The U.K.’s Channel 4 has acquired the television rights to the single-camera comedy Animal Control from FOX Entertainment Global for its linear entertainment platform E4.
Produced by FOX Entertainment Studios and starring and executive produced by Emmy Award nominee Joel McHale, 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. McHale stars as Frank, an opinionated, eccentric Animal Control officer and ex-cop who, after a failed attempt at exposing corruption in his police department, found himself incarcerating animals and becoming all the more cynical and curmudgeonly.
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.
“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 Tony Vassiliadis, COO 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.”
Channel 4’s head of Acquisitions Nick Lee 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.”
FOX Entertainment’s first wholly owned live-action comedy and renewed for a second season, Animal Control’s premiere this year was FOX’s most-streamed series debut and most-streamed comedy telecast ever.
Leave A Comment