> At a Glance
> – Puppy Bowl XXII airs February 8, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, discovery+
> – 150 rescue dogs from 72 shelters in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and British Virgin Islands-the most ever
> – Three-hour event introduces senior-dog exhibition, special-needs pups, and behind-the-scenes shelter staff
> – Why it matters: The longest-running TV adoption event spotlights adoptable animals while adding fresh twists to keep viewers-and potential pet parents-tuned in.
Get ready for the fluffiest face-off on television: the 22nd Puppy Bowl is expanding its pack to a record 150 adoptable dogs and rolling out new segments designed to steal hearts and speed up adoptions.
Game Day Basics
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 8, 2026, when Team Ruff and Team Fluff hit the mini-gridiron starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. The three-hour simulcast will blanket Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and discovery+, ensuring no tail-wagging moment is missed.
Returning referee Dan Schachner-officiating his 15th consecutive bowl-will keep order as puppies chase the coveted Walmart “Lombarky” trophy and BISSELL MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) honors.
New Tricks for 2026
Spotlight on Special-Needs and Senior Dogs
This year’s roster includes:
- 15 special-needs pups, the most in Puppy Bowl history
- A brand-new Pro-Dog Halftime Showdown featuring senior dogs: Team Oldies vs. Team Goldies
Behind-the-Scenes Firsts
For the first time, viewers will see:
- Shelter staff members cheering on their own rescues from the sidelines
- A Barking Lot Tailgate party hosted by Raising Cane’s
Fan-Favorite Returns
Classic elements coming back:
- “Pup Close and Personal” segments showing celebrity-aided rescue stories
- Adoptable segments, play-by-play commentary, puppy cheer squads
- The kitten-studded Temptations Skybox
What the Producers Say
Joseph Boyle, head of content at Discovery Channel, stated:
> “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. 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.”
Key Takeaways
- Puppy Bowl XXII streams February 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET on multiple platforms
- Record 150 rescue dogs from 72 shelters compete for adoption glory
- New senior-dog exhibition and special-needs spotlight broaden the adoption appeal
- Behind-the-scenes access to shelter staff adds emotional depth
Visit PuppyBowl.com for photos of every pooch player and tune in to watch the cutest gridiron battle of the year.
