If you’ve ever worked a job where the "clients" literally try to bite your face off, you’ll probably find the TV show Animal Control oddly relatable. It’s a workplace comedy. It’s a Joel McHale vehicle. But mostly, it’s a show about people who are just trying to get through their shift without being sprayed by a skunk or humiliated by a coworkers' incompetence.
Fox hasn't always had the best luck with live-action sitcoms lately. They’ve leaned hard into animation for decades. So, when this show dropped, people were skeptical. Is it just Brooklyn Nine-Nine with dogs? Kind of. But it’s also its own weird, charming beast.
Frank Shaw, played by McHale, is the heart of the mess. He’s a former cop who got kicked off the force for being a whistleblower. Now, he’s a cynical animal control officer in Seattle. He’s bitter. He’s smart. He knows more about animal biology than he does about human emotions. It’s the perfect role for McHale’s specific brand of "I’m better than this, but I’m still here" sarcasm.
What People Get Wrong About the TV Show Animal Control
Most people assume this is a show for kids because it has "animal" in the title. It isn't. Not really. While it’s not exactly Succession, the humor leans into the absurdity of adult life. You have Shred, Frank’s partner, who is a former professional snowboarder. He’s optimistic to a fault. The dynamic between Frank’s crushing realism and Shred’s "let’s just be friends" energy is what keeps the engine running.
The animals aren't just props. They’re the catalysts for the chaos. We aren't talking about cute puppies in every scene. The TV show Animal Control features cougars in houses, snakes in walls, and kangaroos where kangaroos definitely shouldn't be. Honestly, the production value on the animals—a mix of real trained animals and some pretty decent practical effects—is higher than you'd expect for a network sitcom.
The show captures a very specific type of municipal fatigue. It’s that feeling of having a boss who is trying too hard (Emily, played by Vella Lovell) and coworkers who are basically just there for the health insurance. It feels real. Well, as real as a show can feel when a main character gets stuck in a tree with a raccoon.
Why the Casting Makes the Comedy Stick
The chemistry is why this show got a second and third season. You can’t fake that.
Joel McHale is the anchor. If you liked him in Community, you’ll recognize the DNA here. But Frank Shaw is more grounded than Jeff Winger. He actually cares about the animals, even if he hates the people. Ravi Patel and Vella Lovell round out a cast that understands the "hangout" vibe of modern comedy.
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- Frank (Joel McHale): The cynical veteran.
- Shred (Michael Rowland): The wide-eyed rookie.
- Emily (Vella Lovell): The stressed-out boss who just wants everyone to like her.
- Amit (Ravi Patel): The family man who is constantly overwhelmed by his home life.
The show doesn't rely on a laugh track. That’s a big deal. It lets the silence sit. It lets the dry delivery land. It’s single-camera, fast-paced, and frequently relies on physical comedy that feels earned rather than forced.
The Seattle Setting and the "Vibe"
Setting the show in Seattle was a smart move. It allows for a specific aesthetic—gray skies, flannel, and a lot of greenery. It makes the presence of wild animals in suburban environments feel plausible. If this were set in New York, it’d be a show about rats. In Seattle, it’s about coyotes and rogue squirrels.
It’s Not Just About the Jokes
There is a subtle undercurrent of commentary on how we treat the natural world. Frank often points out that the animals aren't the problem; it’s the humans who try to keep them as pets or encroach on their territory. It’s not preachy. It’s just factual. It adds a layer of depth that keeps it from being a one-note gag show.
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Frank’s backstory as a disgraced cop also adds weight. He’s a guy who tried to do the right thing and got punished for it. That’s why he trusts animals more than people. Animals don't lie to you. They might claw you, but they’re honest about their intentions.
Is Animal Control Worth the Watch?
If you’re looking for something groundbreaking that will change the way you see the world, maybe not. But if you want a solid 22-minute escape that features a bunch of funny people dealing with a feral cat, it’s gold.
The TV show Animal Control succeeds because it doesn't try too hard. It knows what it is. It’s a blue-collar comedy about a job most of us wouldn't want to do. It’s about the small victories, like successfully catching a loose ostrich without getting kicked in the ribs.
The show has found a loyal audience because it’s comfortable. It’s "comfort food" television. You can jump in at almost any episode and get the gist. But if you watch from the start, you see the characters actually grow. Frank starts to let Shred in. Emily starts to find her footing as a leader. It’s slow-burn character development disguised as a show about animal farts.
Actionable Tips for New Viewers
If you're ready to dive into the world of Seattle's finest animal handlers, here is how to get the most out of the experience:
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- Start from Season 1: While it’s episodic, the character dynamics evolve significantly. You’ll miss the nuance of Frank and Shred’s friendship if you jump straight into Season 2.
- Watch the background: The writers hide a lot of visual gags in the animal control precinct. Check out the posters on the walls and the "incident reports" on the desks.
- Pay attention to the guest stars: The show has had some great cameos and recurring characters that add a lot of flavor to the world.
- Check the streaming schedule: As of now, the show airs on FOX but is typically available on Hulu the next day. If you’re cord-cutting, that’s your best bet.
- Don't expect a documentary: Real animal control officers have pointed out that the show takes huge liberties with safety protocols. Don't try the "Frank Shaw method" of raccoon handling at home. It will end poorly for you.
To stay updated on future seasons, keep an eye on official FOX press releases or follow the cast on social media; Joel McHale is particularly active in sharing behind-the-scenes clips of the "animal actors" which are often funnier than the scripted scenes themselves. Check your local listings or streaming dashboard to see when the newest episodes drop, as network schedules can shift during mid-season breaks.