Variety called it “the most improved sitcom of 2024,” while The A.V. Club praised its “willingness to get weird.” Audience scores are even higher, with many praising the show’s balance of crude humor and genuine sentiment.
When Animal Control first aired on Fox in February 2023, it arrived with a modest bark but quickly proved it had a serious bite. As a single-camera workplace comedy set in the underappreciated world of animal control officers in Seattle, the show carved out a unique niche. Led by the deadpan genius of Joel McHale, the series became a sleeper hit, praised for its clever writing, slapstick animal antics, and surprising heart. Animal Control - Season 2
If Season 1 was a pilot episode finding its legs, is a full-blown sprint. The chemistry between the cast is palpable, the writing is sharper, and the animal antics are more ambitious and hilarious than ever. Joel McHale proves he is more than just a sarcastic host; he is a comedic actor capable of genuine pathos. And the supporting cast? Finally given the material they deserve. Variety called it “the most improved sitcom of
One common critique of Season 1 was the predictable “capture of the week” structure. Season 2 solves this by serializing relationships. The will-they-won’t-they tension between Frank and Emily is handled with surprising maturity, and the season-long arc about the city privatizing animal control services adds a layer of social commentary without sacrificing jokes. Animal Control - Season 2 airs weekly on Fox (Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET/PT). For cord-cutters, episodes are available the next day on Hulu in the United States. International viewers can find the show on Disney+ (Star brand) or Amazon Prime Video , depending on the region. As a single-camera workplace comedy set in the
Whether you love animals, hate them, or are simply looking for the funniest sitcom currently on network television, Animal Control has you covered. Just don’t watch it while eating—you might laugh so hard you choke, especially during “The Ostrich Incident.”
picks up immediately after the events of the Season 1 finale, which saw Frank finally open up—just a crack—about his past, while the team faced an emu on the loose. The new season expands the world, moving beyond simple "catch-and-release" plots into character-driven storytelling. Season 2: What’s New and Improved? 1. Deeper Character Development Season 1 was largely about establishing the status quo. Season 2 is about breaking it. Joel McHale’s Frank Shaw remains the cynical anchor, but the writing gives him more moments of vulnerability. One standout episode involves Frank being forced to attend couples therapy—with his dog. It’s as absurd as it sounds, yet it reveals the core of his loneliness.
succeeds because it understands its mission: to deliver consistent, character-driven laughs with heart. It is not trying to change television. It is trying to make you forget a bad day at work. And in that, it succeeds wildly. Final Verdict Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)