And then at the same time, the storylines are also not weird enough to really break out of the general premise’s bubble, even if there are sporadic dream sequences (like when Honey dreams of being a mermaid-dog) or random flashbacks. One of the bigger problems of “HouseBroken,” aside from it lacking in surprising comedy, is that it can be annoying with how high-energy it is, with the pet friends whiffing one joke after the next.
She plays a poodle named Honey who leads group sessions for the pets in the neighborhood, as they gather in Honey's owner's living room and sit around, giving the series a chance for lots of cross-talk and banter.
Lisa Kudrow leads an ensemble that would undoubtedly be more fun to see in a stage reading than this more literal presentation. And only an exciting voice cast as this one could make such a yawning premise into a true let-down. Created by Clea DuVall, Gabrielle Allan, and Jennifer Crittenden, the series is too predictable and cynical with its lack of imagination, or to be as cute or even self-aware as it thinks (the theme song is barking, which is a fleeting choice of all-out goofiness). I get that the target audience of 85 million people-the amount of pet owners in US-is enticing, but “HouseBroken” shows just how cloying talking animal stories can be especially when the woof-meow-woof banter comes with an "adult" edge. But it's always proven to be such an easy, lazy concept, whether the approach is for kids or adults, and "HouseBroken" does little with it aside from giving dogs, cats, pigs, hamsters and more neuroses and collecting them in a combative therapy group. Maybe too many.) “HouseBroken,” a new series on FOX, enters into the channel’s busy animation roster as if pets talking like adults were a bold and innovative idea, especially as the premise gives voice to the consciences that owners can project on their furry loved ones.
It's not a coincidence that there's rarely been been a noteworthy and mainstream talking pets film or show for adults. (The kids, of course, have many.