SINCE 2014, the annual Kitten Bowl has premiered each year on the Hallmark Channel.
In 2022, the network announced they officially cancelled the event.
Why was Kitten Bowl 2022 cancelled?
On February 5, 2022, a Facebook user reportedly questioned Hallmark about the lineup for this year's Kitten Bowl.
In a surprise response, Hallmark revealed they were no longer moving forward with the cat-filled event.
"While we are not currently developing original animal-centric programming, Hallmark Channel is pleased to support partners like North Shore Animal League America as part of our commitment to social responsibility initiatives," a representative of the network said in a statement.
The Senior Vice President of Operations at North Shore, Joanna Yohannan, informed Variety they received a donation from Hallmark following the cancellation of the Kitten Bowl.
"Hallmark Channel made the decision not to move forward with Kitten Bowl this year and, while we miss working on this lifesaving program with them, we are grateful for their recent donation of $25,000 for #BettyWhiteChallenge and hopeful that Kitten Bowl will return in the future," she said in a statement.
Will there be another Kitten Bowl?
The GAC Family network announced they will be taking over the Bowl in upcoming years, except more animals than just kittens will be added starting in 2023.
Now referred to as the Great American Rescue Bowl, the event is set to feature both cats and dogs.
Viewers can watch the new animal "Super Bowl" on February 12, 2023.
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What is the Kitten Bowl?
As a way to raise awareness for pet adoption and help cats find loving homes, the Kitten Bowl has been on the air since 2014.
Following the network's takeover of the event, GAC Media CEO Bill Abbott said in a statement: "The plight of animal homelessness continues to be pervasive throughout the country, so being able to televise a proven difference maker in helping pets find their forever homes was an easy decision."
Beth Stern, a spokesperson for North Shore, added: "Hundreds of shelters across the country have participated throughout the years and tens of thousands of animals have been adopted as a result of these special events."
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