Joel McHale Reflects On Again Reuniting With Community Co-Star For Animal Control Season 3: "One Of My Favorite People"

Joel McHale opens up about working again with his Community co-star Ken Jeong in the newest season of Fox's sitcom Animal Control. The workplace comedy, which premiered in 2023, follows the quirky group of Seattle-based animal control workers who juggle their oddball antics alongside animal rescue missions. McHale stars as Frank Shaw, a jaded senior officer paired with the optimistic Fred "Shred" Taylor (Michael Rowland). The Animal Control season 3 cast also features Vella Lovell, Ravi Patel, and Grace Palmer.

In an interview with Collider, McHale raved about reuniting with Jeong in season 3 of Animal Control, where Jeong will return once more as the renowned yet unpredictable dog trainer, Roman Park. McHale and Jeong’s comedic chemistry first shined during their time on NBC's cult-hit series Community, where McHale starred as the sarcastic and disgraced lawyer Jeff Winger and Jeong as his eccentric Spanish teacher, Ben Chang. Reflecting on their enduring friendship, McHale shared the following:

He’s one of my favorite people. We’ll call each other and talk for 90 minutes, and then my wife [Sarah] will go, ‘You’re talking to your boyfriend?’ And then I’m like, ‘Yes,’ and then we'll talk for another 90 minutes. Then I realize, I haven’t spent any time with my children. So, it’s great that, hopefully, he’ll continue to come back to the show, and they’ll expand his role and meet his $1.4 million episodic rate.

The remaining Animal Control ensemble cast also looks forward to the dog-whisperer reuniting with their Senior Animal Control Officer again as Grace Palmer, who plays the free-spirited Victoria Sands, added:

When Roman’s character, Ken, comes on set, it is the best couple of days because he’s so funny. It has me in stitches. These two together are insanity. But nothing gets done, and everyone gets really frustrated, but they’re also laughing so hard they can’t tell you off.

What McHale & Jeong's Reunion On Animal Control Means

From Study Room Shenanigans To Animal Chaos

This reunion not only highlights McHale and Jeong’s enduring off-screen friendship, but also brings a nostalgic flair to Animal Control. The various character dynamics of Community often revolve around witty repartee and absurd situations. One of Ben Chang's best Community episodes includes a mockumentary special where the study group films Chang's journey with "Changnasia," a form of amnesia Jeff is adamant doesn't exist. Jeong's return as Roman Park amplifies that same chaotic energy and tense yet comedic competition with McHale's character in Animal Control as they resume their fight for "alpha" of the precinct.

The role of Roman is a perfect match for Jeong’s offbeat comedic talents, which have remained a fan favorite since his Community days. Setting Jeong up for a recurring role in Animal Control represents a strategic move by Fox to lean into proven comedic partnerships. By reuniting McHale and Jeong, the show taps into a rich and well-established chemistry that resonates with audiences familiar with their previous work, and who likely have long-awaited their reunion with the slow-burning Community feature film.

Our Take On Joel McHale & Ken Jeong Reuniting In Animal Control

A Comedic Dream Team That Never Misses

McHale and Jeong’s collaboration continues to be an undeniable highlight for fans of Community and Animal Control alike. After Jeong’s memorable season 2 appearance, Fox is set to happily deliver more of his eccentric dog-whisperer in season 3, alongside other renowned guest stars like The Other Two star Josh Segarra and seasoned Reno 911! actor Thomas Lennon. Seeing these two comedic powerhouses riff off each other again makes Animal Control a must-watch for newcomers and Community diehards alike, with plenty of laughs and antics guaranteed.

Source: Collider