Mark your calendars for March 2024!: Animal Control season 2 release date, strike delay, and more

Updated Nov. 22, 2023 – Comedies can be tough to make because everyone has a different sense of humor. But with the introduction of Animal Control back in February 2023, I don’t think we have that problem! The series definitely serves as a fun watch. What’s the latest news on Animal Control season 2?

The show first debuted Feb. 16, 2023, and the finale of the first season aired on May 4, 2023. The series was co-created by Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, and Dan Sterling, who all also serve as executive producers on the project. Joining the trio in EP duties are leading actor Joel McHale, as well as Jake Fuller, Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch, and Tad Quill. Here’s everything we know about the second season ahead of its release!

Animal Control season 2 release date

Animal Control season 2 is officially a go! The sitcom was renewed by Fox back on May 10, 2023, which was only a few days after the season 1 finale aired. This is a really great sign for the comedy, as it seems like Fox is confident about it.

And now after months of waiting, we have a release date for the comedy! Animal Control season 2 premieres Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 9 p.m. ET on Fox. New episodes will also be available to stream on Hulu the next day. The series will continue to hold the Wednesday night time slot throughout the season.

Initially the series should have been a part of the fall 2023 television schedule. But now, the debut of the new season is delayed due to the Hollywood strikes (more on that below), and it won’t be coming this year. But that’s ok! At least we have a release date now. Yay!

An episode count for the second season is still unknown. Though networks are eyeing shorter seasons this time around for comedies and dramas, around 10-13 episodes because of the strike delays. The first season of Animal Control  had 12 episodes and is currently streaming on Hulu. If you don’t have a subscription to the platform, you can do so for $7.99/month with ads or $14.99/month without ads. When the second season eventually debuts, episodes will air on Fox then stream on Hulu the next day.

Has the sitcom been affected by the strikes?

Yes, Animal Control season 2 has been affected by the strikes. That’s why we’re not seeing the show back until March 2024. There was the writers strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which began on May 2, 2023. Since the comedy wasn’t officially renewed until May 10, it’s most likely that no scripts have even been written yet. However, that’s changed recently!

Starting on Sept. 25, 2023, a new, three-year contract went into effect between the writers guild and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), who represents the major studios in Hollywood. WGA members voted and ratified the new agreement, which is in place until May 1, 2026. Also, Deadline shares that on the week of Oct. 2, many writers rooms opened back up, including Animal Control. That means the writing team is currently hard at work writing the story for season 2!

And that good news continues when it comes to the actors strike as well. As of Nov. 9, 2023, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and AMPTP have come to a tentative agreement. The new proposed contract would be in effect for three years. This means that the actors strike is over! While members of the guild still need to vote on the agreement, actors are allowed to begin filming once again.

When does season 2 start filming?

According to Deadline, Animal Control is looking at early December to start production back up once again. That’s not far off at all! Some shows went back into production right away and take priority for the networks. Though it seems like Animal Control will need to wait. Which is ok! Fox needs to have enough content for the whole midseason schedule, so this move makes sense.

Cast: Who’s returning to the show?

Though an official cast list has not been shared yet, we do expect to see the actors and characters we met in the sitcom’s freshman season make a return. Here’s who is most likely to reprise their role in the second season:

• Joel McHale as Frank Shaw
• Vella Lovell as Emily Price
• Michael Rowland as Fred “Shred” Taylor
• Ravi V. Patel as Amit Patel
• Grace Palmer as Victoria Sands
• Gerry Dee as Commissioner Templeton Dudge
• Kelli Ogmundson as Dolores Stubb
• Alvina August as Dr. Colette Summers

Joel McHale headlines the series as Frank Shaw. The actor is probably best known for his role as Jeff Winger in Community. He’s also been a part of Spider-Man 2, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World, and Ted. The personality is also a television presenter, hosting The Soup and Crime Scene Kitchen.

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote as we bring you news and updates about Animal Control season 2 on Fox!