Culture 4 min read By Lauren Baxter
Animal Control and Fox Toons Return, MTV VMAs Kick Off Sunday
Fox's live-action comedy Animal Control and its animated lineup return Sunday, while Snoop Dogg hosts the MTV Video Music Awards and President Curtis marks his first year in office on television.
Fox is bringing back its Sunday night comedy block, with the live-action sitcom Animal Control returning alongside the network's animated favorites, including The Simpsons. The lineup marks a significant night for viewers as the network restores its full slate of scripted programming.
The MTV Video Music Awards will also air Sunday, with Snoop Dogg taking on hosting duties. The ceremony promises a night of high-profile performances and viral moments, continuing MTV's tradition of celebrating the year's biggest music videos and artists.
On the scripted side, President Curtis wraps his first year in office, a storyline that has followed the character through a season of political and personal challenges. The episode is expected to reflect on the administration's early milestones and setbacks.
For audiences looking to plan their evening, the return of Fox's animation block and the live VMAs create a crowded Sunday schedule. Animal Control, which stars Joel McHale, has built a following for its workplace comedy set in a Seattle animal control department. Its return signals Fox's continued investment in half-hour comedies.
The Simpsons, now in its landmark later seasons, remains a cornerstone of the network's animation domination branding. Its return alongside other toons gives the night a familiar rhythm for longtime viewers.
The MTV VMAs, meanwhile, have evolved from a straightforward awards show into a cultural event that drives online conversation. Snoop Dogg's involvement as host adds a layer of hip-hop legacy to a ceremony that has increasingly embraced internet-native stars and genre-blurring performances.
Elsewhere in the entertainment landscape, CNN is set to air the Farm Aid 2026 music festival live on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. The broadcast, part of a second-year partnership with Farm Aid, will feature performances by Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews Band, and others. Cable-cutters can stream the event, making it accessible beyond traditional television.
The convergence of these events—network comedy returns, a major music awards show, and a live benefit concert—illustrates how Sunday nights remain a battleground for attention across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Viewers now navigate a fragmented landscape where appointment viewing competes with on-demand options.
For Fox, the return of Animal Control and its animated shows is a chance to reclaim live-viewing audiences. For MTV, the VMAs offer a night of spectacle and social media traction. And for CNN, the Farm Aid broadcast extends its push into live music programming.
As the fall television season ramps up, these programming choices reflect broader strategies: networks leaning on established hits, awards shows chasing viral relevance, and cable news experimenting with entertainment content. Sunday's slate offers something for nearly every audience, from comedy fans to music lovers to those following political satire.
Whether viewers tune in for the laughs, the performances, or the year-in-review moments, the night promises a mix of scripted and live content that captures the current state of pop culture.
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