Comedy

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

Animal Control poster

Diagnostics

Network
FOX
Genres
Comedy
First aired
2023-02-16
Last aired
2026-04-23
Runtime
22 min
Rated
TV-14

Awards 9 nominations total

Search interestSteady →

Predictive Logic Analysis

The renewal picture for Animal Control could not be clearer: Fox officially greenlit Season 5 in late February 2026, with the announcement covered simultaneously by Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap, The Futon Critic, and multiple other outlets. Fox Entertainment's own statement cited the show's fourth season launching to "new highs," framing the pickup as an easy call. Deadline's annual Fox Renewal Status Report had already flagged the show as expected to return, meaning the decision was made with little internal debate.

The show's trajectory is notably strong for a four-season broadcast comedy. Season 4's ratings improvement — rare for any linear series in this era — was amplified by a strategic Netflix licensing deal that landed the first three seasons on the streamer just ahead of the Season 4 premiere. That streaming lift gave Fox quantifiable multiplatform performance data to justify the renewal and likely bolstered advertiser confidence. While the Forbes piece raises fair questions about whether "hit" is an overstatement given modest linear numbers, the combination of production ownership (Fox Entertainment Studios), international sales, and the Netflix halo effect gave the network every incentive to keep the show on its schedule. With 43 episodes already banked across four seasons, Animal Control is also approaching the syndication threshold, adding further financial logic to continuing.

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

seattle, washingtonex-coppartnerco-workers relationshipanimalssitcomworkplace comedyawkward situationanimal controlsticky situation

Is Animal Control renewed or cancelled?

Working toward renewal

high

Official Season 5 renewal announced by Fox, confirmed by Deadline, Variety, THR, TheWrap, and others

Source
high

Season 4 delivered the show's strongest ratings performance to date, described as launching to 'new highs'

Source
high

Netflix licensing of Seasons 1–3 provided a significant streaming boost ahead of Season 4, strengthening the show's multiplatform value

Source
medium

Show is produced and owned by Fox Entertainment Studios, removing third-party licensing friction and incentivizing renewal

Source
medium

Renewal was the first of Fox's 2026–27 cycle, signaling institutional priority and confidence in the show

Source

Working against it

low

Forbes questions whether linear ratings alone justify 'hit' label, suggesting underlying viewership is modest without streaming support

Source
low

IMDb rating of 6.9 is below average for a comedy with renewal momentum, indicating lukewarm general audience perception

Animal Control Season 5 Release Date

Based on the show's established airing pattern — Season 4 premiered in late January/February 2026 — Season 5 would most likely slot into Fox's midseason 2026–27 schedule, targeting a premiere window in the January–March 2027 range. Fox has consistently used Animal Control as a midseason comedy anchor, and there is no indication that pattern will change. Production would typically begin in summer or early fall 2026, allowing a comfortable post-production runway for a midseason debut. An earlier fall 2026 premiere is possible but less likely given the show's history as a midseason entry.

LowerHigher

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

Joel McHale

Frank Shaw

Vella Lovell

Vella Lovell

Emily Price

Michael Rowland

Michael Rowland

Fred 'Shred' Taylor

Ravi Patel

Ravi Patel

Amit Patel

Grace Palmer

Grace Palmer

Victoria Sands

Where to watch Animal Control

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AI Verdict

Renewed100%high confidence
100%renewal
renewal probability
Verdict history100% → 100%
May 16May 17

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 on February 26, 2026. The renewal was described by Deadline as "expected" and was the first of Fox's 2026–27 renewal cycle. There is no ambiguity here — Season 5 is happening.

Live signals

18.4K watching on Traktsteady

Interest falling

Verdict updated 1 month ago · based on 9 renewal-signal articles and 1 other mention

Updated 2026-05-17 · AI-generated analysis

9 renewal-signal · 1 other mention

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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 on February 26, 2026. The renewal was described by Deadline as "expected" and was the first of Fox's 2026–27 renewal cycle. There is no ambiguity here — Season 5 is happening.
    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.