Meghan Markle has drawn backlash after her Bondi visit outfit was quickly linked for sale online, sparking criticism over mixing humanitarian work with commercial promotion.

While she and Prince Harry met survivors and first responders, critics, including Richard Palmer, questioned the timing. The couple continued engagements across Sydney, including an Invictus Australia event.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry also reflected on royal life, with the duke discussing grief over Princess Diana and Meghan addressing years of online abuse.

Meghan’s outfit from her visit to meet survivors of the Bondi Beach terror attack has quickly become available for purchase online, through a platform where she reportedly earns a commission.

Her look from the Sydney beach visit, which also features Prince Harry in promotional imagery, includes a striped shirt, white jeans, trainers, sunglasses, and a suede bag, all of which are available for sale on the fashion platform OneOff.

According to the Daily Mail, Meghan is said to receive between 10% and 25% from each item sold and is also listed as an investor in the AI-driven shopping site.

Her profile on the platform, where she is styled as “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” features several recent appearances, including her current Australia visit, each with direct shopping links.

During the visit, the duchess appeared visibly emotional, speaking with survivors and first responders connected to the December attack that claimed 15 lives.

She also embraced individuals directly affected, including survivor Jessica Chapnik Kahn, who protected her young child during the incident.

The timing of the outfit’s promotion has drawn criticism, with some observers questioning the decision to link her clothing to sales so quickly after a visit with terror attack survivors.

Critics argue that showcasing purchasable looks during such a sensitive engagement blurs the line between humanitarian work and commercial activity.

Royal commentator Richard Palmer described the move as “the starkest example yet of Harry and Meghan’s efforts to commercialize their royal brand.”

He suggested that it could potentially “have alarm bells ringing at the palace and may ultimately prompt further discussion about whether there is a need to strip them of their royal titles,” especially given recent precedents within the family.

The expert added: “The palace can say it’s nothing to do with the institution because Harry and Meghan aren’t publicly-funded members of it – but they are the King’s son and daughter-in-law, and any suggestion of cashing in on royal status reflects badly on the monarchy.”

Meghan Markle Was Slammed Online Over The Business Move

On social media, Meghan’s move to put the outfit she wore to meet Bondi survivors didn’t go unnoticed, prompting mixed reactions.

One person commented on X, “It is astounding that these two are still given opportunities, when they’ve clearly, by past behavior, shown they fully intend to merch and profit tf off of all of it.”

A second individual said, “Her business must be in real trouble if this is the ghoul tactics she’s resorted to? Why did she think this was appropriate? And why would she think normal people would accept this?”

“She is disgusting and wonders why she was ‘the most trolled person in the entire world,’” another harsh critic wrote of the duchess’s business move.

The Sussexes’ Sydney Visit Marks’ Full-Circle Moment’ With Invictus Return

Despite the backlash, the couple continued their engagements across Sydney. At Bondi Beach, they spent time speaking with survivors and first responders, with Harry briefly sharing a light moment greeting a beachgoer before turning his attention back to those affected.

She emphasized the need to confront hate, calling it a major “human problem,” and said the opportunity to connect on a deeper, emotional level made the moment especially meaningful.

Later in the day, the pair were welcomed by crowds gathered at the Sydney Opera House before heading out for a sailing event hosted by Invictus Australia.

At the harbor, they met veteran Joel Vanderzwan, who presented them with custom flip-flops reading “G’day Hazza” and “G’day Megs,” prompting Harry to joke about usually receiving “budgie smugglers.”

They later boarded a wheelchair-accessible vessel designed for injured veterans.

The visit marked a return to Australia for the couple, who last toured the country in 2018 when Harry announced that the Invictus Games would be hosted there. Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung described their return to Sydney Harbour as a “full-circle moment.”

The day concluded with the couple attending a rugby match between the New South Wales Waratahs and Moana Pasifika, where they sat alongside Phil Waugh, CEO of the Australian Rugby Union.

Prince Harry Reflects On Princess Diana’s Death As Meghan Markle Opens Up About Online Abuse

During their trip, Harry and Meghan also reflected on their experiences as former working royals.

Speaking at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne, Harry opened up about the impact of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age, recalling how it shaped his feelings about royal life.

He shared: “After my mum died just before my 13th birthday – I was like: ‘I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role – wherever this is headed, I don’t like it.” However, he later realized he could use his platform to create meaningful change.

Meghan, meanwhile, addressed the effects of online abuse, saying” she was the most trolled person in the entire world.”

Speaking to young people connected to the mental health organization Batyr, she described digital spaces as often “completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks.

Roommates, it looks like Ice Spice isn’t letting a lil’ fast food beef get in her in her feelings. The rapper came through with a jokey joke while addressing the viral McDonald’s assault incident with a young woman named Vayah in Los Angeles.

RELATED: Whoa! Video Footage Shows Woman Physically Attacking Ice Spice At Los Angeles McDonald’s (WATCH)

Ice Spice Reacts To Viral McDonald’s Incident

Fans have been waiting for Ice Spice to enter the chat after footage circulated online showing her in a heated altercation with a young woman named Vayah at a McDonald’s restaurant. Late on Friday, April 17, the ‘Munch’ raptress hopped on X (formerly Twitter) to address the situation. Ice didn’t say much, she kept it real cutesy and demure saying, “this wouldn’t happen at Wendy’s.” Ice’s shoutout to Wendy’s didn’t stop there — fans also peeped that she updated her Instagram bio to “@wendy’s princess.”

Ice’s response immediately had fans cutting up with reactions. Plenty of folks said her reaction felt very on brand, especially since she previously opened up about working at Wendy’s before she rose to fame during an appearance on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ in 2025. “There would be really annoying workers and characters. But I would low-key appreciate them. But, like […] low-key, though!,” Ice explained.

The TL Cuts UP After Ice Spice Gives Wendy’s A Shoutout Following Heated Altercation

After TSR reposted Ice Spice’s clap back, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Some folks agreed with her and started naming other fast food spots that they think wouldn’t have left a fight pop off. Meanwhile others said its sad that celebrities can’t even enjoy a normal meal without people bothering them.

Instagram user @liv.the.locsmyth wrote, “This is definitely Waffle House behavior 😭😭” 

Instagram user @aimeadame wrote, “Or Chick-fil-A.” 

While Instagram user @dhatboi_nes wrote, “Imagine this all end up being for a music video.” 

Then Instagram user @ms_katie_baby wrote, “Now Wendy’s finna be in the comments cuttin’ up 😂😂😂😂” 

Another Instagram user @lilbit_krissy wrote, “Give her her baddies chain!” 

Instagram user @theshawniab wrote, “That’s sad celebrities really can’t enjoy a normal life without getting harassed.” 

Then another Instagram user @tracyannthegreat wrote, “This is how you get a brand deal. ❤️ IKTR.” 

While another Instagram user @socialfoodology wrote, “Let’s normalize rolling with friends who can fight too 😩 🤷🏾‍♂️” 

Finally, Instagram user @glamour_grl14 wrote, “Chile here comes Wendy’s response in 5…4…3….😂😂😂” 

Young Woman Who Attacked Ice Shares Her POV Of The Incident

After clips of Ice and Vayah fighting inside and outside of the McDonald’s circulated online, Vayah reveal what led up to the altercation during an interview. She says things escalated because she didn’t like Ice’s attitude when she approached her and her friend while they were eating inside the restaurant. Vayah also claimed that she walked up trying to compliment them, but when she did Ice told her to leave and called her a “b***h.” Furthermore, Vayah said that’s when she popped off and got in Ice’s face and started throwing hands. After that she claimed Ice allegedly stepped outside the restaurant and kept taking about her, which led them to get into another altercation.

Ice Spice’s lawyer Bradford Cohen also reacted to the incident. TMZ reports that Cohen says the Los Angeles Police Department knows about the situation and that everyone involved including the McDonald’s location will be held accountable.

“The unprovoked attack on my client has been reported to the LAPD, and we will be pursuing any and all avenues to hold the perpetrators responsible for their actions, including criminally and civilly. We are also exploring holding the location responsible for their lack of appropriate security,” Bradford Cohen said in a statement.

RELATED: Whew! Cleotrapa Enters The Chat As Fans Sound Off On Ice Spice’s McDonald’s Altercation (VIDEOS) 

In March 2026, pop star Britney Spears was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence. The following month, she decided to enter rehab with the encouragement of her two sons: Sean Preston and Jayden James. Although the “Toxic” singer is not due back in court until May 4, a legal expert is weighing in on her decision to seek treatment and how that could affect the outcome of her DUI case.

Britney Spears’ Rehab Stay Could Change The Outcome Of Her DUI Case

Over one month after she was pulled over while driving near her home in Ventura, California, the “Oops!… I Did It Again” singer made the decision to voluntarily check herself into rehab with the support of her family and friends.

Bobby Taghavi, managing partner at personal injury law firm Sweet James and former prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, is not associated with her case, but he did tell PEOPLE magazine that the decision to seek treatment without being ordered to by a court could definitely improve the outcome of her DUI case.

Legal Expert Weighs In On Britney’s Situation

Taghavi told the publication that voluntarily seeking treatment “shows the court and prosecutors that the person is taking the situation seriously before they’re ordered to do anything.”

He went on to say that judges “tend to respond better to proactive accountability than last-minute ‘damage control.’” Although it is unclear if the Princess of Pop could lose her license, he did suggest that her decision to seek treatment could help her avoid time behind bars.

Britney Spears’ DUI Case Could End In Probation

In lieu of jail time, it is possible that a judge could order the “Criminal” singer to undergo counseling, strict probation terms, or even enter educational programs to ensure that she does not relapse again.

“It’s not a guaranteed shield from custody, [but] most judges view it favorably as mitigation, especially when it’s documented, consistent, and shows real commitment,” he explained. “But the court will still look at the underlying facts, and judges prefer proof of participation or completion, not just an announcement.”

Will Britney Spend Time In Jail After Her DUI Arrest?

Taghavi noted that similar offenses usually include probation, fines, penalties, and even DUI school. He did admit that jail is “technically possible,” but “often not the centerpiece” in a typical DUI case. Considering this is her first offense, he suggested it is more likely her license will be suspended for about 4 months.

A separate source told PEOPLE magazine that the “Crossroads” actress was “very upset and shaken” after her arrest. “She’s terrified of going to jail. It’s taken weeks for her to realize that going to rehab is the best option,” the insider shared, noting that her two sons were a “big part” of getting her into a treatment facility.

Britney’s Team Has Reportedly Been Urging Her To Seek Treatment

The source went on to say that Britney’s team has “pushed for treatment” ever since she was arrested. “People around her do care a lot and are constantly trying to support her, but it can be difficult,” they said. “There have been a lot of concerns since the arrest.”

“Her sons were a big part of getting her to rehab. They’ve been clear with her. They just want her to be healthy,” they added. Fans have also been concerned about the pop star’s health due to her erratic social media posts.

“There was a system in place during the conservatorship. Her life was structured and more stable. There were people guiding decisions and making sure things stayed on track. With her independence, you started to see more instability in her day-to-day life,” the insider added.

This Is Not Britney Spears’ First Time In Rehab

In February 2008, the singer was subject to a court-ordered conservatorship that didn’t end until November 2021. Before her conservatorship, she was subject to two psychiatric holds. She also spent more than three months in a rehab facility in 2018.

“My father said that if I didn’t go, then I’d have to go to court, and I’d be embarrassed,” Britney wrote in her memoir, “The Woman In Me,” which was published in October 2023. She claimed that she was prescribed lithium and only allowed to watch an hour of television per day before she was forced to go to bed at 9 PM.

Westerns have been a big part of American cinema for about as long as cinema’s been a thing. Even before sound movies were a thing, you had something like The Great Train Robbery (1903), which is neat to watch and consider how many people who might’ve seen it, upon release, would’ve been able to personally remember actual Wild West times (that film was set in the 1870s… so it’s a bit like a 2026 release taking place in 1996 or something). And beyond America, the Western genre has been popular, because you only need to look at The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and all the spaghetti Westerns to realize as much. That doesn’t make Tombstone a spaghetti Western, but its director, George P. Cosmatos, was born in Italy to Greek parents, so…

No, that’s still a stretch. But Cosmatos did make one of the best Westerns of the second half of the 20th century when he directed Tombstone, which has really endured a great deal, well into the 21st century now. And there is something to be said about the Western genre being appealing outside the U.S., even if America is where the vast majority of Westerns take place, not to mention plenty of American actors having become associated with the genre. A bunch of them show up in Tombstone, with the cast being one reason why it’s still such a classic, but it’s also the way it’s written, the events it dramatizes, and the genuinely cinematic way it’s all put together… all these things help it feel nowhere near as old as you might expect a 33-year-old Western to feel.

What Is ‘Tombstone’ About?

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

While Tombstone is not a remake, the events of the film might feel familiar to you if you’ve seen a fair few classic Westerns before. It takes place in the titular town of Tombstone, and a good chunk of the runtime is dedicated to the lead-up to the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which had been previously dramatized in films like My Darling Clementine (1946) and, not so surprisingly, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957). Tombstone goes a little further, too, exploring the aftermath of the gunfight, particularly the way it led to a cycle of revenge.

Much of it’s about Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) and his family, which makes sense, given Earp’s status as a well-known reputation for the sorts of things he did as a lawman before retiring. He is technically retired at the start of Tombstone, but events transpire to pull him back in, which is a little Unforgiven-esque (but in a good way… it’s good to be reminiscent of Unforgiven). Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) is also a prominent character throughout Tombstone, with Kilmer arguably giving the most memorable performance of anyone who’s ever played that real-life figure. Speaking of great actors giving memorable performances…

The Impressive Cast of ‘Tombstone’

The ensemble cast assembled for Tombstone is stacked, to the point where even the narrator of the film is a big name: Robert Mitchum. He’s not even seen on screen, but his voice is there, so that’s cool. There is, as already mentioned, Russell and Kilmer in the lead roles, plus… well, it feels lazy to just rattle off all the names here, but it really is the quickest way to establish what an all-star cast this is. So, you’ve got Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, Charlton Heston, Stephen Lang, Thomas Haden Church, and Michael Rooker.

Oh, and some actors who became more well-known post-Tombstone, with just small roles here that are more noticeable now that the actors are a little more recognizable, like Billy Bob Thornton, Billy Zane, and Terry O’Quinn. There’s a big cast here, so that’s not even everyone. The only other observation that can be made is that there are three actors here who have appeared in more than three James Cameron movies: Bill Paxton (admittedly, often in supporting/minor roles), Michael Biehn (The Terminator, Aliens, and The Abyss), and Stephen Lang (the three Avatar movies so far). Oh, and Billy Zane was memorably evil in Titanic. As to what James Cameron specifically thinks about Tombstone, it can’t be said for sure, but you’d have to guess he digs it at least a little, right?

Why ‘Tombstone’ Endures After More Than 30 Years

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

Tombstone is not an outright comedy by any means, nor an action movie in the traditional sense, but part of what makes it great is the fact that it’s quite funny at times, or at least some of the dialogue is, and then when it does want to deliver action, it’s all punchy and satisfying. Cosmatos did seem most at home in the action genre, so that makes sense, since he also directed Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985). Oh, and that one had a screenplay that was co-written by James Cameron, so there’s another Cameron connection. Anyway, Tombstone has particularly good shootouts and showdowns, even if it’s also concerned with doing a little more than just offering action.

There’s a sense of making the Old West feel epic here, and though the characters are made likely broader/simpler than they were in real life, it works with the style of the film and the sense of bombast. It’s one way to depict a Western setting, making it feel kind of mythological, which a lot of Westerns do, in all honesty, and that’s okay. There are other ways that Tombstone aims to reflect reality, with an attention to detail regarding certain historical things that can definitely be admired. It’s largely just entertaining, though, at the end of the day. That feels like the main thing, with lots of individual qualities that can all be admired, you know, individually, but then they also all coalesce to make something big, beefy, and wholly satisfying, as far as Westerns go.

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Tombstone

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Release Date

December 25, 1993

Runtime

130 minutes

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Director

George P. Cosmatos

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Writers

Kevin Jarre

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There have been some amazing horror shows to grace our television screens over the past decade. Whether you were covering your eyes during The Haunting of Hill House or were on the edge of your seat for Squid Game, there are many excellent shows in the horror genre to choose from. But there might be one more underrated horror thriller series from Paramount+ that you’ll need to add to your watchlist if you feel like getting scared out of your wits.

What Is the Horror Series ‘Yellowjackets’ About?

Yellowjackets originally aired on Showtime, starting in 2021. Even though the series has an incredible cast and has garnered some buzz, it definitely hasn’t gotten all of the love it deserves. Three seasons have already been released (after a switch to Paramount+ in 2025), and a fourth and final one is on the way, which means now is the perfect time to tune into the first 29 episodes. Yellowjackets follows two separate timelines. The first takes place in 1996, when a plane carrying a team of teenage soccer players crashes in the wilderness. The second follows the same characters 25 years later, which gives you hints as to which members of the team actually survived.

Related

20 Best ‘Yellowjackets’ Characters, Ranked by How Scary They Are

Perfectly calibrated tongues.

As each episode unfolds, we learn more about the wildly horrific things the girls experienced as they learn to do whatever it takes to make it to another day in a brutal and unforgiving environment. And then we see how that trauma is still manifesting in their behaviors now that they’re well into adulthood. Yellowjackets isn’t a straightforward look at an unspeakable event and its fallout — instead, it’s a terrifying examination of the horrors of adolescence (specifcally female friendships), as well as complex relationships and trauma bonds. Oh, and then there’s also deliciously gruesome acts of cannibalism, desperate violence, and creepy supernatural vibes that bring this series to another level.

‘Yellowjackets’ Is a Horror Series That Keeps You Guessing

Yellowjackets is a compelling show to watch because there is danger lurking around every corner. The time these characters spend in the wilderness is filled with perils, whether it’s finding enough to eat or making sure you’re not ostracized from the group. But the dangers don’t stop for these characters once they make it back to civilization. The adult survivors are faced with just as many threats to their safety (even if it’s coming from some mystical force that still haunts them). The switching back and forth between timelines creates a tension and increasingly fraught suspense that will have your blood pressure rising with each episode.

Yellowjackets is also a stand-out horror series because of its cinematography, which never fails to assault your senses and leave you stunned. The production design and look of the show ensures that the wilderness and its elements act as another character. Although it’s important to note that the series is very gory, and should be avoided by anyone who gets queasy easily, the haunting narratives are still incredibly gripping to watch for anyone brave enough to tune in.

‘Yellowjackets’ Features a 10/10 Cast

Image via Showtime

The series would be a must-watch just because of its wildly entertaining storytelling and twists and turns that you won’t see coming. However, Yellowjackets also becomes bingeworthy because it features such a talented cast. Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Ella Purnell all master their gritty and slyly humorous performances, but the show also boasts a fabulous array of famous 1990s actors who are certainly welcome back on our screens. Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis, Lauren Ambrose, and Hilary Swank all effortlessly remind us why they became stars in the first place. It’s not just the big-name stars who steal scenes, though. Several of the actors portraying the teenagers are extraordinary, especially Jasmin Savoy Brown, Liv Hewson, Sophie Nélisse, Sophie Thatcher, and Samantha Hanratty.

Yellowjackets has earned 10 Emmy nominations, including ones for Lynskey and Ricci, but the horror show still hasn’t received all the acclaim it deserves. The way it answers questions in so many mysteries, allowing each season to unfold in an intricate and fascinating way, is a tribute to its talented writers and actors. Although it’s a bummer that Season 4 will end the show’s journey, there’s no doubt that it will wrap up in a brilliant and twisted way. No release date has been given yet for new episodes (which added actress June Squibb to the cast), but that just means you have plenty of time to dive into this dark and terrifying world.

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Release Date

2021 – 2026-00-00

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Network

Showtime, Paramount+ with Showtime

Showrunner

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Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson, Jonathan Lisco

Directors

Benjamin Semanoff, Daisy von Scherler Mayer, Deepa Mehta, Eduardo Sánchez, Jeffrey W. Byrd, Liz Garbus, Scott Winant, Eva Sørhaug, Jamie Travis

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Writers

Liz Phang, Sarah L. Thompson, Ameni Rozsa

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Ice Spice and Cleotrapa are both being pulled into conversations after a viral McDonald’s altercation in Hollywood started making waves online. Now, attention quickly shifted when Cleotrapa weighed in on the situation. You already know, her commentary has fans connecting it back to their complicated history.

RELATED: Whoa! Video Footage Shows Woman Physically Attacking Ice Spice At Los Angeles McDonald’s (WATCH)

Cleotrapa Reacts To Ice Spice McDonald’s Incident

Fans Debate Cleotrapa Speaking On The Situation

Folks wasted no time running to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section, and opinions were definitely split. Some questioned whether Cleotrapa should even be speaking on the situation at all. Meanwhile, others said it’s okay to stay out of it and simply wish everyone well.

One Instagram user @hiimrozzy wrote, “Normalize when yk u wasn’t a bad friend to ppl still wishing them the best & simply just moving on“

This Instagram user @transvilla420 said, “So she basically wants her old BODYGUARD job back 🥊😊”

And, Instagram user @aprnbeauty joked “Come to find out everybody ate“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @shanticeee__ added, “I JUST KNOW Cleo was tickled 🤭🤣🤣”

While Instagram user @picturemerolling24 claimed, “Doesn’t matter ice spice was ready and squared up 😂😂😂😂😂”

Then, Instagram user @liv.yourz said, “No way ima be speaking on somebody im not friends wit anymore. Why so pressed?“

What Happened With Ice Spice At McDonald’s?

Ice Spice is at the center of online chatter after a trip to a Hollywood McDonald’s reportedly turned into a heated exchange between her and a fan named Vayah. Now, new details are emerging about what allegedly went down and led up to the physical altercation that has everyone talking.

As previously reported, Vayah approached Ice Spice while she was sitting inside the restaurant with a friend. The conversation quickly escalated after a back-and-forth exchange. Vayah later claimed in an interview that she initially went over to compliment the rapper, but said things shifted after Ice allegedly responded in a rude manner. She also claimed that during the incident, items were knocked over and damaged as the confrontation continued both inside and outside the restaurant. Following the incident, Ice Spice’s legal representative confirmed the matter has been reported to the Los Angeles Police Department. And, authorities are expected to review the situation as it continues to develop.

RELATED: What’s Goin’ On? Ari Fletcher’s Spicy Response To Ice Spice Has Fans Asking To Be The Third Wheel (PHOTO)

Adult Swim is responsible for some of the boldest, most unusual animated programming of all-time, as the programming block on Cartoon Network has been catering to its niche fanbase ever since Space Ghost Coast to Coast became a cult hit in the ‘90s. Although there have been plenty of hilarious shows that speak to just how singular Adult Swim’s output is, the only recent series to break into mainstream popular culture was Rick & Morty, which attracted a passionate following based on its science fiction themes, unique characters, and rich universe. Rick & Morty may have eventually begun to decline in quality as controversies mounted against it, but Smiling Friends was a throwback to the classic days of Adult Swim, as it developed a cutting-edge way of blending together different media. Now that the series is officially wrapped, it’s the perfect, quick binge-watch for anyone who has yet to catch up.

Created by Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack, who also voiced the show’s main characters, Smiling Friends is about a group of unusual, colorful creatures that work at a non-profit charitable organization that is designed to help bring happiness to people who are struggling. Hadel voices the pink, optimistic protagonist Pim, the tall and red office manager Alan, and the villainous Mr. Frog; Cusack voices the large yellow creature Charlie and the group’s tiny green assistant Glep. While Pim and Charlie are at the center of the adventures, they receive their missions from the Smiling Friends owner, Mr. Boss (Marc M.), an unusual human who plays a more significant role in later seasons. As is the case with most Adult Swim shows, the plot in Smiling Friends isn’t all that important. It’s a series that is impossible to predict and will seemingly do anything in order to be as funny as possible.

‘Smiling Friends’ Is Bizarre, Surreal, and Completely Unique

The rules of how the Smiling Friends universe works aren’t completely clear, as there are elements that resemble a somewhat familiar version of society (albeit one that has colorful and strange creatures populating it), but it occasionally launches into science fiction territory. However, Smiling Friends succeeds at being a workplace comedy because Pim and Charlie are assigned a new client at the beginning of each episode, who they are asked to “make smile.” Although the means that are required to provoke happiness within these strange clients vary drastically, and can often get far more complicated than they initially realize, Smiling Friends does capture what it’s like to be both best friends and co-workers with someone. Although everything within the Smiling Friends universe is completely absurd, Pim and Charlie have a job that has a real benefit to society; the irony is that their bored indifference about their line of work is similar to that of anyone working a menial office job.

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This Adult Animated Series Refuses To Leave HBO Max’s Top 10, and the Reason Why Is Obvious

Say cheese!

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It’s thanks to the 11-minute running times of each episode that Smiling Friends creates self-contained adventures each week, with overarching storylines involving some characters only occasionally having significance. A recurring criticism of long-running animated shows is that the status quo never changes, but Smiling Friends satirizes that in a very surreal way. There are shocking revelations about Mr. Boss’ past, Alan’s unusual private life, and the bizarre adventures of the Smiling Friends clients that end each episode on a strange joke. Hadel and Cusack have also shown inventiveness in incorporating 3-D animation, stop-motion, and live-action elements into the series that only further complicate its grasp on reality. The humor is itself impossible to predict; while there are instances in which the broad and goofy adventures of the characters are borderline slapstick, the show will occasionally include violent, sexual, and existentialist humor that is clearly intended for an older audience.

‘Smiling Friends’ Went Out on a High Note

Image via Adult Swim/Warner Bros. Discovery

There are animated shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy that have run on for so long that there are now more bad seasons than good ones, so Hadel and Cusack made a strategic decision in choosing to end Smiling Friends after its third season, even though it had initially been renewed for two more installments. Despite the show beginning to find its groove and connecting with a broader audience on HBO Max, where it has performed better than nearly any other animated show, it wouldn’t do anyone any good if Hadel and Cusack had continued to work on a series that they were no longer passionate about. The intricacy within each episode, which includes tons of subtle gags, is something that required them to pour a significant amount of effort into, and Smiling Friends wouldn’t feel the same if later seasons didn’t show the same level of commitment.

It wouldn’t befit the tone of Smiling Friends to end on a sour note, and the final two episodes of the show are some of its best. “Friend-Bot (Version 12589218731809213528796879521)” made a fairly compelling case about the dangers and restrictions of using AI, and “Charlie’s Uncle Dies and Doesn’t Come Back” offered a surprising twist on the formula when Charlie is taught to be more confident after receiving some advice from a client. Given that Hadel and Cusack have a strong partnership with Adult Swim, it doesn’t seem impossible that they would return to the Smiling Friends universe if they had a good enough idea to justify its resurgence. However, it is exciting to see a show that is committed to producing the highest quality product, as the three seasons that exist of Smiling Friends are close to perfection.