Netflix orders Dad’s House, new adult animated sitcom from Smiling Friends creator
Netflix has officially greenlit Dad’s House, an adult animated sitcom from Michael Cusack, creator of the cult hit Smiling Friends, alongside co-creators Dario Russo and David Ashby. The streaming giant announced the order this week, marking a fresh addition to its growing lineup of edgy animated series aimed at mature viewers.
This new show follows Sean, a 13-year-old boy living in suburban Australia, as he navigates every other weekend with his divorced father, Ian. Ian is depicted as a well-meaning but complicated dad whose attempts to bond often spiral into awkward, bizarre, or outright funny situations. The series taps into relatable family dynamics through a sharp, comedic lens set in a small Australian town.
Creators and cast bring surreal and dark comedy pedigree
Michael Cusack, best known for his comedy series Smiling Friends, teams up with seasoned creators Russo and Ashby, who gained acclaim for the surreal comedy Danger 5 on Australia’s SBS One and SBS 2. Russo also directed the cult favorite Italian Spiderman, co-writing it with Ashby and other collaborators. All three serve as showrunners and executive producers on Dad’s House, doubling as voice actors to lend their unique style to the characters.
Joining the voice cast is Australian comedian Felicity Ward, noted for her roles in The Office, Wakefield, and The Inbetweeners 2. Her involvement adds another layer of sharp wit and familiarity to the program’s voice lineup.
Netflix doubles down on adult animation with new releases
Dad’s House joins Netflix’s expanding adult animation slate, alongside titles like Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, and the recently renewed Long Story Short. This continued investment underlines Netflix’s strategy to dominate the adult animation niche, a genre that resonates widely with U.S. and international audiences by blending mature storytelling with innovative visuals.
The first official image from the series was released alongside the announcement, showcasing the dynamic between Sean and his dad Ian, visually capturing the awkwardness and charm at the heart of the show’s premise.
What’s next and production timeline
The precise release date for Dad’s House has not been disclosed by Netflix, but industry insiders expect an announcement once the project nears completion. The timing comes shortly after Cusack confirmed that his previous series, Smiling Friends, is concluding with its third season. The final two episodes aired on April 12, 2026, ending due to a mix of creative burnout and a sense of fulfillment, according to Cusack and co-creator Zach Hadel shared on social media.
Netflix’s new pick reflects contemporary trends where adult animation blends personal, family-driven stories with surreal humor, a format gaining traction among U.S. audiences and streaming subscribers worldwide.
Why Colorado and U.S. viewers should watch
While Dad’s House is set in Australia, its themes are universally relevant—divorced families, complex parental relationships, and the awkwardness of adolescence resonate strongly across American households, including those in Colorado. For Colorado viewers keen on sharp, adult-oriented animation, this series offers a fresh narrative from acclaimed creators that could soon become a streaming staple.
Keep an eye on Netflix’s announcements for the first trailers and official release updates as Dad’s House moves into production, promising to deliver the smart, offbeat comedy that has earned its creators a loyal following.
“Dad’s House explores the complicated but heartfelt bonds between father and son with a surreal, comedic edge,” said Michael Cusack in a statement.
The Colorado Daily will continue to track updates on Netflix’s upcoming animated releases, including Dad’s House, bringing you fast, clear coverage on new shows hitting streaming platforms.
