANK (April 1, 2024) – “SMILING FRIENDS,” the hit animated comedy co-created and starring Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel that follows the employees of a small company dedicated to bringing happiness to a bizarre yet colorful world, will return for a second season on Sunday, May 12 at midnight on Adult Swim.  Adult Swim continued its annual April Fools’ Day tradition this morning at midnight with the unexpected debut of three episodes of “SMILING FRIENDS” re-created in various styles of puppetry, followed by a surprise airing of the season two premiere episode, “Gwimbly: Definitive Remastered Enhanced Extended Edition DX 4k (Anniversary Director’s Cut).” SMILING FRIENDS” fans who missed out on the block can still enjoy the puppet-style season one episodes HERE.  April Fools 2024: Smiling Friends (Puppet Version) | adult swimIn season two of “SMILING FRIENDS,” Pim, Charlie, Zongo, Allan and Glep continue their mission to bring happiness to the world, whether it’s a washed-up retro video game character, a troubled marriage, or even the president of the United States.    “HELLOOO EVERYONE HOPE YOU WATCH THE NEW SEASON OF ‘SMILING FRIENDS’ AND THE SMILING FRIENDS PUPPET SHOW,” said Cusack and Hadel. “IT’S GOING TO BE SOOOOO COOL AND FUN AND HOPE YOU WATCH!!!!!!!”   The quarter-hour comedy is co-created by Cusack (“YOLO: Crystal Fantasy”) and Hadel (“Hellbenders”). Beginning May 13, new episodes of “SMILING FRIENDS” will be available to stream on Max and to purchase on Digital.

It would be a boldfaced lie if I said this year was no different… however, with both the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes at the forefront of the event (the latter still in progress) there were little expectations as to what exactly would be occurring this year. SAG specifically forbade any actors attending to comment specifically about any past or future works, leaving actors to answer the simplest of questions from fans.

That being said, it was only a few short weeks ago that we got a (sort of) answer in regard to Adult Swim programming via ReedPop’s Panel Registration page popped up inconspicuously, only stating the subtitle: “A First Look at New and Returning Series” and teasers of what to expect (although missing from the lineup was anime, Uzumaki – which some have speculated is nowhere near ready to be shown).

What we got was a pretty standard “What’s We’re Cooking Up At Adult Swim” panel, featuring President Michael Ouweleen, Director of Comedy Development Missy Laney, and VP of Comedy Development Cameron Tang, and moderated by Perri Nemiroff of Collider (whose expertise appears to be in horror films – not as a knock on her, but some questions came off a bit generic and borderline cringey – yet she powered through the interview portion). That being said, here are some of the highlights to the panel itself:

Opening Comments:

(Our “Formerly Known As Twitter” was somehow set to GIF mode when we started posting. Still looks cool, though.)

• Mike O was asked about action vs comedy and stated that it wasn’t just about the comedy shows anymore, giving Primal as one of the main examples.
• Missy discussed live-action and how you can have shows on different sides of the spectrum such as a Joe Pera or an Eric Andre.
• Cam mentioned the pitch for Joe Pera was “punk rock anti-business but also so funny.”
• Cam also mentioned having piloted a show over a tweet before (the show was not mentioned however).
• Perri asked Mike how he goes about passing on a show, to which he quipped “I make these guys do it.”

Women Wearing Shoulder Pads (Coming in 2024):

• Missy took point on introducing this show, Adult Swim’s first ever Spanish Language Program.
• Stated “I want this to be the first Adult Swim show to go Criterion.”
• Apparently, the show was originally pitched as being made with marionettes (which would explain the main character’s name).
• More on WWSP on our Official ASPR Announcement Post

Smiling Friends Season Two (Coming in 2024):

• Cam discussed suggesting to creators B about using S2 to develop and focus more of the lesser characters such as Glep, Mr Boss, and Mr. Frog (hello!)
• We’re shown an animatic from an episode – Pim takes Charlie to visit his “UFO Hunting Group” on the premise that Charlie suggested he was interested – he never did.
• One of the characters is quick to correct Charlie and call them “UAPs.”
• New character Fillmore is crazy-go-nuts.
• Very colorful vomit from one of the other characters.
• The characters unveil an “experimental alien beacon device” which ends up being a theremin. Charlie uses it to summon an actual UFO.

Yolo: Rainbow Trinity (Coming “Soon”):

• Off the heels of the SF clip, the image is teased (and not much else). We can’t wait!
• More on Y:RT on our Official ASPR Announcement Post

The Return of Aqua Teen Hunger Force (Coming “Soon… this Year Soon”)

• Perri: “Why specifically Five episodes?” Mike: “Five is the new Full Season”
• Mike (in seriousness) talked about how they were all in town last year for the Aqua Teen Plantasm screening and Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis wanted to do more (as it’s fairly well-known, former Adult Swim VP Mike Lazzo unceremoniously pulled the plug on the show, with little warning to the guys).
• Mike agreed and was able to put together a 5-episode run based on the success of the new movie, as kind of a “Let’s see.”
• Mike: Show has been evolved for 2023
• Perri (to Missy and Cam – and later Mike): Which character was your fav and has that changed… 😒
• Perri segways to Checkered Past – Mike goes into the history of Ted Turner buying the Hanna-Barbera library, spawning CN, AS, and their respective shows, mainly What a Cartoon, Billy and Mandy, etc. Mike and Kim Manning planned to reair the classics for CN’s 30th which garnered great ratings, so they decided on the block, someone else came up with the name and they found the classic “SKULL” from the end of the classic AS shows, and it all came together.
• ATHF Clip opens with different animation and Shake narrating about a new world… Behold, Shaketopia!
• Shake (as a greek emperor-type on a throne) is surrounded by little gummy bear type creatures (they kinda remind me of the Storage Zeebles or the bees from Sweet C) barking orders one fetches him a VR helmet for him to play “Fantastisploosh” a game where you have to create rectangles out of squares – the game is definitely a parody of Candy Crush, voiceover and all.
• Scene glitches out to reveal… Shake on the recliner in a robe looking emaciated and drooling. Frylock reveals Shake has been “in” for over 2 months. Meatwad tries to draw a dick on him.
• Back to the game (and the game game) one of the creatures points out the obvious about the game consisting of squares being converted into rectangles… Shake zaps her into ashes.
• Perri asks how Mike determined the animation for “Shaketopia” …😒 (Note: Aqua Teen’s upcoming season is being animated by Floyd County Productions). Mike answers diplomatically on how the video game scene “informs the animation.”
• Perri expands on the previous question about expectations on “other animation styles” in the 5 episodes…😒 (see previous note). Mike jokingly says the budget wasn’t that big but that the “style” is much richer than the original series. He also promised that AI was not involved.
• Guest Stars including voice over royalty Maurice LaMarche, Gary Anthony Williams and Eric Bauza as well as Dan Folger, and Brian Cox (Succession). (As previously noted, Ronnie from Aqua Teen Pod will also be a voice in an episode).
• Mike: “It will be out soon… this year soon…” (It was rumored for a November release previously).

Rick and Morty Season 7 (Out Now):

• You’ve seen the clip and the episode by now. No sense rehashing it.
• Perri: Why kick off with Mr. Poopybutthole. Mike: We were concerned about him.
• Mike says the R&M intro is similar to the new ATHF one where things may/may not happen in episodes.
• Canon in episodes.
• S7 whole new characters and new worlds. “Servicing the characters.”
• “And there’s a great episode about spaghetti.”
• Perri asks Mike the burning question as to the voice replacements and why they’ve been kept secret. Mike responded, “It’s about the show… getting the show out is the point.” and that you’ll find out during the credits (if you’ve seen the episode or either Variety or Hollywood Reporter’s articles, you’ll know by now… more on that at another time).

Fan Q&A:

Obviously, showcasing the more coherent ones… most of which are essentially a wish list to Santa Mike:

• One fan asked for them to consider a Frisky Dingo Season Three, to which Mike responded, “I don’t think the guys want to.” (There’s a bit of rumor, innuendo and a tiny bit of fact as to how/when/why Dingo got axed – won’t get into it here).
• Another fan asked about Sym-Bionic Titan. Mike responded: “Never say never… but that was a Cartoon Network show.”
• A third fan asked if we’d be getting a Ballmasterz 8008 S3. Mike: “Not in the works but we love working with the same creators.” This bodes well for Christy Karacas who is an amazing talent.
• Fan asks why they’ve never thought of bringing previous HBO max exclusive Close Enough to the network? Mike’s answer is interesting (but expected) since there’s a lot of red tape in acquiring content from different avenues, even from an “exclusive.”
• Fan asks if they’re trying to go more General Audience/Young Adult shows… Mike says they have a lot of daytime hours now so both will exist.
• Next fan: More Xavier: Renegade Angel? Mike: “No plans…” but suggests they always could.

FYI: Mike O co-created Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law, so he’s definitely in the “Let’s bring back the classics” camp. A lot of these asks may seem crazy, but not completely out of the realm of possibility…

…speaking of, there was also a Titmouse panel that brought up Venture Bros… yeah, we’re not touching that one. Jackson Publick already debunked it… anyway, here are some Venture Bros cosplay pics:

So that’s EVERYTHING and more Adult Swim that happened at NYCC this weekend. I’ll be writing more coverage from the convention over at the mothership pretty soon. In the meantime, stay tuned for more news as we get it. Also here are a couple more pics: