What are the titles of the live-action comedies Fox has renewed for 2025-26? Who are the lead actors in these shows? How many seasons will ‘Animal Control’ have after the renewal? What is the role of Michael Thorn in relation to Fox Television Network? What qualities does Thorn attribute to the comedy block being developed?
Fox is keeping the live-action comedy lights on for 2025-26.
The network has renewed Animal Control and Going Dutch — the only two live-action comedies currently on its schedule — for next season. The pickups will mean a fourth season of Animal Control, starring Joel McHale, and a second for the Denis Leary-led Going Dutch.
“Animal Control and Going Dutch are proven winners thanks to signature Fox characters brought to life by Joel and Denis — two of the funniest comedic voices on TV today, giving us an ideal foundation for building our new comedy block,” Fox Television Network president Michael Thorn said in a statement. “With a focus on creating irreverent, fun workplace humor that’s both outrageous and unpredictable, Joel, Denis, their castmates and production teams deliver reliably laugh-out-loud moments week after week.”
More to come.
In the 2024–2025 television season, Fox introduced a dynamic Thursday night comedy block featuring the return of "Animal Control" and the premiere of "Going Dutch." These series have garnered attention for their unique premises and engaging storytelling, contributing to Fox’s diverse programming lineup.
Animal Control
"Animal Control" is a sitcom that delves into the lives of animal control officers in Seattle, highlighting the complexities they face when dealing with both animals and humans. The series stars Joel McHale as Frank Shaw, an opinionated and eccentric animal control officer with a past in law enforcement. Despite his rough exterior, Frank possesses an almost superhuman ability to understand animals, which often leads to humorous and heartfelt situations. The ensemble cast includes Vella Lovell as Emily Price, Michael Rowland as Fred "Shred" Taylor, Ravi Patel as Amit Patel, and Grace Palmer as Victoria Sands. The show premiered on February 16, 2023, and was renewed for a second season, which premiered on March 6, 2024. In February 2024, ahead of the second season premiere, Fox renewed the series for a third season, which premiered on January 2, 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
Going Dutch
"Going Dutch" is a single-camera comedy that follows Colonel Patrick Quinn, portrayed by Denis Leary, who, after an unfiltered rant, is reassigned to a seemingly insignificant U.S. Army base in the Netherlands. The base is notable for its Michelin-starred commissary, top-notch bowling alley, and the best (and only) fromagerie in the U.S. Armed Forces. Surrounded by a diverse group of military misfits, the colonel attempts to reinstate discipline and professionalism with the help of the base’s previous interim leader, who just happens to be his estranged daughter, Captain Maggie Quinn, played by Taylor Misiak. The series also stars Danny Pudi, Laci Mosely, and Hal Cumpston. "Going Dutch" premiered on January 2, 2025, and is produced by Denis Leary and Joel Church-Cooper, with Church-Cooper also serving as the writer. (whattowatch.com)
Programming and Reception
The third season of "Animal Control" premiered on January 2, 2025, followed by the series premiere of "Going Dutch" on the same night, establishing a new Thursday night comedy block on Fox. (foxcorporation.com) Both series have been well-received for their unique premises and engaging storytelling. "Animal Control" has been praised for its humor and character development, while "Going Dutch" has been noted for its fresh take on military comedy.
Conclusion
The 2024–2025 television season marked a significant expansion of Fox’s comedy lineup with the return of "Animal Control" and the introduction of "Going Dutch." Both series offer unique perspectives and have contributed to the network’s diverse programming, appealing to a wide range of viewers.
As of May 7, 2025, there is no official confirmation regarding the renewal of "Animal Control" and "Going Dutch" for the 2025-2026 season. Both shows premiered in January 2025, with "Animal Control" returning for its third season and "Going Dutch" debuting as a new series. (foxcorporation.com) While both series have aired multiple episodes, no announcements have been made about their future beyond the current season. Renewal decisions typically depend on factors such as viewership ratings, critical reception, and production considerations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to monitor official Fox communications and reputable entertainment news outlets.