You’ve heard the voice. That high-pitched, nasally, slightly neurotic rasp that sounds like a cartoon goblin having a mid-life crisis. Whether it was coming from a little yellow guy named Charlie or a screaming creature on a Newgrounds sketch from 2011, Zach Hadel—better known as psychicpebbles—has become one of the most influential figures in modern animation.
But if you look at a list of Zach Hadel movies and tv shows, it’s not just a collection of random voice credits. It’s a roadmap of how internet subculture basically took over mainstream television.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild. Ten years ago, the idea that a guy famous for drawing a distorted Skyrim parody would be co-creating a flagship show for Adult Swim seemed like a fever dream. Now? It's reality.
The Smiling Friends Phenomenon
Let’s be real: most people searching for Hadel’s work are here because of Smiling Friends. Co-created with Michael Cusack, the show is a masterclass in "uncomfortable" humor. It follows Charlie (voiced by Hadel) and Pim as they try to make people smile.
It sounds wholesome. It is absolutely not.
What makes this show stand out in the sea of Zach Hadel movies and tv shows is the visual style. It’s a chaotic collage. You’ll have a 2D character talking to a hyper-realistic 3D rotoscoped man, who is then interrupted by a live-action person in a costume. It shouldn’t work.
Yet, it’s one of the highest-rated shows on Adult Swim. Hadel brings a specific "everyman" energy to Charlie, despite Charlie looking like a sentient yellow thumb. He’s the cynical anchor to the show’s absolute insanity.
The "Lost" Projects: Hellbenders and Beyond
Before the big TV break, there was Hellbenders. If you were on the internet in 2012, you probably remember the "Applooza" episode. Hadel worked on this with Chris O’Neill (OneyNG).
They actually pitched Hellbenders to Adult Swim way back in the day. It didn't get picked up. Why? Apparently, the network already had too many "Hell" themed shows like Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell and Mr. Pickles.
It’s one of those "what if" moments in animation history. While Hellbenders never became a full TV series, its DNA is all over Hadel’s later work. The fast-paced dialogue, the sudden screams, and the gross-out close-ups—it all started there.
Notable Voice Cameos
Hadel isn’t just a creator; he’s a prolific "guest" voice. You can find him in:
- The Amazing Digital Circus: He plays a "crappy looking orange fish" in the 2025 Beach Episode.
- Hazbin Hotel: A quick but memorable appearance as a "Sinner" and "Scream Rain."
- Helluva Boss: Providing additional voices in the Mammon musical special.
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Not a voice role, but he actually did storyboard work for the episode "The Grill is Gone."
The OneyPlays and SleepyCabin Era
You can't talk about Zach Hadel movies and tv shows without mentioning his "unscripted" work. For a lot of fans, Zach is the guy from OneyPlays.
His chemistry with Chris O'Neill and the rest of the gang is where many of his most famous bits originated. If you’ve ever seen a "best of" compilation of a guy talking about tiny clones of Hitler or hypothetical "what would you do" scenarios involving green witches, that’s Zach.
This era was crucial. It built a massive, loyal audience that followed him from YouTube to cable TV. It’s a rare example of a "Let’s Player" successfully transitioning into a legitimate, award-winning showrunner.
What's Next?
As of 2026, Hadel's influence is only growing. With Smiling Friends continuing its run and more cameos popping up in indie hits like The Amazing Digital Circus, he’s moved past being just an "internet animator."
He’s a creator who understands that audiences are tired of "safe" comedy. They want something weird. They want something that feels like it was made by a human being with a bizarre sense of humor, not a committee in a boardroom.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into his filmography, start with the Smiling Friends pilot, then go back and watch the original Hellbenders shorts. It’s a trip, but it’s worth it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the "Free Draw" Special: If you’ve only seen the main episodes of Smiling Friends, check out the Free Draw special on the Adult Swim YouTube channel to see Hadel’s raw creative process.
- Explore Newgrounds Roots: Search for Hadel's early work on Newgrounds under the name "psychicpebbles" to see the evolution of his animation style from 2008 to now.
- Check Credits: Next time you watch an indie animation like Hazbin Hotel or Spooky Month, keep an ear out—Hadel often hides in the "additional voices" section.
