Long-running pet series Lucky Dog is adding an Australian spinoff as part of a new weekend block on CBS
Hearst Media Production Group‘s Lucky Dog: Down Under, hosted by animal trainer Brandon McMillan, will debut October 4. The Saturday morning timeslot will follow that of Lucky Dog: Reunions, creating a one-hour block for the Lucky Dog franchise, which got its start in 2013.
The twin shows will air as part of the CBS WKND educational/informational block.
Lucky Dog: Down Under, which is based on the international format The Dog House: Australia focuses on Australian shelter dogs transitioning from rescue and rehabilitation to domestic life as human companions.
“The Lucky Dog franchise has informed and captivated audiences for more than a decade,” said Bryan Curb, HMPG EVP and GM, education/information. “Taking viewers ‘Down Under’ will add an international spin with uplifting stories told by America’s favorite animal trainer, Brandon.”
During its run, the Lucky Dog series has helped to rescue, rehabilitate, train and find homes for more than 200 dogs. The show has received three Daytime Emmy Awards, 55 Telly Awards, seven Parents’ Choice Awards and five Cynopsis Kids Imagination Awards. McMillan has also won two Daytime Emmys.
HMPG’s portfolio includes more than 30 original series and hundreds of hours of original content annually on broadcast networks and station groups, and via connected TV and streaming platforms. It has a series library of more than 6,000 episodes, with reach to 100 countries. Select titles include Weekend Adventure on ABC stations; CBS WKND on the CBS network; The More You Know on the NBC network; and One Magnificent Morning on The CW.
The production unit is part of Hearst Television.
