Smiling Friends season 3 ending explained: Why did Mr. Boss fire Glep?

Smiling Friends season 3, and the release of Episode 8, titled The Glep Ep, delivered exactly what viewers had been waiting for: answers about the mysterious character, Glep. The episode aired on November 30, 2025, following the end of the season.

Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers from the Smiling Friends season 3 finale episode. Reader’s discretion is required.

The Glep Ep centres on the question fans have been wondering about for years: What does Glep actually do? The Smiling Friends season 3 finale episode focuses on his interactions at work and his rather peculiar behavior, all while placing the office environment in the festive chaos of Christmas.

Glep is fired because Mr. Boss realizes Glep has never contributed anything to the company, despite being a co-founder.

How was Glep's performance review in Smiling Friends season 3 episode 8?

What happened in Smiling Friends season 3 finale episode? (Image via YouTube/Adult Swim)

Smiling Friends season 3 finale begins with the office full of Christmas spirit. Mr. Boss, who is usually chaotic, praises the crew for their hard work all year. Pim and Charlie are honored, and everything is joyous. Things get odd when Mr. Boss questions Glep's workplace purpose. No one knows what Glep does, causing an awkward confrontation. Mr. Boss, ever impatient, demands Glep's job.

This leads to an absurdly tense moment where Mr. Boss aggressively asks Glep,

“What do you actually do around here, man? Name one thing.”

Glep responds in his usual cryptic manner, mumbling gibberish, which only frustrates Mr. Boss further. The situation escalates, and Mr. Boss, unable to understand why Glep is even there, asks,

“Why did I even hire you in the first place?”

Also Read: Smiling Friends season 3 premiere ending explained: Does Silly Samuel finally get respect?

Glep’s breakdown and Mr. Boss’s decision

After being confronted by Mr. Boss, Glep’s ego takes a hit. He angrily grabs his tablet, an item he’s often seen with, and crushes it in frustration. In an unexpected turn of events, Glep decides to quit on the spot. In typical Mr. Boss way, he fires him immediately. Glep's indifference—he walks away to pee—heightened the ridiculousness of the scenario.

This sequence is emblematic of Smiling Friends’ dark humor, where an office performance review spirals into chaos. Glep’s seemingly minor role in the company is turned on its head as his contributions have never been tangible. The entire office is left in confusion, with Glep’s presence continuously baffling everyone around him.

Also Read: Adult Swim announces a new programming block for classic Cartoon Network titles

What does Glep's lonely path reveal about his past?

His journey becomes more contemplative after his termination. Occasionally vulnerable, Glep sits alone at a tavern, lamenting his lot. The bartender, unaware of who Glep is, asks for his ID before serving him alcohol. This moment reveals Glep's stunning true nature—he is a millennium-old green creature. Glep was born in 329 AD during the Roman Empire's Christianization, according to the ID.

A flashback montage shows Glep's unusual life across the millennia. Glep was captured in Rome in 476 AD for his "happy dance," which brought down the Roman Empire. After accidentally spreading the Bubonic plague by converting milk into yogurt, Glep was accused of witchcraft in England in 1347 AD. In 1777 AD, Glep is an outsider during the American Revolution, unable to blend in.

This extensive backstory paints Glep as a tragic figure who has existed throughout history, perpetually unable to fit in or find a place for himself. His inability to connect with those around him has led to his constant isolation, as seen in the bar scene, where patrons mock him for causing the plague and demand that he leave.

Also Read: Rick and Morty season 8 episode 8: Release date & time, where to watch, and more

Glep’s role in Smiling Friends

The biggest reveal comes in 1992, when a younger Glep meets Mr. Boss in desperation. After a market meltdown, Mr. Boss is depressed and considering suicide. The odd-looking Glep performs his "happy dance," which miraculously makes Mr. Boss smile for the first time in a while. This joyous moment inspires Mr. Boss to found Smiling Friends.

Mr. Boss discovers Glep was more than a random office figure moments before terminating him. He co-founded Mr. Boss's company. Following this realization, Mr. Boss apologizes to Glep and asks him to return to work. As usual, Glep agrees, and they reunite in a strange and unresolved way.

Also Read: Who voiced the surprise characters this week? Rick and Morty season 8 episode 7 features unexpected guests

Smiling Friends season 3 is available for streaming on Max.

Edited by Rajan Bhattacharya