Five seasons in, Animal Control remains one of television's most delightful surprises. The Fox single-camera comedy, led by the ever-quippy Joel McHale, has quietly built a loyal following by blending the workplace chaos of Brooklyn Nine-Nine with the warm ensemble energy of Parks and Recreation. Now, with Season 5, the show is not just maintaining its quality—it's raising the bar.
The new season kicks off with Frank (McHale) and his team at Seattle's Northwest Animal Control Division facing a shake-up. Director Emily (Vella Lovell) is suspended after her romance with Officer Shred (Michael Rowland) came to light, leaving the crew under the temporary command of the insufferable Templeton (Gerry Dee). Frank, never one to accept authority gracefully, leads a work stoppage—until the Seattle Seahawks' mascot goes missing, pulling him back into action despite being officially barred from the rescue.
But the real threat emerges in Episode 2, "Crows and Lizard Legs," when a slick private animal control agency run by the diminutive but confident Roman Park (Ken Jeong) starts encroaching on city territory. Suddenly, the team's usual low service scores carry real weight, forcing them to unite against a common enemy. It's a smart narrative shift that gives the season a cohesive arc while still leaving room for the show's signature absurdity.
What makes Animal Control stand out is its ability to balance genuine stakes with laugh-out-loud comedy. The premiere's cold open, featuring Frank's unhinged excitement over the missing mascot, is a masterclass in comedic timing. McHale knows exactly how much dignity to strip away before a scene becomes hilarious, and his dry delivery anchors even the most ridiculous moments—like a bare-chested, grease-slicked fight that sounds as gross as it looks.
The supporting cast continues to shine. Gerry Dee's Templeton is a perfect foil for McHale, playing bureaucratic authority with absolute conviction. Kyla Pratt's Daisy steps up from observer to active participant, bringing a sharp, eager energy to her scenes. Lovell finds humor in Emily's quiet desperation, while Rowland lets Shred's anxiety simmer just beneath the surface. Grace Palmer and Ravi Patel round out the ensemble with their trademark dry wit and endearing stress, respectively.
Ken Jeong's Roman Park is a welcome addition, his cheerful self-belief making him a uniquely irritating antagonist. The showrunners—Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, and Dan Sterling—have crafted a season that feels both fresh and familiar, with personal storylines (like Patel dealing with his daughter's new boyfriend) weaving seamlessly into the larger conflict.
If you've been sleeping on Animal Control, now is the time to catch up. It's a comedy that rewards loyal viewers while remaining accessible to newcomers, and Season 5 proves it's still one of the funniest, most genuine shows on network TV. For more hidden gems, check out our list of the best sci-fi movies of every decade or see how Keanu Reeves' latest film found streaming success.
