Joel McHale Teases ‘Fireworks’ in ‘Animal Control’ Season 5

The exotic animal adventures will continue when Animal Control returns for a fifth season.

The workplace comedy series, which recently returned for its fourth season, is now a seasoned hit for the network and recently got a boost when the series’ first two seasons became available to stream on Netflix in December, with the third on Hulu and Disney+. Now that Season 4 has come to an end, here’s everything we know about Animal Control Season 5 so far.

Has Animal Control been renewed for Season 5?

Yes. Fox announced the series will return for Season 5 in February 2026. In a statement, the network’s president of television, Michael Thorn, said, “With the writing, ensemble, and audience response all landing at new levels, renewing Animal Control was an easy decision. The series launched to new highs in its fourth season, which is a direct reflection of the show’s continued creative growth, outstanding producing team, and the incredible Joel McHale as our lead.”

The network also touted that the Season 4 premiere was the most-watched of all the series’ season premieres. Plus, its streaming numbers have been impressive, with 1 billion minutes watched across the first three seasons.

When will Animal Control Season 5 premiere?

Fox has announced the series will return to the fall lineup on Sunday, September 27, at 8:30/7:30c.

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Who will star in Animal Control Season 5?

Joel McHale leads the series as Frank, a former police officer who was canned after exposing corruption in his department and turned to the animal control team for work. The series also stars Michael Rowland as Frank “Shred” Taylor, Vella Lovell as Emily Price, Ravi Patel as Amit Patel, Grace Palmer as Victoria Sands, Gerry Dee as Templeton Dudge, and Kyla Pratt as Daisy.

What will happen in Animal Control Season 5?

Joel McHale told TV Insider at Fox’s Upfronts 2026 presentation, “The budget is going way up!” The actor then added, on a more serious note, “I do know that Gerry Dee and Kyla Pratt are now going to be in the office at the precinct. They are my nemeses, and so there will be a lot of fireworks.”

Animal Control, Season 5 Premiere TDB, Fox

– Reporting by Isabel Begun