Fox is making a significant adjustment to its Sunday night programming for the Fall 2026 season, breaking a long-standing tradition of its strictly animated “Animation Domination” block. The network has officially scheduled the Joel McHale-led sitcom Animal Control to take over the 8:30 p.m. ET time slot, marking the first time a live-action comedy has joined the Sunday lineup since the block’s 2019 revival.
The fifth season of Animal Control is set to premiere on Sunday, September 27, 2026. It will serve as the immediate lead-out for The Simpsons, which remains the anchor of the evening at 8:00 p.m. ET as it enters its 38th season.
A New Look for Sunday Nights
The inclusion of a live-action series necessitates a temporary benching of several animation staples. To make room for the new Sunday flow, Fox is holding Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad! for a midseason rollout in Winter 2027. This shift allows the network to pair its flagship animated hit with its last remaining live-action sitcom in a bid to capture a broader audience.
Following Animal Control at 8:30 p.m., the Fall 2026 schedule will continue with Universal Basic Guys at 9:00 p.m., followed by Grimsburg at 9:30 p.m. This arrangement prioritizes newer and “owned” content, a strategic move for the network as it navigates a changing television landscape.
The Strategy Behind the Move
The decision to place Animal Control in this high-profile window is more than just a scheduling experiment; it is a financial strategy. Unlike many of the animated hits Fox has aired historically, Animal Control is wholly owned and distributed by Fox Entertainment Studios. By placing an owned property in the “sweet spot” between The Simpsons and other animated fare, the network stands to benefit more directly from the show’s success compared to licensing third-party content.
Industry analysis suggests this is a “do-or-die” moment for the series. As Fox’s only surviving live-action sitcom, the show is being given the strongest possible lead-in to secure its future. The move signals Fox’s intent to maintain a foothold in scripted live-action comedy even as the network shifts more heavily toward unscripted programming and internal animation.
While fans of Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers will have to wait until early 2027 for new episodes, the network appears to be betting that the “Winter Slate” rollout will provide a massive midseason surge once the fall experiment concludes.