Netflix continues to strengthen its comedy lineup with another high-profile network acquisition. In a surprise year-end move, the streaming giant has secured streaming rights to the popular FOX sitcom Animal Control, just days before the show’s highly anticipated Season 4 premiere on television.
The Joel McHale-led workplace comedy is set to arrive on Netflix US on December 26, 2025, giving viewers a limited but exciting window to binge previous seasons before new episodes begin airing on FOX. This strategic licensing deal reflects a growing trend where traditional broadcasters collaborate with Netflix to expand a show’s reach and boost viewership ahead of a new season.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what this deal means, which seasons are coming to Netflix, what Animal Control is about, and why this move is a smart win for both Netflix and FOX.
Animal Control Set for Surprise Netflix Release in the US
According to confirmed details, multiple seasons of Animal Control will begin streaming on Netflix US starting Friday, December 26, 2025. While it has not yet been officially clarified whether all three existing seasons will be available, at least two seasons are confirmed, with strong indications that Season 3 may also be included.
What makes this release especially noteworthy is its timing. FOX has already announced that Season 4 of Animal Control will premiere on December 28, 2025, just two days after the Netflix drop. This gives both new and returning viewers a short but enticing opportunity to catch up on earlier episodes before the next chapter begins.
This “catch-up on Netflix, watch new episodes live” approach has become increasingly common in recent years—and Animal Control is the latest beneficiary.
Why Animal Control Is Leaving Hulu (At Least Partially)
Until now, Animal Control had been streaming exclusively on Hulu, which is majority-owned by Disney. However, Hulu previously removed older seasons of the show in 2024, leaving only the most recent season available for streaming.
This partial availability created a gap for new viewers who wanted to start the series from the beginning. Netflix stepping in helps solve that problem by reintroducing earlier seasons to a much broader audience.
It’s important to note that this is a licensing arrangement, not a permanent move. Similar FOX titles have joined Netflix in recent years for limited windows, typically lasting one to two years.
Netflix and FOX: A Growing Content-Sharing Strategy
The arrival of Animal Control on Netflix is not an isolated case. FOX has increasingly licensed select shows to Netflix to capitalize on its massive global subscriber base.
Recently, FOX animated series such as:
- Grimsburg
- Krapopolis
also landed on Netflix under similar short-term deals. These partnerships allow FOX to generate renewed interest in its shows while Netflix benefits from adding recognizable, binge-friendly content without long-term production costs.
For Animal Control, this strategy could significantly boost awareness ahead of Season 4, especially among viewers who may have missed the show during its original broadcast run.
What Is Animal Control About?
For those unfamiliar with the series, Animal Control is a single-camera workplace comedy that premiered on FOX in early 2023. The show is set in Seattle and centers on a team of local animal control officers whose professional lives are often complicated by the humans they encounter—rather than the animals themselves.
The show’s core theme is summed up perfectly by its premise:
Animals are simple. People are not.
By blending dry humor, workplace chaos, and eccentric characters, Animal Control has carved out a loyal fanbase and steady ratings for FOX.
Joel McHale Leads the Cast as Frank Shaw
The series is headlined by Joel McHale, best known for his role in Community (which, notably, is no longer available on Netflix). In Animal Control, McHale plays Frank Shaw, an opinionated and unconventional animal control officer.
Frank is a former police officer who was fired after attempting to expose corruption within his department. Bitter, cynical, and often abrasive, he nonetheless possesses an almost superhuman ability to understand animals, making him exceptionally good at his job—even if he struggles with people.
McHale’s signature sarcastic delivery and comedic timing are a major reason fans have connected with the show.
Main Cast and Characters
In addition to Joel McHale, Animal Control features a strong ensemble cast that adds depth and variety to the series:
- Michael Rowland as Fred “Shred” Taylor
An upbeat and optimistic rookie officer who is paired with Frank. His positivity serves as the perfect counterbalance to Frank’s grumpy demeanor. - Vella Lovell (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) as Emily Price
The kind-hearted and well-meaning director of the animal control precinct, often tasked with keeping the team functional. - Ravi V. Patel as Amit Patel
A stressed and overwhelmed family man juggling work responsibilities and personal life. - Grace Palmer as Victoria Sands
The confident and hedonistic member of the group, adding a bold dynamic to the team.
Together, the cast creates a comedic rhythm that blends character-driven humor with situational comedy.
How Many Seasons of Animal Control Exist So Far?
As of now:
- Season 1 – Premiered in 2023
- Season 2 – Aired in 2024
- Season 3 – Aired in 2025
- Season 4 – Premiering December 28, 2025 on FOX
Netflix US is confirmed to receive at least the first two seasons, with expectations that Season 3 may also be included, though final confirmation is still pending.
Why Netflix Is the Perfect Platform for Animal Control
Netflix excels at reviving interest in network shows by making them easy to binge. Sitcoms, in particular, tend to perform exceptionally well on the platform due to their rewatch value and short episode runtimes.
For Animal Control, Netflix offers:
- Exposure to millions of potential new viewers
- Increased social media buzz
- Higher chances of becoming a “surprise hit” through word-of-mouth
For FOX, this could translate into higher live ratings and streaming engagement when Season 4 begins.
A Smart Move Ahead of Season 4
Releasing Animal Control on Netflix just two days before Season 4 premieres is a calculated and strategic decision. Viewers who discover the show on Netflix may be more inclined to tune in live or stream new episodes on FOX platforms.
This approach has already proven successful for several other network series, making it a win-win situation:
- Netflix gets a popular, binge-worthy sitcom with a recognizable lead star.
- FOX gains renewed attention and potentially higher viewership for Season 4.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Animal Control on Netflix?
If you enjoy workplace comedies with sharp humor, quirky characters, and a fresh setting, Animal Control is well worth your time. Joel McHale’s performance alone makes the series a compelling watch, especially for fans of character-driven sitcoms.
With its Netflix debut on December 26, 2025, now is the perfect time to catch up before Season 4 premieres on December 28, 2025.
Are you planning to binge Animal Control on Netflix, or will you be watching Season 4 live on FOX? Either way, the show’s arrival on Netflix ensures it will reach a wider audience than ever before.
