A Beloved Animated Series Fades Quietly: 'HouseBroken' Seemingly Ends Its Run on FOX

Fans of quirky animated comedies are facing a bittersweet reality as FOX's beloved series, "HouseBroken," appears to have quietly concluded its run without an official renewal. Despite three seasons of unique storytelling and a truly impressive ensemble cast, the show, centered around a therapy group for neighborhood pets, has seemingly faded into the television archives.

The news, though not a formal cancellation announcement from FOX, comes directly from one of its stars.

Actor Nat Faxon, who lent his voice to the character of Chief, recently confirmed on social media that the series is effectively over. This revelation brings a somber close to a show that, for five years across its development and broadcast, offered a fresh perspective on the lives of our furry (and scaly) companions.

"HouseBroken" stood out in the crowded landscape of animated television with its inventive premise.

The series explored the neuroses and everyday struggles of pets through the lens of group therapy sessions, led by the poodle Honey (voiced by the incomparable Lisa Kudrow). From the cynical cat Tabitha (Sharon Horgan) to the anxious corgi Diablo (Tony Hale) and Faxon's own lovably dim Chief, the characters resonated with anyone who's ever wondered what their pets are truly thinking.

The show's star power was undeniable.

Beyond Kudrow and Faxon, the cast boasted an incredible lineup including Clea DuVall (who also co-created the series), Will Forte, Jason Mantzoukas, Sam Richardson, Bresha Webb, and Greta Lee. This collective talent brought a vibrant energy and depth to the animal characters, making their anthropomorphic struggles surprisingly relatable and genuinely hilarious.

Created by Clea DuVall, Jennifer Crittenden, and Gabrielle Allan, "HouseBroken" premiered in 2021 and quickly garnered critical acclaim for its clever writing and insightful humor.

DuVall, Crittenden, Allan, and Aaron Kaplan served as executive producers, crafting a world that was both whimsical and poignant.

However, critical success doesn't always translate to ratings, and it seems this was the unfortunate reality for "HouseBroken." Despite its unique charm, the series struggled to find a large enough audience to secure a fourth season.

The last episode aired in August 2023, and the ensuing silence from FOX regarding its future left many hopeful, only for Faxon's recent comments to confirm what many had quietly feared. It's a testament to the show's quality that its end feels like such a loss, a quiet farewell to a truly special animated endeavor.