The Big Game’s lineup has been set and by “Big Game,” of course, we’re referring to the Puppy Bowl. The 2026 Puppy Bowl kicks off on Sunday, February 8 at 11am PT/2pm ET on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and discovery+.
The cutest counter-programming ever enters its 22nd year with a record-setting 150 dogs scheduled to take part. 72 shelters are participating in this year’s event, and referee Dan Schachner oversees the action for his 15th year.
“Puppy Bowl XXII celebrates the spirit of the underdog with a gameday celebration that combines the excitement of a sports matchup with uplifting adoption stories,” stated Joseph Boyle, Head of Content, Discovery Channel. “By introducing new segments like our senior spotlight and enhancing fan-favorite elements, we are creating a deeper connection to our audience and delivering the most entertaining sports spectacular on television.”
Animal Planet offers this lengthy description of the 2026 Puppy Bowl:
“The show starts with Schachner rounding up players at the MARRIOTT BONVOY Puppy Bowl Hotel as they get ready for the big game. Then, the action begins at PROGRESSIVE® Stadium when the PEDIGREE® Starting Lineup sprint through the spirit tunnel to take the field. Reigning champions Team Fluff will send players including Benito (Siberian Husky-Chihuahua from Puerto Rico) and Showgirl (Chow Chow-Rottweiler) to defend their title. Meanwhile, Lobster Roll (Bulldog-Border Collie), Brûlée (Boston Terrier-French Bulldog), and Miso (American Cattle Dog-Beagle) will compete to bring the coveted WALMART ‘Lombarky’ trophy to Team Ruff. As the game unfolds, one standout pup will earn the prestigious BISSELL® MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) title, while another will claim the SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. Underdog Award.
Fifteen special needs dogs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three legs, and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired, will also compete to prove that nothing can hold them back.
For the first time ever, Puppy Bowl will spotlight senior dogs in a special exhibition game, as Team Oldies and Team Goldies go head-to-head in the all-new Pro-Dog Halftime Showdown. Additional new elements include an inside look at shelter staff cheering on their puppy players and a spirited Barking Lot Tailgate party hosted by RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS, with special appearances by Todd Graves, Owner and Founder, and his dog Cane III.
Throughout the game, SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. ‘Pup Close and Personal’ segments will share the inspiring backstories of some of the all-star athletes. Social media influencer Isabel Klee, also known as SimonSits, introduces her new foster, a senior dog that will take the field in the halftime senior matchup game, and shares how her socialization efforts will help give the pup a better chance at finding their forever home. In another highlight, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir trains Button, a Boston Terrier-Beagle from Nickel City Canine Rescue, at Highmark Stadium to test out the pup’s agility, speed, and raw skills before the big game while also sharing his personal story on the importance of adoption.
Fan-favorite elements, including the Adoptables segments featuring puppies available for adoption during the game, sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks providing play-by-play commentary, puppy cheer squads hyping up the crowd, kittens watching the game from the TEMPTATIONS
Skybox, and the WISDOM PANEL pet DNA test results that provide insights into each player’s breed mix and other unique traits will be featured throughout the game.”
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