Channel 4 in the U.K. has acquired the television rights for “Animal Control,” the Joel McHale-led comedy that debuted on Fox in February. The series will air on E4, a linear channel operated by Channel 4 that targets the adults 18-34 demographic.
This marks the first scripted licensing deal between Channel 4 and Fox Entertainment Global (FEG). “Animal Control” has also been exported to Foxtel’s Fox8 channel and its streaming service Binge in Australia, CBC and streamer CBC Gem in Canada, and TVNZ in New Zealand.
“Animal Control” stars McHale 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. The cast also includes Vella Lovell, Ravi Patel, Grace Palmer, Alvina August, Kelli Ogmundson, Gerry Dee and Michael Rowland.
Fox Entertainment Studios produces “Animal Control,” which is its first wholly owned live action comedy. Executive producers include Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling, Tad Quill and McHale. The series has been renewed for a second season.
“’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 Fox Entertainment Global. “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.”
“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,” added Nick Lee, Channel 4’s head of acquisitions. “We’re confident our viewers will love it just as much as we do when it comes to E4 next year.”
