Great American Media Continues Its Legacy of Love and Pet Adoption,
“Great American Rescue Bowl 2026,”
Hosted by Beth Stern, Assisted by North Shore Animal League America and Shelter Partners Across America, Returns to the Gridiron Super Bowl Sunday, February 8
NEW YORK, NY – December 4, 2025 – The beloved “Great American Rescue Bowl,” the original Super Sunday special dedicated to making shelter pet adoption the heart of the program, is back, streaming exclusively on Great American Pure Flix and premiering on Great American Family and GFAM+, Sunday, February 8 (Noon-2p), with a two-hour special event honoring rescue pets and the heroes across America who save lives through shelter pet adoption. Once again, “Great American Rescue Bowl” is partnered with America’s largest NO KILL rescue and adoption organization, North Shore Animal League America, to bring viewers adorable, adoptable pets, giving them a chance to find forever homes. Back as host is animal advocate, author, and Animal League America volunteer, Beth Stern, whose passion for pets has resulted in fostering, rescuing, and helping to find homes for thousands of shelter pets over the years.
An alternative program that would impact how we bring pets into our homes was the brainchild of Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. Founded 13 years ago as “Kitten Bowl,” Great American Media’s “Great American Rescue Bowl” has evolved into a cherished tradition, saving the lives of countless animals and bringing joy to families nationwide while entertaining millions who tune in to see rescue pets showcase their unique athleticism, and also the qualities that make each shelter pet worthy of a “Lombardi trophy of love” – a leash, bed, collar, home, and family to call their own.
“This isn’t a program to me, but a movement,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “Every pet placed into a loving home is a life saved and a family changed for the better because of the pet. ‘Great American Rescue Bowl’ has worked to adopt tens of thousands of animals and it inspires countless others to consider shelter pet adoption,” Abbott concluded.
By tuning in, viewers become part of a life-saving mission. Each adoption story featured is a testament to the difference we can all make – one that changes the lives of both the pets and the people who welcome them home. On the biggest game day of all, tune-in to “Great American Rescue Bowl” for a celebration of compassion and community as, once again, shelter partners for North Shore Animal League America, go all out to adopt as many pets as possible into loving homes while proving the most beautiful animals in the world are in shelters in our neighborhoods waiting to find their new best friend.
“We are truly grateful to Great American Family for this high-profile platform they provide us to highlight the importance of rescue and adoption while shining a light on the lifesaving work we do across the country to rescue as many homeless animals as possible,” said Joanne Yohannan, SVP., Operations, North Shore Animal League America.
“Great American Rescue Bowl” is more than just a fun alternative to the Big Game. It is a movement that underscores the importance of rescue and adoption. By tuning in and supporting these furry all-stars, viewers are changing the fate of animals and enriching the lives of the families who adopt them. North Shore Animal League works tirelessly in communities across America to rescue, rehome, , and adopt pets into loving homes. When the nation is affected by events such as the fires in Los Angeles or the tragic flooding in the Texas Hill Country, North Shore Animal League America is there working tirelessly to save as many animals lives as possible.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media, the leader in faith and family programming, is home to a portfolio of entertainment brands that celebrate faith, family, and country, including Great American Family, the flagship linear network featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms, and beloved series; Great American Pure Flix, the leading faith and family streaming service; Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion network; and GFam+, an app that lets viewers watch anytime, anywhere. Great America Media is available via cable, streaming on Pure Flix and YouTube TV, and on the GFam+ app. Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices. Connect with Great American Media on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube TV, LinkedIn and X.
North Shore Animal League America has saved more than 1.2 Million lives. As the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand that a rescue isn’t complete until each animal is placed into a loving home. Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty and advance standards in animal welfare. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly in the pursuit of our vision of a world where all companion animals find permanent homes and end euthanasia. For more information, visit www.animalleague.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Head of Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
516.528.7878
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA ANNOUNCES GREAT AMERICAN RESCUE BOWL 2025 KICKS OFF, FEB 9
FURRY FOOTBALL AND MORE HEARTFELT RESCUE STORIES THAN EVER BEFORE
NEW YORK, NY – August 26, 2024 – On the 20th anniversary of International Dog Day, Great American Family, a leading producer of high-quality, Original content, including Movies & Specials, and North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, announced the network’s 3rd annual “Great American Rescue Bowl” takes the field on Super Sunday, February 9, 2025 (12 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET).
“Great American Rescue Bowl,” America’s most beloved pet adoption special, features spectacular scrimmages between SU-PURR teams of shelter kittens matriculating the ball down the field. Once the kittens hit the showers, it’s time for puppy playoffs in a dogged game of punt, pass, and kick – no, really! All fun aside, “Great American Rescue Bowl” showcases the nation’s passion and commitment to animal rescues, features stories of saving pet lives through fostering, and honors Animal League America and their lifesaving work with their vast network of national and international shelter partners enabling potential adopters to find a best friend while saving more pets lives. Every year, an estimated 1.5 million homeless pets are euthanized. The goal of “Great American Rescue Bowl” is to create awareness for pet adoption while showing the most beautiful pets in the world are available in shelters right in your own neighborhood.
“Saving pet lives has been a personal mission of mine for more than a decade and North Shore Animal League America is a profound partner in saving as many homeless pets as possible each year,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “I am always grateful to showcase these cuddly animals available for adoption because every life saved brings us one step closer to emptying the shelters forever,” Abbott concluded.
“North Shore Animal League America is truly grateful to Great American Media for their continued commitment to shining a light on the plight of homeless animals,” said Joanne Yohannan, SVP, Operations, North Shore Animal League America. “Great American Rescue Bowl gives voice to the voiceless by telling the compelling stories of our lifesaving work with passion, humor and lots of cuteness all while encouraging adoption.”
Photos: Courtesy of Great American Media [Doodlebug (kitten) and Nippy (puppy) – Status: ADOPTED]
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
As the flagship linear TV network of Great American Media, Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations the whole family can enjoy together, including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Great American Family is available in 50 million households via cable and satellite providers; visit https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/channel-finder/or text FAMILY to 877-999-1225 to find your local channel.
ABOUT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA®
Over the past 80 years since its founding, North Shore Animal League America has saved more than 1.1 million lives. As the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand that a rescue isn’t complete until each animal is placed into a loving home. Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty and advance standards in animal welfare. We reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, commercial breeding facilities, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them permanent, loving homes. www.animalleague.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY PRESENTS ‘GREAT AMERICAN RESCUE BOWL,’ STARRING BETH STERN,DAN MANNARINO, AND BRIAN BALTHAZAR, FEBRUARY 11
NETWORK CELEBRATES NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA’S
80TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE MORE THAN 1.1 MILLION LIVES SAVED
NEW YORK, NY – January 10, 2024 –Great American Family announced its third annual “Great American Rescue Bowl,” created in partnership with North Shore Animal League America, will premiere on the network, Super Bowl Sunday, February 11 (12 p.m,-2 p.m. ET)/9 a.m.-11 a.m. PT). The program is a fun and interactive way to raise the awareness of the huge number of wonderful animals in local shelters across the country and has been highly successful at increasing the adoption rate several fold during Super Bowl weekend. Since 1944, North Shore Animal League America has saved more than 1.1 million pet lives through the organization’s medical care, vaccination programs, and the ultimate pet lifesavers – rescue and adoption. Renowned animal advocate, bestselling author and Animal League America Board member, Beth Stern, who has personally placed more than 2,000 fosters over the years, returns to host “Great American Rescue Bowl,” along with TV personality and producer, Brian Balthazar, and 13-time Emmy®-winning Pix11 morning news anchor, Dan Mannarino.
“Adoption gives beautiful and deserving animals a second chance at life. To see love and gratitude reflected from an adopted pet who has had a heartbreaking start or experience creates one of the most wonderful bonds that life has to offer,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “Our company is proud to partner with North Shore Animal League America, pioneers of the no-kill movement and architect of the happy ending for more than a million deserving shelter pets for 80 years,” Abbott concluded.
“We are deeply grateful for the heartfelt support of the entire Great American Media family,” said Joanne Yohannan, Senior Vice President, Operations, North Shore Animal League America. “This fun-filled program shines a light on the importance of rescue and adoption. It also highlights the positive impact of welcoming a rescue pet into your life.”
“Great American Rescue Bowl 2024” features a tail-biter of a bowl game between The Adorables v The Cuddlers with a halftime show that will melt hearts. Spoiler alert: The status of each furry player is – adopted!
Great American Family proudly honors its longtime partner, Animal League America on its 80th year of lifesaving work wherever the need arises, from the horrific wildfires in Maui to Hurricanes Ian/Sandy/Katrina, rescuing from the cruelty of puppy mills, and creating awareness neighborhood by neighborhood that the most beautiful animals in the world are in local shelters waiting for a forever home. North Shore Animal League America’s local shelter partners across the country will be in full-swing hosting adoption watch parties during the event. Great American Family knows there’s a football game on Super Sunday. With more than 100,000 pets adopted during 11 years of pet TV specials as an alternative lead into the big game, we encourage you see the show, visit your local shelter, and “get your rescue on!”
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
ABOUT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA
North Shore Animal League America has saved more than 1.1 Million lives. 2024 marks the organization’s 80th Anniversary. The world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand a rescue is not complete until each animal is placed into a loving home. Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty and advance standards in animal welfare. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly in the pursuit of our vision of a world where all companion animals find permanent homes and end the euthanasia. For more information, visit www.animalleague.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
Media@CrosswindPR.com
