ITV2 announced it will premiere the NBC comedy Animal Practice on February 14. The series, set in a New York veterinary hospital, stars Justin Kirk as a quirky veterinarian with a strained relationship with his new boss and ex-girlfriend.
Animal Practice gained early attention in the US for its unusual premise and inclusion of a scene-stealing monkey, Crystal, who played a vital role in the hospital’s hijinks. Despite the quirky humor, it struggled to find a consistent audience stateside.
Though it was canceled by NBC after only a handful of episodes aired, ITV2 has opted to run the full series for UK audiences. The network is known for importing US sitcoms and is hopeful that the British audience may warm up to the show’s eccentric style.
ITV2’s programming strategy often involves importing short-run US shows to fill schedule gaps and test interest. Animal Practice fits that mold, providing light comedy and unusual characters for a niche audience.
While not a long-term addition, the show offers viewers a chance to enjoy something offbeat and different from the typical UK sitcom format. Whether or not it catches on in the UK, it adds variety to ITV2’s comedy lineup.