Super Bowl LX starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, and we’ve got every way to watch in our comprehensive Super Bowl guide. But what’s a sports fan to do in the anxious hours leading up to kickoff? Live with the TV off? Unthinkable.
For dog lovers, the answer is simple: Turn on Animal Planet and enjoy three hours of cute canine tomfoolery. Puppy Bowl XXII airs at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, simulcasting across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, and truTV.
This year’s edition is a record-breaker, featuring 150 dogs from 72 different shelters. In other words, there’s no reason not to tune in, so keep reading as I outline exactly how to watch the 2026 Puppy Bowl.
What channel is the Puppy Bowl on?
You can watch the 2026 Puppy Bowl on four major networks: Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, TBS, and truTV. The broadcast will also stream live on Discovery+ and HBO Max.
While most TV guides make it easy to find the big networks, tracking down Animal Planet can be a scavenger hunt. Channel numbers for DIRECTV (ch. 282) and DISH (ch. 184) remain consistent nationwide, but channel placement varies for cable providers. I recommend checking your on-screen guide ahead of time to make sure you’re ready for kickoff.
Puppy Bowl XXII TV schedule
I’m honestly counting down the minutes until kickoff because this year’s lineup looks better than ever. We’ve got some truly inspiring athletes hitting the gridiron, including Wynonna, a determined three-legged Miniature American Shepherd mix, and Eleanor, a stunning pup who refuses to let being deaf and vision-impaired slow her down.
But the part I’m arguably most curious about? The halftime show. For the first time, the Puppy Bowl is spotlighting senior dogs in a special exhibition game. Team Oldies and Team Goldies will face off in the all-new Pro-Dog Halftime Showdown, proving that you’re never too old to score a touchdown (or at least take a well-deserved nap in the end zone).
Check out the full broadcast schedule below so you don’t miss a second of the cuteness.
Did you know? Every athlete competing for Team Ruff and Team Fluff is a shelter dog looking for a forever home. The Puppy Bowl acts as a massive adoption drive, showcasing rescue organizations from across the country. You can meet this year’s roster—and potentially find your own furry MVP—by visiting Discovery’s Adopt These Pets page.
Live TV plans that include the Puppy Bowl
For live TV subscribers, the Puppy Bowl will air on the Animal Planet channel and other Warner Bros. Discovery networks. You’ll find Animal Planet in many standard cable TV plans. Its channel number will vary by provider. For example, Animal Planet is channel 282 on DIRECTV, 184 on DISH, and typically around 68 on Spectrum.
You can also watch Animal Planet with a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV or Philo. In fact, the cheapest way to get Animal Planet through a live TV service is with Philo, which costs just $28 a month.
TV providers with Animal Planet
| Plan | Price | Channel count | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV | $89.99–$169.99/mo. | 165–340+ | View Plans for DIRECTV |
| DISH | $89.99–$119.99/mo. | 190–290+ | View Plans for DISH |
| Spectrum | $40.00–$110.00/mo. | 150–160+ | Check Availability |
| Hulu + Live TV | $88.99–$99.99/mo. | 95+ | View Plans for Hulu |
| Philo | $28.00/mo. | 70+ | View Plans for Philo |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
How to stream the Puppy Bowl
If you want to escape cable TV entirely, worry not. You can still join in the fun. Both Discovery+ and HBO Max will stream the event live at 2:00 p.m. ET. Here’s a quick breakdown of each service.
Watch on Discovery+
The cheapest way to watch the Puppy Bowl is with an ad-supported Discovery+ plan, which will run you $5.99 per month. Beyond the big game, it’s a worthy subscription for reality TV fans, unlocking thousands of hours of addictive content from channels like HGTV, Food Network, and TLC.
You can even watch the Puppy Bowl for free with Discovery+’s seven-day free trial. Just make sure you cancel before the renewal date if you don’t plan on sticking around.
Watch on HBO Max
Since Warner Bros. Discovery owns Animal Planet, the Puppy Bowl is also front and center on HBO Max. While it’s pricier than Discovery+ (plans start at $10.99 per month), it comes with a massive library of prestige TV and hit movies. It’s the perfect place to catch up on award contenders before the Oscars air in March.
As for watching for free, HBO Max generally doesn’t offer free trials directly. But there is a workaround. You can typically get a seven-day free trial if you subscribe to the HBO Max add-on through Hulu or Amazon Prime Video.
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How to watch the Puppy Bowl FAQ
Who is hosting the 2026 Puppy Bowl?
The event's longtime referee, Dan Schachner, will host the 2026 Puppy Bowl. He'll be joined by sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks, who'll provide play-by-play commentary for every touchdown and tumble.
Is the Puppy Bowl live?
No, the Puppy Bowl isn't technically a live event. It's pre-taped to make sure the puppies are properly cared for during filming.
What is the Lombarky Trophy?
The Lombarky Trophy is the prize awarded to the winning team at the end of the Puppy Bowl. Its name is a dog-friendly pun on the NFL's iconic Lombardi Trophy, which goes to the Super Bowl's winning team.
What happens to the puppies after the Puppy Bowl?
All Puppy Bowl participants are from shelters and rescues, making it a massive adoption event. Many of the puppies find their homes during or shortly after the broadcast, and some are even adopted before the game airs.
Olivia Bono loves entertainment, and she’s never going to shut up about it. Here at CableTV.com, you’ll find her writing about the wild world of streaming. Her specialty is animation—you can find much of her work at our anime hub page. Olivia previously wrote for the Cornell Daily Sun, where in addition to television, she reviewed movies, albums, and video games. Outside of work, she loves to listen to audiobooks, make art, and spend time outdoors.
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