Fox has officially unveiled its fall 2026 lineup, and the biggest surprise is a seismic shift on Sunday nights. The network is moving the live-action comedy Animal Control into the 8:30 p.m. slot right after The Simpsons, effectively ending the long-running "Animation Domination" block—at least for the fall season. The new schedule kicks off the week of September 21, and it marks a bold experiment in blending live-action with animation on TV's most famous comedy night.
A New Era for Sunday Comedy
For decades, Fox has reserved Sunday evenings for its beloved animated series, but the 2026 schedule breaks that tradition. Starting at 8 p.m., The Simpsons will lead into Animal Control, followed by two animated shows: Universal Basic Guys and Grimsburg. This hybrid lineup reflects a broader industry trend—networks are consolidating their strongest scripted shows into fewer nights while relying on reality and game shows elsewhere. Fox's fall slate includes only two scripted series on Tuesdays: the dramedy Best Medicine and the medical drama Doc.
The move signals that The Simpsons is no longer the anchor of an all-cartoon block. As the show's episodes increasingly debut on Disney+ (with at least two per season streaming exclusively), its network presence feels more like a legacy play than a ratings driver. Still, the iconic series remains a draw, and its placement at 8 p.m. ensures a strong lead-in for Animal Control.
Why 'Animal Control' Could Thrive
For Animal Control, this scheduling change is a golden opportunity. Heading into its fifth season, the Joel McHale-led sitcom has maintained steady viewership, but network TV is a tough landscape. Airing after The Simpsons could boost its ratings and attract new fans on streaming platforms like Hulu, where previous seasons are available. The show follows a Seattle animal control officer and his eccentric coworkers, blending workplace comedy with heartfelt moments. The ensemble cast includes Vella Lovell, Michael Rowland, Ravi V. Patel, and Grace Palmer.
This live-action sitcom is also a test case for Fox. With only one other half-hour scripted show on the fall schedule—the hour-long dramedy Best Medicine—Animal Control is the network's sole traditional sitcom. If it succeeds, it could pave the way for more live-action comedies on Fox, a genre that has been shrinking across broadcast TV.
The End of Animation Domination?
Fans of adult animation may mourn the shift. Fox's Sunday night "Animation Domination" block has been a staple for decades, launching hits like Family Guy, Bob's Burgers, and American Dad!—all of which are expected to return in spring 2027. But recent years have seen cancellations of promising shows like The Great North, Duncanville, and Bless the Harts. The network is ordering fewer episodes per season and splitting its animated comedies between fall and spring, rather than running them year-round.
Fox's strategy now leans on established brands, whether animated or live-action. By clustering comedies on Sunday, the network hopes to create a destination night for viewers. While this may disappoint purists, it reflects the realities of modern TV, where streaming and cord-cutting have reshaped audience habits. The Simpsons entire library is available on Disney+, and the show's cultural footprint remains massive—even as its network role evolves.
For a deeper dive into The Simpsons legacy, check out our fan theory on whether Eddie is Ralph Wiggum's real father. And for more on how the show's iconic opening credits were revitalized, read about the billboard gag that changed everything.
Ultimately, Animal Control has the most to gain from this shake-up. With a proven cast and a loyal fanbase, it could become a rare live-action success in an animated stronghold. The new Fox schedule begins September 21. Until then, catch up on The Simpsons on Disney+ and Animal Control on Hulu.
