Animal Control (TV series)

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Animal Control
GenreSitcom
Created byBob Fisher & Rob Greenberg & Dan Sterling
Starring
Music byNick Urata
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
  • Jake Fuller
  • Tony Hernandez
  • Brooke Posch
  • Bob Fisher
  • Rob Greenberg
  • Tad Quill
  • Dan Sterling
  • Joel McHale
Producers
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkFox
ReleaseFebruary 16, 2023 (2023-02-16) –
present (present)

Animal Control is an American television sitcom created by Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg and Dan Sterling that premiered on Fox on February 16, 2023 and produced by Roughhouse Productions, Middletown News, Wow a Fox, Fox Entertainment Studios.[1] In May 2023, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on March 6, 2024.[2][3] In February 2024, ahead of the second season premiere, the series was renewed for a third season.[4]

Premise[edit]

A group of animal control workers in Seattle begin to see their lives complicated by humans and not so much by animals.

Cast[edit]

Main[edit]

  • Joel McHale as Frank Shaw, a disillusioned and emotionally distant Senior Animal Control Officer. His bad attitude stems from once being a cop, fired after finding evidence of corruption among his force. He frequently belittles his new partner Shred and acts like a total jerk to the rest of his precinct.
  • Vella Lovell as Emily Price, the good-natured director at the A.C. Northwest precinct. She often tries to improve her career and get a more well-paying job, but is constantly stone-walled by Commissioner Dudge; the others do not want her to leave on account of how easy it is to take advantage of her.
  • Michael Rowland as Fred "Shred" Taylor, Frank's new partner. An idealistic amateur Animal Control officer and a former professional snowboarder. His unbounded idealism causes him to deflect the negativity that his precinct often dishes out, but just barely.
  • Ravi V. Patel as Amit Patel, one of the Animal Control officers of Frank's precinct. He has two daughters and a son who are mostly used for the jokes revolving around his family life.
  • Grace Palmer as Victoria Sands, a street-smart Animal Control officer from New Zealand and Amit's partner. She is often seen helping Amit come out of his shell in order to do his job. Next to Frank, she takes her job seriously.

Recurring[edit]

  • Gerry Dee as Templeton Dudge, the mean-spirited Canadian of Animal Control Officer from the Central Precinct. He would gladly go out of his way to taunt and harass Frank's precinct due to their less-than-stellar record of handling animals. More often than not, the precinct would gladly give the abuse back.
  • Kelli Ogmundson as Dolores Stubb, the self-righteous receptionist of Frank's precinct. She has a tendency to meddle with the officers' affairs for prideful reasons. As a result, she is disliked by the officers.
  • Alvina August as Dr. Colette Summers, the attractive veterinarian in Frank's precinct. She is often targeted as a lust object by the officers, which is a recurring joke in the show.
  • Amy Goodmurphy as AM Dispatch
  • Kevin Bigley as Rick Doyle, the previous director of the A.C. precinct and Frank's former partner. He left after he was viciously mauled by a mink which resulted in the loss of one of his ears as well as a giant settlement from the city. He has a very positive personality and was well-liked by the staff. Emily seeks his advice on her new position and as a result he becomes a more frequent guest at the precinct because of a growing crush on her.
  • Krystal Smith as Bettany (season 2), the new assistant to Emily.[5]

Guest[edit]

  • María Gabriela de Faría as Camila(Season 1), Shred's long-distance girlfriend who lives in Austria.
  • Kalyn Miles as Maya Patel, Amit's wife.
  • Dayah Brar as Addy Patel, Amit's daughter. She is very sassy and he finds her difficult to control.
  • Tristan D. Lalla as Jack, a vet tech working with Dr. Summers. He has a very no-nonsense personality and seems exhausted by how self-centered the patrol officers are.
  • John Procaccino as Jimmy Shaw, Frank's cantankerous father with whom he has a contentious relationship.
  • Ken Jeong as Lee Park (season 2), a well-respected dog whisperer
  • Sarah Chalke as Yazmin (season 2), Frank's ex-girlfriend.[5]
  • Thomas Lennon as Patrick Shaw, Frank's older brother (season 2)
  • Chelsea Frei as Isabelle (season 2)
  • Larry Joe Campbell as Carl (season 2)[6]

Episodes[edit]

Series overview[edit]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
112February 16, 2023 (2023-02-16)May 4, 2023 (2023-05-04)
29[7]March 6, 2024 (2024-03-06)May 8, 2024 (2024-05-08)[8]

Season 1 (2023)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Weasels and Ostriches"Bob Fisher & Rob GreenbergBob Fisher & Rob Greenberg & Dan SterlingFebruary 16, 2023 (2023-02-16)2.09[9]
22"Rabbits and Pythons"Bob Fisher & Rob GreenbergBob Fisher & Rob Greenberg & Dan SterlingFebruary 23, 2023 (2023-02-23)1.60[10]
33"Cougars and Kangaroos"Bob Fisher & Rob GreenbergBob Fisher & Rob Greenberg & Dan SterlingMarch 2, 2023 (2023-03-02)1.48[11]
44"Dogs and Bears and Minks"Jay ChandrasekharEmily TowersMarch 9, 2023 (2023-03-09)1.30[12]
55"Cows and Raccoons"Jay ChandrasekharJen JacksonMarch 16, 2023 (2023-03-16)1.48[13]
66"Skunks and Llamas"Chris KochJim Brandon & Brian SingletonMarch 23, 2023 (2023-03-23)1.31[14]
77"Peacocks and Pumas"Jay ChandrasekharTad Quill & Dan SterlingMarch 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)1.19[15]
88"Hellhounds and Sturgeons"Chris KochSam ShankerApril 6, 2023 (2023-04-06)1.25[16]
99"Dogs and Geese"Chris KochEmily Towers & Jen Jackson & Sam ShankerApril 13, 2023 (2023-04-13)1.03[17]
1010"Pigs and Minks"Robert CohenTad Quill & Dan SterlingApril 20, 2023 (2023-04-20)1.02[18]
1111"Birds and Foxes"Robert CohenTad Quill & Dan SterlingApril 27, 2023 (2023-04-27)0.99[19]
1212"Unicorns and Mountain Lions"Robert CohenTad Quill & Dan SterlingMay 4, 2023 (2023-05-04)0.99[20]

Season 2 (2024)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
Title [7][21]Directed byWritten byOriginal air date [7][21]U.S. viewers
(millions)
131"Raccoons and Mutts"Bob Fisher & Rob GreenbergBob Fisher & Rob Greenberg & Tad QuillMarch 6, 2024 (2024-03-06)1.62[22]
142"Cats and Monkeys"Bob Fisher & Rob GreenbergBob Fisher & Rob Greenberg & Tad QuillMarch 13, 2024 (2024-03-13)1.54[23]
153"Tortoises and Labradors"Natalia AndersonBob Fisher & Rob Greenberg & Tad QuillMarch 20, 2024 (2024-03-20)1.29[24]
164"Big Dogs and Mini Horses"Natalia AndersonDavid FeeneyMarch 27, 2024 (2024-03-27)1.51[25]
175"Dogs and Chickens"TBATBAApril 10, 2024 (2024-04-10)TBD

Production[edit]

In July 2022, it was announced Fox had given a straight-to-series order to Animal Control from Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Fox Entertainment, marking Fox Entertainment Studios' first fully owned live-action comedy.[26] In October of that year, Joel McHale joined the series as the lead and executive producer.[27] Vella Lovell and Ravi Patel joined the cast later that same month.[28][29] Most portions of Animal Control are filmed in and around Vancouver, the most populous city in British Columbia, and were filmed in the Vancouver area from October 31, 2022 to January 25, 2023.[30] In May 2023, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on March 6, 2024.[2][3] In February 2024, ahead the second season premiere, Fox renewed the series for a third season.[4]

Reception[edit]

Critical response[edit]

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 60% approval rating with an average rating of 6/10, based on ten critic reviews.[31] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 68 out of 100 based on seven critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[32]

Ratings[edit]

Overall[edit]

Viewership and ratings per season of Animal Control
Season Timeslot (ET) Episodes First aired Last aired TV season
Date Viewers
(millions)
Date Viewers
(millions)
1 Thursday 9:00 p.m. 12 February 16, 2023 (2023-02-16) 2.09[9] May 4, 2023 (2023-05-04) 0.99[20] 2022–23
2 Wednesday 9:00 p.m.[7] 9[7] March 6, 2024 (2024-03-06) 1.62[22] TBA TBD 2023–24

Season 1[edit]

Viewership and ratings per episode of Animal Control
No. Title Air date Rating
(18–49)
Viewers
(millions)
1 "Weasels and Ostriches" February 16, 2023 0.3 2.09[9]
2 "Rabbits and Pythons" February 23, 2023 0.3 1.60[10]
3 "Cougars and Kangaroos" March 2, 2023 0.3 1.48[11]
4 "Dogs and Bears and Minks" March 9, 2023 0.2 1.30[12]
5 "Cows and Raccoons" March 16, 2023 0.3 1.48[13]
6 "Skunks and Llamas" March 23, 2023 0.2 1.31[14]
7 "Peacocks and Pumas" March 30, 2023 0.3 1.19[15]
8 "Hellhounds and Sturgeons" April 6, 2023 0.3 1.25[16]
9 "Dogs and Geese" April 13, 2023 0.2 1.03[17]
10 "Pigs and Minks" April 20, 2023 0.2 1.02[18]
11 "Birds and Foxes" April 27, 2023 0.2 0.99[19]
12 "Unicorns and Mountain Lions" May 4, 2023 0.2 0.99[20]

Season 2[edit]

Viewership and ratings per episode of Animal Control
No. Title Air date Rating
(18–49)
Viewers
(millions)
1 "Raccoons and Mutts" March 6, 2024 0.2 1.62[22]
2 "Cats and Monkeys" March 13, 2024 0.2 1.54[23]
3 "Tortoises and Labradors" March 20, 2024 0.2 1.29[24]
4 "Big Dogs and Mini Horses" March 27, 2024 0.2 1.51[25]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (November 7, 2022). "Fox's Midseason Plan: 9-1-1: Lone Star Returns on New Night, Fantasy Island Season 2, Joel McHale Sitcom and More". TVLine. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  2. ^ a b White, Peter (May 10, 2023). "Animal Control Renewed For Season 2 At Fox". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 10, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  3. ^ a b White, Peter; Petski, Denise (November 21, 2023). "Fox Midseason Premiere Dates: 'The Cleaning Lady', 'Alert' & 'Animal Control' Set March Return As 'Family Guy' Moves To Midweek Slot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (February 6, 2024). "'Animal Control' Renewed For Season 3 By Fox Ahead Of Season 2 Premiere". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Campione, Katie (2023-12-13). "Ken Jeong To Reunite With 'Community' Co-Star Joel McHale In 'Animal Control' Season 2 Guest Role; Sarah Chalke & Krystal Smith To Also Appear In Fox Series". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  6. ^ Grobar, Matt (2024-02-23). "Thomas Lennon, Chelsea Frei & Larry Joe Campbell Join 'Animal Control' Season 2". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Shows A-Z - animal control on fox". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  8. ^ "FOX Gets Pumped for Summer and Goes Balls to the Wall with New and Returning Unscripted Series" (Press release). Fox. March 4, 2024 – via The Futon Critic.
  9. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (February 17, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 2.16.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (February 24, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 2.23.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 27, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (March 3, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 3.2.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (March 10, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 3.9.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (March 17, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 3.16.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  14. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (March 24, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 3.23.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (March 31, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 3.30.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (April 7, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 4.6.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (April 14, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 4.13.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (April 21, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 4.20.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  19. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (April 28, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 4.27.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  20. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (May 5, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 5.4.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  21. ^ a b "Animal Control: Episode Guide". Zap2it. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c Pucci, Douglas (March 7, 2024). "Wednesday Ratings: Fox Distant Runner-Up in Key Demos with The Masked Singer and Animal Control Season Premieres and New Night for Family Guy". Programming Insider. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  23. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (March 14, 2024). "Wednesday Ratings: CBS Leads the Night as 'The Amazing Race' Returns for its 36th Season". Programming Insider. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (March 21, 2024). "Wednesday Ratings: truTV Among Key Demo Leaders with March Madness 'First Four' Action". Programming Insider. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  25. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (March 28, 2024). "Wednesday Ratings: NBC and CBS Share Prime Time Leadership". Programming Insider. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  26. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 26, 2022). "'Animal Control' Workplace Comedy Gets Straight-To-Series Order At Fox". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 26, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  27. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 14, 2022). "Joel McHale To Headline & EP Fox Comedy Series 'Animal Control'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  28. ^ Petski, Denise (October 27, 2022). "Ravi Patel Joins Fox Comedy Series 'Animal Control'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  29. ^ Petski, Denise (October 26, 2022). "Vella Lovell Joins Joel McHale In Fox Comedy Series 'Animal Control'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023. Animal Control is set in Seattle,"Joel McHale's New Comedy, Animal Control, Is Set in Seattle". Seattle Met. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  30. ^ Gittins, Susan (23 September 2022). "FOX Comedy ANIMAL CONTROL Filming in Vancouver This Fall". Hollywood North Buzz. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  31. ^ "Animal Control: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  32. ^ "Animal Control: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved February 15, 2023.

External links[edit]