When Does Animal Control Season 5 Come Out? Is It Renewed?
Animal Control Season 5 doesn't have an official release date yet. Based on the roughly 11-month gap between previous seasons, expect it around November 2026.
IMDb
6.9/10
Seasons
4
Episodes
43
Predictive Logic Analysis
The renewal signal here is about as clean as it gets. Fox announced the Season 5 order on February 26, 2026, and it was covered simultaneously by Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap, and The Futon Critic, among others. Deadline noted the pickup was "expected" as part of Fox's annual renewal cycle, and Fox called it an easy decision given Season 4's performance. The show launched Season 4 to new highs, and the episode-level IMDb data backs that up: Season 4 is averaging 7.9 compared to 6.8 the prior season, a meaningful jump for a show already in its fourth year.
The Forbes piece raises a fair question about whether the "hit" label is fully earned, pointing to modest linear ratings and fuzzy streaming numbers. That skepticism is worth noting for the longer-term outlook, but it does not change the current reality: Fox has already placed the order. The Netflix licensing deal for the first three seasons, announced just before Season 4 premiered, likely gave Fox a clearer read on the show's total audience and helped justify the renewal. Fox Entertainment Studios also owns the show outright, which removes any rights friction and gives the network more flexibility to keep it on the schedule even if linear numbers are unspectacular.
What is Animal Control about?
Animal Control finds comedy gold in the collision between Frank Shaw's gruff cynicism and the genuine warmth of a ragtag crew tasked with capturing loose dogs, confused raccoons, and the occasional exotic bird gone rogue. Joel McHale brings a sardonic edge to Frank, a disgraced former cop whose encyclopedic knowledge and uncanny rapport with animals mask a deep disillusionment with humanity. The premise works because it's fundamentally about misfits finding purpose in the unglamorous work of keeping a community safe from its own wildlife—and more importantly, from itself. Viewers tune in for the animals, but they stay for the messy, complicated relationships that form when a group of damaged people start genuinely caring about each other.
The show's distinctive appeal lies in its refusal to play down its characters or treat the job as merely a backdrop for jokes. Instead, it mines comedy from character, creating a workplace ensemble where Emily, Amit, Shred, and Victoria feel like fully realized people rather than archetypes. The tone balances genuine sentiment with sharp comedic writing, leaning into the absurdity of animal calls while grounding the show in real emotional stakes. It's a workplace comedy that remembers why that genre matters—the job becomes a vehicle for exploring themes of redemption, belonging, and the ways broken people can fix each other.
Since its premiere in February 2023, Animal Control has carved out a loyal audience that appreciates its particular blend of heart and humor. While it hasn't achieved mainstream cultural dominance, the show has sustained itself through four seasons, suggesting a devoted fanbase willing to advocate for its continuation. The cast chemistry, particularly McHale's deadpan delivery paired with the ensemble's genuine affection for one another, has drawn consistent praise from critics who see the show as a refreshing counterpoint to network comedy that relies primarily on spectacle or cynicism.
The series occupies an interesting space within the comedy landscape—it's neither prestige television nor broad sitcom, but rather a network show that respects its audience's intelligence. In an era when workplace comedies often feel derivative, Animal Control distinguishes itself through specificity and unexpected emotional depth, proving that even FOX can nurture shows built on character observation and ensemble warmth rather than gimmicks.
Created by Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling
Themes
Is Animal Control renewed or cancelled?
Working toward renewal
Official Season 5 renewal confirmed by Fox, reported by Deadline, Variety, THR, TheWrap, and others
Season 4 episode ratings averaged 7.9 vs 6.8 in Season 3, a strong year-over-year improvement
Fox cited Season 4 as launching to new highs and called renewal an easy decision
Show is produced and owned by Fox Entertainment Studios, removing rights friction
First three seasons licensed to Netflix ahead of Season 4, boosting total audience visibility
Trakt active watchers at 18,384 with steady momentum, indicating a stable if not large fanbase
Working against it
Forbes questions whether linear ratings and streaming data truly justify the 'hit' label
IMDb rating of 6.9 is below average for a broadcast comedy, suggesting modest general audience enthusiasm
Wikipedia pageview trend is falling, a mild negative audience-interest signal
Animal Control Season 5 Release Date
Fox typically builds its fall and midseason schedules over the spring and summer, with new and returning shows often premiering in September or January. Animal Control has premiered in February for each of its first four seasons, suggesting it occupies a midseason slot rather than a fall premiere position. If that pattern holds, Season 5 would most likely arrive in early 2027, probably January or February. Production would need to begin sometime in mid-to-late 2026 to hit that window.
There is no confirmed episode count or premiere date yet for Season 5. Given that Season 4 just finished airing in late April 2026 and the renewal was locked in February, the writers and producers have had time to get a head start. A winter 2027 return is the most reasonable estimate, though Fox could shift it to fall 2026 if production moves quickly, which seems unlikely given the compressed timeline.
Best & worst episodes
Animal Control seasons
Season 12023 · 12 ep
- 1. Weasels and Ostriches2023-02-16 · ★ 6.5
- 2. Rabbits and Pythons2023-02-23 · ★ 6.4
- 3. Cougars and Kangaroos2023-03-02 · ★ 5.9
- 4. Dogs and Bears and Minks2023-03-09 · ★ 7.3
- 5. Cows and Raccoons2023-03-16 · ★ 8.0
- 6. Skunks and Llamas2023-03-23 · ★ 8.4
- 7. Peacocks and Pumas2023-03-30 · ★ 8.2
- 8. Hellhounds and Sturgeons2023-04-06 · ★ 7.8
- 9. Dogs and Geese2023-04-13 · ★ 7.8
- 10. Pigs and Minks2023-04-20 · ★ 7.8
- 11. Birds and Foxes2023-04-27 · ★ 8.0
- 12. Unicorns and Mountain Lions2023-05-04 · ★ 7.8
Season 22024 · 9 ep
- 1. Raccoons and Mutts2024-03-06 · ★ 8.2
- 2. Cats and Monkeys2024-03-13 · ★ 8.0
- 3. Tortoises and Labradors2024-03-20 · ★ 8.0
- 4. Big Dogs and Mini Horses2024-03-27 · ★ 8.2
- 5. Dogs and Chickens2024-04-10 · ★ 6.2
- 6. Bunnies and Veggies2024-04-17 · ★ 8.0
- 7. Skunks and Swans2024-04-24 · ★ 8.0
- 8. Bulls and Potbellies2024-05-01 · ★ 8.0
- 9. Beagles and Lemurs2024-05-08 · ★ 8.2
Season 32025 · 10 ep
- 1. Giraffes, Gorillas and Penguins2025-01-02 · ★ 6.5
- 2. Rattlers and Gators2025-01-09 · ★ 7.5
- 3. Goats, Snakes, and Dogs2025-01-16 · ★ 7.0
- 4. Baby Kangaroos and Chickens2025-01-23 · ★ 8.0
- 5. Hot Dogs and Lobsters2025-01-30 · ★ 6.0
- 6. Buffalo and Beavers2025-02-13 · ★ 7.2
- 7. Ducks and Penguins2025-02-20 · ★ 6.0
- 8. Party Animals2025-02-27 · ★ 6.0
- 9. Retrievers and Fruit Bats2025-03-06 · ★ 7.0
- 10. Strays and Lovebirds2025-03-13 · ★ 7.0
Season 42025 · 12 ep
- 1. Bear Cubs and Broncos2025-12-28 · ★ 7.0
- 2. Bagged Birds and Alley Dogs2026-01-15 · ★ 8.0
- 3. Dragons and Dognappers2026-01-22 · ★ 8.0
- 4. Lost Dogs and Bar Flies2026-01-29 · ★ 8.0
- 5. French Bulldogs and White Broncos2026-02-05 · ★ 9.0
- 6. Roosters and Moles2026-02-26 · ★ 7.0
- 7. Donkeys and Weasels2026-03-05 · ★ 7.0
- 8. Squirrels and Fat Cats2026-03-12 · ★ 7.0
- 9. Bats and Camels2026-04-02 · ★ 8.0
- 10. Scaredy Cats and Card Sharks2026-04-09 · ★ 8.0
- 11. Coyotes and Eagles2026-04-16 · ★ 9.0
- 12. Golden Moose and Wiener Dogs2026-04-23 · ★ 9.0
Animal Control trailer
Animal Control cast
View all cast →
Joel McHale
Frank Shaw
Vella Lovell
Emily Price
Michael Rowland
Fred 'Shred' Taylor
Ravi Patel
Amit Patel
Grace Palmer
Victoria Sands
Where to watch Animal Control
Netflixstream
Hulustream
fuboTVstream
YouTube TVstream
Netflix Standard with Adsstream
FOX One Amazon Channelstream
Amazon Videobuy
Apple TV Storebuy
Google Play Moviesbuy
Fandango At HomebuyAI Verdict
Animal Control has been officially renewed for a fifth season at Fox, confirmed by every major trade publication including Deadline, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter. The pickup was announced in late February 2026, mid-way through Season 4's run, which Fox cited as the show's strongest season to date. There is no ambiguity here.
Live signals
18.4K watching on Traktsteady
Interest falling
Verdict updated 4 weeks ago · based on 9 renewal-signal articles and 1 other mention
Updated 2026-07-16 · AI-generated analysis
9 renewal-signal · 1 other mentionKey sources weighed
- Fox retains Animal Control for season five
NewsAPI:C21media.net · 2026-02-27renewal positive
- 'Animal Control' Renewed for Season 5 at Fox
NewsAPI:Just Jared · 2026-02-26renewal positive
- ‘Animal Control’ Renewed for Season 5 on Fox
NewsAPI:Hollywood Reporter · 2026-02-26renewal positive
Animal Control latest news
- Fox retains Animal Control for season five
NewsAPI:C21media.net · 2026-02-27renewal positive
- ‘Animal Control’ Renewed, But Is It Really A ‘Hit’?
NewsAPI:Forbes · 2026-02-27renewal positive
- Popular Fox Comedy Renewed for Season 5
NewsAPI:ComingSoon.net · 2026-02-26renewal positive
- 'Animal Control' Renewed for Season 5 at Fox
NewsAPI:Just Jared · 2026-02-26renewal positive
- ‘Animal Control’ Renewed for Season 5 on Fox
NewsAPI:Hollywood Reporter · 2026-02-26renewal positive
- ‘Animal Control’ Renewed For Season 5 By Fox
NewsAPI:Deadline · 2026-02-26renewal positive
- ‘Animal Control’ Renewed for Season 5 at Fox
NewsAPI:Variety · 2026-02-26renewal positive
- ‘Animal Control’ Renewed for Season 5 at Fox
NewsAPI:TheWrap · 2026-02-26renewal positive
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Frequently asked
- When does Animal Control Season 5 come out?
- Animal Control Season 5 doesn't have an official release date yet. Based on the roughly 11-month gap between previous seasons, expect it around November 2026.
- Is Animal Control renewed or cancelled?
- Animal Control has been officially renewed for a fifth season at Fox, confirmed by every major trade publication including Deadline, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter. The pickup was announced in late February 2026, mid-way through Season 4's run, which Fox cited as the show's strongest season to date. There is no ambiguity here.
- How many seasons of Animal Control are there?
- Animal Control has aired 4 seasons so far.
- How many episodes of Animal Control are there?
- There are 43 episodes of Animal Control across 4 seasons.
- Who created Animal Control?
- Animal Control was created by Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg and Dan Sterling.
- Where can I watch Animal Control?
- Animal Control is available to stream on Netflix, Hulu, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Netflix Standard with Ads, FOX One Amazon Channel, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and Fandango At Home.
- What is Animal Control's IMDb rating?
- Animal Control holds an IMDb rating of 6.9/10 from 7,195 votes.