Great American Family is about to make one of your Sundays way more adorable. The “Great American Rescue Bowl” is back for 2026. The event was described in a press release from the network, saying it has: “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.” Yep (you read that right), it’s basically a football field full of puppies, kittens, and heart-melting moments, all for a cause that actually changes lives.
Trevor Donovan Makes ‘Rescue Bowl’ Announcement
On January 2, actor Trevor Donovan shared the news on Instagram with a promo photo of himself surrounded by puppies and kittens on a football field. His caption? Simple, enthusiastic, and perfect: “Set your reminder to watch!🤘”
The Great American Family account even commented on the post saying, “We can’t wait! 🐾”
Donovan , who you probably remember from “90210” and “Blue Lagoon: The Awakening,” has also starred in Hallmark movies like “Nantucket Noel,” “USS Christmas,” and “Love, Fall & Order,” as well as Great American Family favorites like “Chasing Christmas,” “Grounded in Love,” and “Christmas at the Inn.”
Now, it seems like he’s bringing all that charm to this new role as the special commentator, and honestly, he looks like he’s having just as much fun as we will watching. Just scroll through Donovan’s Instagram, and it’s clear he’s a total animal advocate (i.e. this job seems made for him).
When and Where to Watch
So when can you catch all the cuteness? The “Great American Rescue Bowl 2026” airs Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 12:00pm ET on Great American Family and GFAM+. And bonus: it’ll be streaming exclusively on Great American Pure Flix. Whether you’re watching on TV or streaming on your phone, tablet, or whatever you binge-watch on these days, you’ll get every single puppy snuggle and kitten zoomie; plus, you’ll see the real impact behind all the awws.
The President & CEO of Great American Media, Bill Abbott, summed it up perfectly:
“This isn’t a program to me, but a movement. 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.”
Move over, football stats; we’re here for all the cuteness and the feels.
Why This Event Is So Important
It seems like the best part is that it’s not just cute; it’s meaningful. As mentioned above, North Shore Animal League America, the nation’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, is the big partner behind the event.
North Shore Animal League America’s SVP of Operations, Joanne Yohannan, said it best:
“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.”
Basically, every “aww” moment you see on screen is actually helping animals find loving homes. So many pets have already been adopted thanks to this event, and it seems like 2026 is shaping up to be the cutest year yet for shelter pets. Whether you’re a longtime animal lover or just in the mood for some serious feel-good content, this is one Sunday event you don’t want to miss.
So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready to watch football with the most adorable MVPs ever… rescued pets looking for forever homes.
Tune in Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 12:00pm ET on Great American Family.
