Football not your thing? You’re not alone. In fact, the only reason many people watch is for the clever commercials and rousing halftime shows. If this sounds like you, then consider watching the Puppy Bowl instead. Puppy Bowl XIX is the 19th annual event aimed at raising awareness about pet adoptions using adorable shelter puppies who play for one of two teams: Team Ruff or Team Fluff. The competition airs for three hours beginning at 2 p.m. ET on February 12.
The Puppy Bowl
After nearly 20 years of absolute cuteness that includes clueless puppies bounding and pouncing — usually in the wrong direction or after their tails — all over each other in what amounts to a stampede of silliness rather than an athletic or sporting event, the extravaganza never grows old. Whether they’re revved up and wired for sound or barely able to keep their peepers open between yawns, this is the event to watch if you’re a dog lover on Super Bowl Sunday.
Puppies for Days
Hosted by Animal Planet, the show is said to be expanding this year. For instance, there will be more puppies playing this time around – 122 from 67 shelters and rescues across 34 states – and, for the first time ever, the competition is going to feature a Native American animal organization and a puppy player from Dominica, West Indies.
Super Bowl Sunday
The fun begins on Super Bowl Sunday with a pre-game show airing on Animal Planet and Discovery+ to provide audiences with the scoop on the Puppy Bowl draft. A familiar face will be returning this year in the form of Puppy Bowl ref Dan Schachner. This will be his 12th year overseeing the fun. He will be joined on the big day by sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks, who will provide play-by-play commentary on the action taking place on the puppy gridiron.
As always, the game will include various adoptable pets for viewers to offer furever homes, as well as the Kitty Half-Time Show that’s become a staple with pet lovers and cat fanciers. Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl will be simulcast on Discovery Channel, HBO Max, and TBS. For more information, hit up Discovery.com here.
