Smiling Friends Season 3 Episode 4 delayed; Halloween special free

Smiling Friends Season 3 Halloween special airs Sunday, Nov. 2, on Adult Swim.Adult Swim Image [credit: Adult Swim]

Smiling Friends S3 EP4 Shocker: Free Halloween Special Drops, Fans Stunned by No New Episode This Week

Everyone is talking about Smiling Friends season 3 episode 4, but instead of the typical crazy antics this week, Adult Swim made a surprising decision by delaying the release of the new episode and instead releasing a unique Halloween special that is free to view.  Why, therefore, was episode 4 of Smiling Friends season 3 omitted?  Without a subscription, where can fans view the new Halloween content?  Let's dissect every popular response.

Story Insights: Smiling Friends Season 3 Episode 4

• Smiling Friends season 3 episode 4 not airing, Adult Swim confirms schedule change
• Fans react to Smiling Friends episode 4 delay and Halloween special release surprise
• Where to watch Smiling Friends season 3 free: official streaming and live TV options 

(Credit:Smiling Friends Season 3 Episode 4 Promo YT Screenshot)

 

When Smiling Friends season 3 episode 4 did not air on Adult Swim's regular Sunday night schedule, viewers were left wondering if their DVRs were malfunctioning, and the internet almost blew up. The planned episode was replaced by a limited-time Smiling Friends Halloween special on Adult Swim, which you can watch for free on Adult Swim's website or on a few live TV streaming services without a cable subscription, according to NJ.com.

According to Adult Swim, Syracuse.com affirms that the episode delay is only temporary: "We're launching an exclusive Halloween episode tonight, so fans of Smiling Friends may savor a macabre seasonal treat. Next week, regular programming will resume. Suggest.com initially alluded to this last-minute change when it pointed out that a lot of animated series are choosing to use holiday specials to increase seasonal engagement, a pattern observed with other popular shows this fall.

Fan reaction was instant and dramatic. Reddit buzzed with memes mocking the scheduling twist:

"Waited all week for episode 4 just to get tricked! At least the Halloween special is gold."

"Adult Swim really out here playing Halloween pranks on us."

(smiling friends season3 reddit comments)

"Smart move, honestly I'd watch ‘Smiling Friends Spooked' over regular episodes all October long."

smiling friends season3 X Post from D_is_for_dragon 

This change is in line with Hollywood's larger trend toward event specials and surprise drops.  It's a two-edged sword: although highly anticipated streaming specials increase viewer engagement, impatient fans might view them as a scam rather than a reward.  Similar tactics have been employed by other properties, like as Marvel's Halloween-themed shorts, to avoid leaks or spoilers, which occasionally encourages further piracy as interested fans look outside of the established channels.

The fandom is excited and a little frustrated with Adult Swim's decision to postpone Smiling Friends S3 EP4 in favor of a free Halloween special.  Will unexpected seasonal decreases increase viewership or run the risk of alienating devoted followers who are seeking consistency?  In any case, the excitement will just heighten anticipation for the next step.  See our Smiling Friends Season 2 & 4 Recaps for additional information on previous episodes.