FOX Sitcom ‘Animal Control’ Sets Surprise Netflix Release Ahead of Season 4 Debut

Picture Credit: FOX

In a surprise late-year licensing pickup, Netflix US is set to receive multiple seasons of the hit FOX sitcom Animal Control shortly ahead of its season 4 return. It’s the latest FOX pickup in recent years, albeit they’re often for short periods. The Joel McHale-led comedy will drop on the service the day after Christmas. 

Until now, the series has been streaming exclusively on Hulu (owned by Disney) following its broadcast run on FOX. That said, only newer seasons have been available on Hulu, with the earlier seasons leaving last year.

In a move that mirrors recent sharing deals between broadcasters and Netflix, including FOX, the show is making the jump to the world’s largest streamer to expand its audience. Recently, FOX’s animated titles, like Grimsburg and Krapopolis, have joined the streamer, albeit for a limited period of around a year or two. 

We can confirm that multiple seasons (at least two, maybe all three, yet to be confirmed) of Animal Control will be available on Netflix US starting Friday, December 26th, 2025. 

The release comes a few days ahead of season 4, slated to premiere on December 28th, 2025, following its renewal earlier this year. Yes, you’ll have just two days to catch up before the new episodes begin airing. 

What is Animal Control about?

Premiering in early 2023, Animal Control is a single-camera workplace comedy set in Seattle. It follows a group of local Animal Control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple, but humans are not.

Leading the cast is Joel McHale (Community, sadly no longer available on Netflix), who plays Frank Shaw, an opinionated, eccentric Animal Control officer. A former cop who was fired for trying to expose corruption in his department, Frank is cynical and curmudgeonly but has an almost superhuman ability to understand animals.

He is paired with Fred “Shred” Taylor (played by Michael Rowland), an optimistic rookie who serves as the perfect foil to Frank’s grumpiness. The series also stars:

• Vella Lovell (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) as Emily Price, the sweet-natured director of the precinct.
• Ravi V. Patel as Amit Patel, an overwhelmed family man.
• Grace Palmer as Victoria Sands, the hedonistic counterpart to the group.

This “catch-up” strategy is becoming increasingly common. Networks license older seasons to Netflix to generate buzz and hook new viewers just before a new season launches on linear TV. It’s a win-win: Netflix gets a binge-able comedy with a recognizable star, and FOX gets a potential ratings bump for Season 4.

Are you looking forward to rewatching or watching Animal Control on Netflix? Let us know in the comments.