Animal Control Season 4 Episode 1 Preview: Bear Cubs and Broncos
The pack is back with some new members as rival precincts merge on Animal Control Season 4 Episode 1, “Bear Cubs and Broncos.” This season premiere is on a special day and at a special time ahead of the show’s return at its usual day and time on Thursday, January 15, at 9/8c on FOX.
Emily tells her team that they’re “absorbing 10 officers from another precinct.” For maximum chaos, those officers include Templeton and his partner, Daisy, from the Central Division. Daisy is played by Animal Control newcomer, Kyla Pratt.
There’s a bit in the season’s sneak peek where Daisy is riding with Frank, but he won’t let her turn the heat on in the truck. “Shivering burns away white fat,” per Frank. Daisy responds, “White fat? Wasn’t that your nickname at the academy?” It already sounds like Daisy will fit right in at the Northwest Seattle Division.
“Bear Cubs and Broncos” will also see Frank and Templeton clash — again — when they fight for control while rescuing a bear cub.
Meanwhile, the Northwest Seattle Division appears to be hosting the annual Wiener Walk, which also seems to devolve into chaos in the episode’s photos.
The season premiere will also see Emily and Shred try to hide their relationship after their kiss on Animal Control Season 3 Episode 10, “Strays and Lovebirds.” The sneak peek video teases some of the hurdles they’ll face: Shred needs to break up with Isabelle, and Emily needs to clear their relationship with her boss.
The video also reveals Jim Rash (Community) and Oliver Hudson will guest star this season. Those reprising their roles are Ken Jeong as Roman Park, Thomas Lennon as Patrick Shaw, Josh Segarra as Parker, and Rob Gronkowski as himself.
Here’s everything you need to know about this Animal Control episode, including the air date, cast, promo, and how to watch.
Animal Control Season 4 Episode 1 Details
- Title: “Bear Cubs and Broncos”
- Air Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
- Time: 8/7c
- Network: FOX
How to Watch Animal Control Season 4 Episode 1
- Live: 8/7c at FOX
- Streaming: Available next day on Hulu
Animal Control Season 4 Episode 1 Description
Tensions erupt when the two rival Animal Control precincts are forced to merge due to budget cuts. Frank and Templeton clash during a bear cub rescue as they fight for control. Meanwhile, Emily and Shred try to hide their romance from the team.
Guest Stars & Returning Characters
- Main Cast: Joel McHale as Frank Shaw, Michael Rowland as Fred “Shred” Taylor, Vella Lovell as Emily Price, Ravi Patel as Amit Patel, and Grace Palmer as Victoria Sands, Gerry Dee as Templeton Dudge, and Kyla Pratt as Daisy.
Promo & Photos
Check out the photos from Animal Control Season 4 Episode 1:
Promo Video:
What are your hopes for this episode of Animal Control? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and be sure to catch up with our review of Animal Control Season 3 Episode 10, “Strays and Lovebirds,” right here.
Animal Control Season 4 premieres on Sunday, December 28, at 8/7c on FOX.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.