Netflix Greenlights Dad’s House from Smiling Friends Creator
Netflix has officially ordered Dad’s House, a new adult animated sitcom created by Michael Cusack, known for the hit series Smiling Friends. Cusack is teaming up with Australian creators Dario Russo and David Ashby to bring this fresh series to the streaming giant’s growing animation lineup.
The show follows Sean, a 13-year-old boy navigating every other weekend with his divorced, well-meaning but complicated father, Ian, in suburban Australia. The premise revolves around their awkward attempts at quality time, which often spiral into chaos due to Ian’s laidback yet troublesome nature.
Netflix has not announced an exact release date yet, but this announcement comes hot on the heels of Cusack confirming that Smiling Friends will end with its upcoming third season, which is currently airing with final episodes premiering on April 12, 2026.
Creators and Voice Cast Spotlight
Alongside Cusack, Russo and Ashby will serve as executive producers and showrunners. Russo and Ashby have a strong pedigree in Australian comedy, having created the surreal TV show Danger 5 and working on cult projects like Italian Spiderman. The three lead voices will be joined by Felicity Ward, known for roles in The Office and The Inbetweeners 2, bringing additional star power to the cast.
This addition bolsters Netflix’s commitment to adult animation, joining popular series like Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, and the recently renewed Long Story Short. With the genre’s popularity surging, Dad’s House promises to deliver sharp, relatable humor wrapped in eccentric Australian suburban life.
Why Dad’s House Matters Right Now
Dad’s House taps into a timely and emotional narrative: navigating family dynamics after divorce, seen through the unique lens of animated comedy. For South Carolina and American audiences alike, the show could resonate with families dealing with similar challenges while offering an irreverent comedic escape.
The series also highlights growing US interest in global animation voices, cementing Netflix as a hub for diverse adult animation. The streaming giant continues to invest in original content that pushes boundaries, delivering fresh storytelling approaches to both domestic and international viewers.
What’s Next for Dad’s House?
Netflix has released the first official image teasing the show’s key characters, and fans should expect more details, including a trailer and release date, as production advances. Industry insiders anticipate the series will drop within the next year after Smiling Friends concludes.
Michael Cusack shared in recent social media posts that ending Smiling Friends was a hard but necessary creative decision due to burnout alongside a sense of fulfillment. This new project represents a fresh creative chapter for Cusack and his collaborators.
For South Carolina residents and US viewers craving bold new adult animation, Dad’s House is a show to watch in 2026 as it promises to blend humor, heart, and offbeat storytelling in ways that Netflix thrives on delivering.
