Great Mews: Cancelled Kitten Bowl Will Return to Help Shelter Pets
February 17, 2022
This year, the Hallmark Channel cancelled the much-loved Kitten Bowl. Fortunately, the Puppy Bowl returned with the Kitty Halftime Show. However, we have some exciting mews we’re happy to share.
Firstly, when the network cancelled the show, it was a sad day for animal rescues. Since its 2014 debut, the Kitten Bowl helped over 75,000 shelter pet adoptions. Each year, it partnered with North Shore Animal League America. (NSALA) As you may know, it’s the largest no-kill animals rescue and adoption agency in the world.
Moreover, countless other shelters coordinated events to celebrate the Kitten Bowl, driving up adoptions.
Kitten Bowl Returns with New Name
Next, we have some great mews. The Kitten Bowl has been picked up by the GAC Family channel! Thankfully, Bill Abbott, the former CEO of Hallmark’s parent company is bringing the show over to the new network.
What it’s like to Work with Cats!
Below, Abbott said the choice to pick up the show was an easy one on Twitter.
🐾 🏈 The Great American Rescue Bowl 🏈 🐾
Now, Variety reveals that the Kitten Bowl will return as a new special with a new name: The Great American Rescue Bowl. Even better, they will showcase shelter cats and dogs of all ages!
“The plight of animal homelessness continues to be pervasive throughout the country. So being able to televise a proven difference maker in helping pets find their forever homes was an easy decision,” says Abbott.
Furthermore, the show will be a big part of the network’s coming pet-centric programming.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome ‘Great American Rescue Bowl’ to GAC Family. [And] are excited about this massive, fan-favorite event being an annual anchor to the network’s pet-centric programming.”
And Rescuers are Thrilled!
Frequent cat foster parent Beth Stern, who is a spokesperson for NSALA, shared her thoughts.
“I couldn’t be more excited that ‘Great American Rescue Bowl’ is coming to GAC Family,” Stern said. “Hundreds of shelters across the country have participated throughout the years. And tens of thousands of animals have been adopted as a result of these special events.”
“I look forward to continuing the rich tradition of representing our kitten players and saving lives,” she continued.
Likewise, Joanne Yohannan, the senior vice president of operations at NSALA, said the organization is thrilled:
“We are thrilled that ‘Great American Rescue Bowl’ and bowl watch parties will be returning in 2023. Sharing stories of our lifesaving work and highlighting the beautiful, homeless animals available for adoption in shelters across the country is such a meaningful way to save lives and helps us continue our mission to rescue, nurture, adopt and educate.”
Kitten Bowl VIII via* YouTube***
Kitty Halftime Show 2022
But this year, the Kitty Halftime Show still kicked off during the Puppy Bowl (Animal Planet and Discovery Plus). Below, you can see some of the funny scenes in the images and video from the Discovery Channel.
For more, there are hilarious images here.
Images via Discovery Channel
But this year, the kittens played in a fun beach-themed environment.
“With the weather in LA, it’s no surprise that these kittens are living it up BEACH-STYLE 🌴🏝️”
Featured images: Kitten Bowl VIII via* YouTube** and Kitten Bowl III via **YouTube***