Netflix Taps Smiling Friends Co-Creator for New Show, Reveals Image & Plot

Netflix has begun laying the groundwork for an upcoming adult animated sitcom that it recently ordered. The streaming giant has hired the co-creator of the popular series, Smiling Friends, and two other writers, to develop it.

Accordingly, the new show becomes the latest addition to the OTT platform’s catalogue centered on the medium, which includes shows like Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, Alley Cats, and Long Story Short, the latter of which was renewed for a second season.

Netflix orders adult-animated series Dad’s House

Netflix recently ordered the adult-animated sitcom, Dad’s House. Michael Cusack, who previously created Smiling Friends, Dario Russo, and David Ashby, are executive producing it and also serving as showrunners. Notably, Russo and Ashby are known for creating and writing the surreal comedy television show for SBS One and SBS 2, Danger 5. The former also directed Italian Spiderman and co-wrote it with the latter, Tait Wilson, Will Spartalis, and Boris Repasky.

Additionally, the trio is also part of the voice cast, which includes Felicity Ward, who previously appeared in The Office (Australia), Wakefield, and The Inbetweeners 2.

Furthermore, the streamer has shared the first image from Dad’s House, showing the three main characters, along with the plot.

The series takes place in a small town in the suburbs of Australia. It follows Sean, a 13-year-old whose parents are divorced. He spends every second weekend with his father, Ian, who is “laidback” despite being “well-meaning.” Unfortunately for the former, the latter has a habit of making their quality time unnecessarily complicated.

Princess Pictures and Bento Box Entertainment are producing. The former is known for shows like Koala Man, the aforementioned Smiling Friends, and YOLO. Meanwhile, the latter’s portfolio includes Bob’s Burgers, Central Park, Hoops, and Hazbin Hotel.

A specific release date hasn’t been set as of writing. This will likely be announced at a later time, presumably once production hits its final stages.

The news comes two months after Cusack confirmed that Smiling Friends was ending with its third season, whose final two episodes premiered on April 12, 2026. He and co-creator Zach Hadel revealed the reason in an audio recording shared on social media. They said it was due to a simultaneous feeling of “burnout” and a sense of accomplishment.