Cringe, Chaos, and Custody: Netflix Orders ‘Dad’s House’ from the Creators of ‘Smiling Friends’ and ‘Italian Spiderman’
In a move that promises to bring a heavy dose of Australian “cringe comedy” to the global stage, Netflix has officially greenlit “Dad’s House,” an all-new adult animated series. The project unites a powerhouse trio of cult-favorite creators: Michael Cusack (Smiling Friends, YOLO), Dario Russo, and David Ashby (Italian Spiderman, Danger 5).
The announcement comes as Netflix continues to aggressively expand its adult animation slate, leaning into the absurdist, internet-driven sensibilities that have made Cusack a breakout star in the genre.
The Every-Second-Weekend Struggle
Set in the quiet, arguably mundane suburbs of small-town Australia, Dad’s House follows 13-year-old Sean, a child of divorce navigating the awkward ritual of the “fortnightly visit.“
The heart of the show lies in the relationship between Sean and his father, Ian. Described as “laid-back but well-meaning,” Ian is a dad who desperately wants to make the most of his limited time with his son. However, as the logline suggests, Ian possesses a “remarkable gift” for over-complicating every single bonding activity, turning simple weekends into gauntlets of social embarrassment and suburban chaos.
An All-Star Voice Cast and Creative Team
The series features a “triple-threat” of showrunners, with Cusack, Russo, and Ashby all serving as executive producers and lead voice talent. Joining them is acclaimed Australian comedian Felicity Ward, recently seen in the Australian adaptation of The Office and the drama Wakefield..
The “Cusack Era” Continues
This announcement follows the recent conclusion of Smiling Friends on Adult Swim—a show that Cusack and co-creator Zach Hadel ended earlier this year while it was at its peak. By moving to Netflix for Dad’s House, Cusack is positioning himself as a central figure in the streamer’s new wave of animation.
Dad’s House joins an increasingly crowded and prestigious lineup at Netflix, which recently launched Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s Long Story Short and is currently preparing for the premiere of the team-led comedy Mating Season.
