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We had a chance to chat with Jen Crittenden, the co-showrunner and co-creator of FOX animated series HouseBroken, which returns with a new episode this Sunday (March 26) at 9:30 p.m. Ahead of the season premiere, we also have a fetching new clip to share, featuring Chief (Nat Faxon) and a beautiful new dog on the block.
The show follows a therapy dog named Honey (voiced by Lisa Kudrow) who explores human dysfunctions and leads a group of neurotic neighborhood animals in group therapy sessions Clea DuVall, Will Forte, Tony Hale, Sharon Horgan, Jason Mantzoukas, Sam Richardson and Greta Lee round out the beastly voice cast.
Here is what Crittenden told us about the charming show, which she co-created with Gabrielle Allan and Clea DuVall:
Animation Magazine: The second anniversary of your show will be coming up this May .What is the best memory you have from the past two years of production?
Jen Crittenden: I think one of my favorite memories was that first table read. It was over Zoom, but seeing our incredible cast all gathered in one (virtual) space was really surreal. Lisa Kudrow, Sharon Horgan, Sam Richardson, Tony Hale, Will Forte, Nat Faxon, Clea Duvall, Jason Mantzoukas — just getting one of these performers would have been a coup. Even our recurring cast was kick ass: Maria Bamford and Bresha Webb and Greta Lee? It’s crazy. I remember wanting to take a screenshot just to have that image — but then being worried that everyone would hear the camera click and get creeped out.
What are some of the cool storylines and guest voices we can expect to see in the second season of the show?
I don’t want to give any spoilers but… we have Pedro Pascal as a super intense hairless cat who Tabitha finds herself falling in love with; Natasha Lyonne and Fred Armisen are Honey’s half siblings — who hate her; Diablo becomes a purse dog and gets into a power struggle with Brie Larson, who plays a version of her own dog, Bowie; and Chico is reunited with the owner he had before his beloved Kevin, who is played by Bowen Yang and has a very dark secret.
What has been the biggest challenge for the show?
I think being off the air for so long has been the biggest challenge. Animated shows need time to grow and it’s really important to know what the fans are loving and not loving. Having such a long break between Seasons 1 and 2 made it difficult to build momentum.
Do you think the new day of the show (Sunday) is going to help gain more audiences?
I do. I don’t think I’m the only one who has it in my DNA to watch animation on Fox on Sunday nights.
Who is your favorite character on the show and why?
I don’t have a favorite but I do have a least favorite: He’s this white fluffy dog named Carter who is based on Gaby’s old dog, a white fluffy dog named Carter. Carter is a total asshole. He looks cute, but once your guard is down he will bite the crap out of your ankles with pure glee. He’s absolutely the worst creature ever to walk the Earth.
What has been the most memorable (funniest or oddest) reaction to the show?
My favorite reaction is listening to the crew screenings. It’s over Zoom, so I can’t see anyone, but I recognize the laughs and it gives me such joy that the people who work on the show (and have watched it over and over and over and over) still laugh at it.
Fave animated shows or movies of all time?
Hands down The Simpsons. It was my first job on a writing staff, so I love it for a lot of reasons.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past two years that you can impart to future showrunners and creators?
Honestly, I’ve learned that running an animated show is too big a job for just one person. Thank God Gaby and I have each other. If you’re not lucky enough to have a super talented partner, what I would impart to future showrunners to hire the best team you can and empower them. You will be so grateful you did.
HouseBroken Season 2 premieres Sunday, March 26 at 9:30 p.m. during Animation Domination on FOX.
