“Community” fans, rejoice! Joel McHale and Ken Jeong are back to flex their comedic chops together in the latest season of Fox’s sitcom “Animal Control.” The series, which made its debut in 2023, takes viewers through the hilariously chaotic world of Seattle’s animal control team. With its third season, the show not only promises side-splitting comedy but also a delightful reunion of McHale and Jeong.
McHale, known for his razor-sharp wit, returns as Frank Shaw, a senior animal control officer whose skepticism often collides with the youthful enthusiasm of his partner, Fred “Shred” Taylor, played by Michael Rowland. The duo is supported by a dynamic cast including Vella Lovell, Ravi Patel, and Grace Palmer. In an interview with Collider, McHale expressed his excitement about working with Jeong again, who reprises his unpredictable role as dog trainer Roman Park. Their chemistry harks back to the days of NBC’s “Community,” with McHale playing Jeff Winger and Jeong as the eccentric Ben Chang. McHale’s camaraderie with Jeong is genuine, noting, “He’s one of my favorite people,” and joking about the lengthy conversations they enjoy, much to his wife’s playful teasing.
Old Friends, New Antics
Jeong’s Roman doesn’t just bring the laughs—he’s a tornado of chaos that spurs both comedy and barely-contained disorder on set. Grace Palmer, who plays Victoria Sands, highlights just how much energy Jeong brings, mentioning that when he’s around, “nothing gets done,” but the crew can’t stop cracking up. This tells us one thing: the set of “Animal Control” is as unpredictably entertaining as the characters themselves.
For those who were captivated by “Community’s” offbeat humor, expect a similar dynamic infused into “Animal Control.” Back then, Jeong’s Chang would conjure absurd scenarios, and it seems some of that madness will translate into his antics alongside McHale. Whether engaged in an alpha battle or improvising the plot’s next hilarious twist, they’re bound to deliver gut-busting moments that remind us why they’re a beloved comedic duo.
The Future Looks Funny
Beyond McHale and Jeong’s collaborative magic, Fox’s move to incorporate Jeong as a recurring character is shrewd. It’s a calculated effort to capitalize on the proven brilliance of such comedic partnerships. Conservative networks, take note; when you get a duo like McHale and Jeong, you dig in your heels and let them do what they do best—make audiences laugh till they can’t breathe.
“Animal Control,” bolstered by vibrant guest appearances like Josh Segarra and Thomas Lennon, is striving to become this generation’s cult-classic comedy. With the latest episodes expected to air this season, anyone eager for off-the-wall humor should keep an eye on this series. It seems like the duo might finally receive the attention they deserve—a long-awaited “Community” reunion movie could be on the cards for all we know.
In the unruly world of “Animal Control,” expect the unexpected. As the larger than life characters tackle everything from bothersome raccoons to each other’s exaggerated egos, McHale and Jeong promise to light up more than just a TV screen with their undeniable camaraderie. Watch out, because while the animals might be under control, the comedy won’t be.