Animal Control Reaches the U.K.

The U.K.’s Channel 4 has acquired the television rights to the FOX Entertainment Global (FEG) comedy Animal Control.

The series follows a group of local Animal Control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple, but humans are not. Joel McHale stars as Frank, an opinionated, eccentric Animal Control officer and ex-cop.

Animal Control’s cast also includes Vella Lovell (Mr. Mayor), Ravi Patel (Master of None), Grace Palmer (Shortland Street), Alvina August (The Boys), Kelli Ogmundson (Cavendish), Gerry Dee (Mr. D) and newcomer Michael Rowland.

The Channel 4 acquisition, the first scripted series licensing deal between Channel 4 and FEG, marks FEG’s most recent licensing deal for Animal Control in a major English-speaking territory. The series will air on E4.

In Australia, the series premiered in May on Foxtel’s FOX8 and across its streaming service Binge. Animal Control is currently airing on CBC in Canada and streaming on CBC Gem. Additionally, Animal Control was recently acquired by TVNZ in New Zealand for linear and streaming.

“Animal Control’s fresh and unique take on the workplace comedy propelled it to become an instant hit for FOX in the U.S.,” said Vassiliadis, CEO of FEG. “Joel McHale’s brilliant portrayal of Frank, together with the entire cast’s unmistakable chemistry, have not gone unnoticed by buyers who appreciate cleverly written comedies with bold characters and relatable stories to a global audience. We are thrilled to have E4 serve as the U.K. home for Animal Control as we continue to close English-language territory sales for this strong show and look forward to introducing it to viewers in other markets throughout the world.”

Nick Lee, Channel 4’s head of acquisitions, said, “We’re so pleased to have signed this deal, our first for a scripted title with FEG to make E4 the exclusive U.K. home for this fresh and clever comedy with a stellar cast. We’re confident our viewers will love it just as much as we do when it comes to E4 next year.”