Smiling Friends Is Over.

Thanks to MAINGEAR for speeding up everything for us. Check out the VYBE line that’s making up the core of Matt’s new studio -- and use code CREATE for a free additional year of warranty on desktops: Join Our Patreon: We kick off today’s episode with a recap of Matt’s most recent trip abroad, and the strong opinions he brought back with him about…McDonalds’ newest burger. After our extensive Big Arch review, we get a little somber as we discuss the passing of author Dan Simmons. Kevin reflects on how Simmons reignited his love of reading, and how Simmons’ legacy is a sobering reminder that we all still have plenty of time to create. Then we turn our attention to some shocking news: Smiling Friends is ending its historic run after just three seasons. That makes us ask ourselves… why end a beloved show with such widespread acclaim, seemingly at its peak? Is it better to walk away early and on top rather than roll the dice on a slow decline? As we mull that over, we broaden our horizons a little bit. Is there a reason why some shows fade into self-parody while others end on their own terms? Is the typical American model of running successful shows indefinitely actually WORSE for quality than the shorter British approach? And what happens when creators remain deeply involved instead of handing a series off to a larger machine? This takes us straight into a near-surgical examination of fandoms and the pressures they can provide. When every popular show becomes a battleground for online takes, speculation, and moral panic, how do creators stay focused on the work itself? Even as Smiling Friends comes to a close, we discuss how this is probably just the beginning for everyone who was involved. If the team behind it brought this level of craft and perspective to animation, what could they do next? Comedy? Horror? Something completely unexpected? Thanks so much to our patrons, we’ll be back soon! You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: Buy our T-shirts: Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: discord.gg/vnRnr3rCzt Apple: Spotify: Google Podcasts: CREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben Webster Editor: Spencer Vann "Created in the Unknown" theme by Basswaite: Theme by Mega Drive → Opening Animation: Kidmograph City Animation: Eric Langlay "The Create Unknown" is produced by Unknown Media. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: »

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Smiling Friends Is Over. is an episode from The Create Unknown by Unknown Media & Studio71.

This episode is 102:29 long.

This episode was published on Mar 13, 2026.

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