Could GAC Take Over ‘Kitten Bowl’ Now That Hallmark Axed It?
Now that the cat’s out of the bag, Hallmark fans are upset that the Kitten Bowl has been canceled. However, could another network take over?
Here is the latest news on this Super Bowl tradition.
Hallmark Canceled Kitten Bowl
Just recently, Hallmark fans discovered that the feel-good network canceled the feline alternative to the Super Bowl. Is it just for 2022? No. They have completely canceled it.
This is their statement on Facebook: “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.”
For example, for the #BettyWhiteChallenge, Hallmark did donate $25,000 to the North Shore Animal League.
For eight years, Beth Stern hosted Kitten Bowl on the Hallmark Channel. This was a three-hour program showing kitties looking cute while playing on a kitty-sized football field, complete with footballs.
Afterward, all of the kittens and cats filmed were adopted. Moreover, this was a great opportunity to raise awareness about animal adoption.
According to Variety, other animal shelters around the country worked with this program. It raised awareness, money, and adopted a lot of shelter pets. One 75,000 pets found forever homes through this massive program.
Former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott Comments On Kitten Bowl
At about the same time Hallmark announced that Kitten Bowl was canceled and that they did not plan on taking over the venture, former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott had something to say on Twitter.
Abbott, who is now the head of GAC Media, one of Hallmark’s competitors, sounded disappointed that his former network was not continuing this program.
Kitten Bowl was a passion project that everyone involved will always be deeply proud to have been a part of. Grateful we were able to find fur-ever homes for so many.
In addition, he also asked his followers to support Hallmark’s former animal rescue partners.
Please continue to support @AnimalLeague in their mission to find all these animals loving homes. #GetYourRescueOn and #adopt a furry friend!#fureverhome #rescuecat.
Sources Say GAC Media Wants To Take Over Kitten Bowl
The unnamed source also told Variety that now that the Kitten Bowl is canceled, “The shelters are really upset.”
That same source revealed that GAC Media CEO Bill Abbott is “brainstorming.” He wants to bring this program to GAC Media.
That source pointed out that “Hallmark is going in a different direction.” However, Abbott is ready to grab this opportunity. The source has shared that he is “excited about the potential opportunity.” He has already set up a meeting this week.
This would mean that the soonest that there would be another Kitten Bowl is in 2023.
GAC Has Signed Exclusives With Hallmark Favorites
If the Kitten Bowl goes to GAC Media, it will not be the first Hallmark fan-favorite to do so. Already, Trevor Donovan, Jen Lilley, and Danica McKellar have all signed exclusive deals with GAC Media.
