Fox’s hilarious workplace sitcom Animal Control had laughs in the first two seasons, and the Joel McHale series returns for the third season. Set in the Seattle Animal Control station, the series follows a jaded ex-cop named Frank (McHale) who responds to various animal-related emergencies. throughout the Emerald City. Capitalizing on Joel McHale’s easy charm as a sitcom protagonist, Animal Control took its simple premise and delivered a thoroughly enjoyable slice of light TV.
Like most comedies, the critical response to Animal Control has been somewhat average, but has drawn a strong audience for the comedy-heavy Fox network. While series set in a specific workplace are common, Animal Control is a workplace sitcom that goes above and beyond by spoofing the industry while also presenting an exaggerated view of the types of emergencies that real-life animal control officers face every day. Although the 2023 strikes affected the release of Season 2, its quick renewal is a good sign that Animal Control it will be a long-lasting success.
Animal Control Season 3 Latest News
Fox quickly renews the sitcom
This means the Joel McHale comedy won’t return until early 2025 and will likely air in a similar timeslot to the strike-affected second season.
With the announcement coming a month before the second season premieres, renewed fox Animal Control for a third season in February 2024 (through Variety). The news is somewhat surprising, as the show’s success was apparently hampered by a major delay caused by the 2023 Hollywood strikes. However, Fox took the opportunity to bring back the workplace comedy for another set of episodes.
One caveat to the renewal request, however, is that Animal Control not part of Fox’s 2024-2025 fall slateand will be delayed until mid-season. This means the Joel McHale comedy won’t return until early 2025 and will likely air in a similar timeslot to the strike-affected second season. No reason was given for the decision, but Animal Control could find a more permanent home as a mid-season series this keeps viewers flocking to Fox even during network TV’s slow times.
The 3rd season of Animal Control is confirmed
Fox renewed the series in February 2024
the decision clearly represents the network’s overwhelming confidence in the outlet Joel McHale
It wouldn’t have been shocking if Animal Control Season 3 was only announced after the end of Season 2, but Fox had other plans. TThe network took the guesswork out of the equation and renewed Animal Control for its third season in February 2024. The move came more than a month before the second season’s premiere, and the decision clearly represents the network’s overwhelming confidence in the Joel McHale vehicle. The show’s fate is still undecided after the third season, however.
It is also important to note that Animal Control Season 3 has been delayed until mid-seasonand the series won’t return until early 2025. Fox’s comedy slate is packed with new and returning shows, and Animal Control could potentially take a permanent spot as one of the network’s midseason shows. Family Guy Season 23 has also been delayed, so it’s not necessarily an indication of the popularity (or lack thereof) of Animal Control.
Animal Control Season 3 Cast
Frank and the team return in season 3
In keeping with the sitcom tradition of strong, continuous ensembles the cast of Animal Control will likely remain consistent. Led by ex Community stars Joel McHale as Frank Shaw, the jaded ex-cop who doesn’t take his job at Seattle Animal Control very seriously. In addition to McHale, the rest of the main and supporting cast will likely return to continue their various dramatic and comedic storylines. However Animal Control has a light plot, continuity between characters is what helps sitcoms work over several seasons.
The entire expected Season 3 cast includes:
|
Actor |
Animal Control Role |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Joel McHale |
Frank Shaw |
|
|
Vella Lovell |
Emily Price |
|
|
Michael Rowland |
Fred “Destroy” Taylor |
|
|
Ravi V. Patel |
Amit Patel |
|
|
Grace Palmer |
Victoria Sands |
|
|
Alvina August |
Dr. Colette Summers |
|
|
Amy Goodmurphy |
AM Shipping |
|
|
Kevin Bigley |
Rick Doyle |
|
|
Kristal Smith |
Bethany |
|
Animal Control Season 3 Story Details
What wildlife emergencies will happen next?
The plot of Animal Control It’s a little vague, but there are some ongoing threads that could be picked up in Season 3. Victoria passed her citizenship test at the end of Season 2, and she and Frank have serious romantic chemistry that will need to be addressed. Speaking of romance, Shred and Emily seem destined to be a permanent missing connection, as the former decides to move on, just as Emily begins to change her mind about him. This kind of will-they-won’t-they will be perfect fodder for season three, and could also offer a compelling payoff.
Frank Shaw’s jaded attitude comes from being a former police officer who was fired for trying to expose corruption within the force. Season 3 could delve deeper into Frank’s past to help him move on and accept the new life he lives at Animal Control. Likewise, Emily’s quest to climb the ranks will continue to be a big, hard-boiled character arc, and Season 3 of Animal Control could bring some new wrinkles.