During Joel McHale's career, he has enjoyed a great deal of success as an actor. McHale has also worked as a host for years, including on the show Crime Scene Kitchen, which has had an interesting impact on him. In addition to all the times that McHale has given his fans a lot to be excited about over the years, many people who enjoy his work now have just gotten some more good news.
Since the third season of McHale's sitcom, Animal Control, ended on Fox, fans have been able to stream the already aired episodes of the series. That has only led to even more interest in when the show would resume airing new episodes. Now, it has been revealed that the Animal Control's next season will commence earlier than previously expected.
Animal Control season 4 will premiere in December 2025
Every year, many TV shows go into hiatus around the holiday season. One example of that is the fact that Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Fire are all currently not airing new episodes. Instead, those three shows will resume airing new episodes on January 7, 2026. Given that most network shows won't be airing new episodes until 2026, it would have made sense if most fans assumed Animal Control season 4 wouldn't premiere until the new year.
Thankfully for Animal Control fans who are looking forward to the show's new episodes, a recent TV Insider report reveals they won't have to wait very long. According to the outlet, Animal Control season 4's first episode will premiere on Fox on December 28, 2025 at 8/7c.
IMDb states that Animal Control season 4, episode 1 is titled "Bear Cubs and Broncos." The website also lists a synopsis for the upcoming episode. "Tensions rise when budget cuts force the two Animal Control precincts to merge; Frank and Templeton wrestle for control during a bear rescue; Emily and Shred try to hide their romance."
Since Animal Control has a devoted fan following, there was always going to be a lot of people who were excited about the show returning for a fourth season. However, loyal viewers have an extra reason to be interested due to how the show's last season ended. As Animal Control season 3 was coming to an end, fans saw Joel McHale's Frank admit his feelings for Grace Palmer's Victoria to himself for the first time. After then extremely well-crafted moment, it will be fascinating, and probably very funny, to see where the show will go during season 4.