The 2026 Kitten Bowl is back with a new name and a renewed mission to find forever homes for adoptable kittens across the country. Now known as the Great American Rescue Bowl, the beloved Super Bowl Sunday tradition airs February 8 at noon ET on Great American Family, with host Beth Stern and sideline reporter Trevor Donovan leading the furry festivities. This year's event comes as animal shelters nationwide partner with the broadcast to host adoption events, offering free or discounted adoptions to capitalize on the national spotlight.
How to Watch Kitten Bowl 2026: Channel, Time, and Streaming Details
According to multiple reports, the Great American Rescue Bowl (formerly the Kitten Bowl) will air on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at noon Eastern Time on the Great American Family network. For cord-cutters, the event will be available via live stream on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. The broadcast will feature host Beth Stern, who returns for her fourth consecutive year, alongside first-time sideline reporter Trevor Donovan. Stern, an animal rights activist and wife of radio personality Howard Stern, has been a driving force behind the event's adoption advocacy. The program is expected to run for two hours, leading into the annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet and the Super Bowl later that evening.
From Hallmark to Great American Family: The Evolution of the Kitten Bowl
The Kitten Bowl began in 2014 as a Hallmark Channel counterprogramming event to the Super Bowl, showcasing adoptable kittens playing in a miniature football stadium. After eight successful seasons, Hallmark unexpectedly canceled the program in February 2022. Industry reports indicated that the cancellation was part of a broader shift in the network's programming strategy. Within days, GAC Media (now Great American Family) acquired the rights and rebranded the show as the Great American Rescue Bowl, expanding its focus to include both kittens and puppies. The move was seen as a natural fit for the family-oriented network, which has made pet adoption advocacy a cornerstone of its brand.
More Than Just Cute Kittens: How the Rescue Bowl Saves Lives
Behind the adorable antics of kittens batting at toy footballs lies a serious mission: to raise awareness about animal shelter overcrowding and promote pet adoption. North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill rescue organization, partners with Great American Family to produce the event. "The Great American Rescue Bowl isn't just entertainment—it's a lifeline for thousands of animals," said a representative from the organization. "Every year, we see a significant spike in adoption inquiries and shelter visits following the broadcast."
Studies have shown that media exposure for adoptable pets can increase adoption rates by up to 30% in the weeks following a broadcast. The Rescue Bowl takes this a step further by coordinating with local shelters to host simultaneous adoption events. In 2025, participating shelters reported a 45% increase in cat adoptions during Rescue Bowl weekend compared to typical weekends. The event also raises funds for medical care, spay/neuter programs, and shelter operations through corporate sponsorships and viewer donations.
Nationwide Adoption Events: Shelters Join the Rescue Bowl Movement
This year, dozens of animal shelters across the United States are hosting special events tied to the Great American Rescue Bowl broadcast. The Houston Humane Society will hold its annual Kitten Bowl on February 6-7, featuring adoptable kittens in football-themed play areas and reduced adoption fees. "We've been participating for three years now, and it's become our most successful adoption event of the year," said a Houston Humane Society representative.
In San Antonio, the local humane society is offering free cat and kitten adoptions throughout Rescue Bowl weekend. "We're hoping to clear our shelters and find loving homes for every adoptable cat in our care," said an organization spokesperson. Other participating shelters include Purr Partners Feline Rescue in North Carolina, which is running a fundraising campaign where donors can "sponsor" a kitten player, and the Merced SPCA in California, which will host a watch party with adoption specials during the halftime show.
The Future of Animal-Centric Television: Expanding the Rescue Bowl Model
As the Great American Rescue Bowl enters its fourth year under its new name, producers are considering expanding the format to include more species and year-round programming. "We're exploring the possibility of a 'Rescue Bowl' series that would highlight different animals in need throughout the year," said a network executive. There's also discussion about creating regional versions of the event to spotlight shelters in specific areas of the country.
Animal welfare experts believe the success of the Rescue Bowl model could inspire similar programming on other networks. "This proves that content can be both entertaining and socially responsible," said an industry analyst. "Viewers want to feel good about what they're watching, and networks are starting to recognize that." With adoption rates continuing to rise following each broadcast, the future looks bright for both the event and the animals it serves.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About Kitten Bowl 2026
- When to watch: Sunday, February 8, 2026, at noon ET on Great American Family
- How to stream: Available on Fubo with a free trial for new subscribers
- Who's hosting: Beth Stern returns as host, joined by sideline reporter Trevor Donovan
- What's new: The event has been renamed the Great American Rescue Bowl and now includes both kittens and puppies
- How to participate: Check with your local animal shelter for adoption events tied to the broadcast
- Why it matters: The program has helped thousands of animals find forever homes and raises awareness about shelter adoption
