Animal Control began season five on FOX on September 27, 2026. The opener, “Seahawks & Piglets,” gives Frank and the team a lost mascot to find. A work stoppage complicates the job before they can settle back into their normal routine.
What is the season opener about?
Frank is drawn into a search for the Seattle Seahawks’ missing mascot after the team’s work stoppage. It is an Animal Control assignment with a sports twist: the officers need to find an animal, while their own workplace problems are still going on. The new season also brings more animal cases to the office.
The season-five preview shows a pig named Ham Solo and several new problems for the staff. That footage promotes the whole season, so not every moment in it belongs to the premiere. The show’s basic setup has not changed: the animals cause trouble, but the officers often make their own lives harder.
Who returns?
Who’s who in Animal Control
- Frank ShawPlayed by Joel McHale
- Fred “Shred” TaylorPlayed by Michael Rowland
- Emily PricePlayed by Vella Lovell
- Amit PatelPlayed by Ravi Patel
- Victoria SandsPlayed by Grace Palmer
Joel McHale returns as Frank Shaw. Michael Rowland plays Shred, Vella Lovell plays Emily, Ravi Patel plays Amit and Grace Palmer plays Victoria. Gerry Dee and Kyla Pratt are also in the regular cast. The premiere’s mascot case puts Frank in the middle of the action again.
Where can you watch season five?
The new season airs on FOX in the United States. Hulu lists Animal Control in its US catalog, so viewers can catch up there; check the service for when the latest episode appears in your region. The series first aired in 2023 and follows the same Seattle animal control office across its seasons.
The appeal is still the cast working together on ridiculous calls. A missing football mascot is a good example: it gives the officers a clear job, then lets their arguments and office drama get in the way. If you have not watched the show, earlier episodes introduce Frank and Shred’s partnership before this fifth-season return.
