Animal Control
Some unfunny jokes in glitchy comedy, not for young kids.
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Animal Control
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Animal Control is a comedy that follows animal control officers as they respond to situations in Seattle. The humor is irreverent, but can border on offensive. Women are objectified, then apologized to. Mass shooting is mentioned in jest. A woman in a position of power is said to be "incompetent" and "easy to manipulate." There's some suggestive language around sex ("My wife's libido is delicate"). Expect pratfalls, comedic perilous situations, and chaos relating to animals' behavior. Language includes "douche," "hell," "cunnilingus."
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What's the Story?
In ANIMAL CONTROL, a group of animal welfare officers answer the public's calls in Seattle. A self-styled lone wolf, Frank (Joel McHale, Community), bristles at the idea of having a new partner join his beat. But he's really offended to have to show the ropes to a rookie named Fred (Michael Rowland), who's a former pro-snowboarder. Will Fred charm his way into Frank's routine? Or is Frank too set in his ways to make room for a guy who might end up being cooler than him?
Is It Any Good?
An attempt to explore a new public-sector comedy, this series is quick-paced, but runs short on real laughs. It's almost as if the creators of Animal Control got together after a Parks and Recreation binge and started throwing around ideas: They're not cops, they're not firefighters -- they're animal control officers and they're bungling their way through the homes of Seattle.
The fast-paced banter among the officers has a hard time getting traction, and Joel McHale seems to be delivering punchlines to himself in this show. Some of the jokes are un-funny and even offensive (a joke quickly referencing the aftermath of a mass shooting is mumbled by Ravi Patel). Young teens will want to watch this one, but parents might be keen to suggest something else.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the humor in Animal Control. When is joking around funny? When is it offensive?
Characters in this show need to know enough about animals to be able to handle them in difficult situations. How does curiosity help them do their jobs?
A character sets up a prank on a co-worker and then records the results on his camera. At what point does playing a prank turn into bullying?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 16, 2023
- Cast: Joel McHale, Vella Lovell, Ravi Patel
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 27, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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The Office
Workplace spoof is hilarious but filled with mature humor.
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Parks and Recreation
Local government spoof for mature viewers is goofy at heart.
For kids who love comedy
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