Beth Stern’s annual Great American Rescue Bowl combines football, animal advocacy, and Hollywood star power to save shelter pets—all before the Super Bowl kicks off.
NEED TO KNOW
Beth Stern hosts the Great American Rescue Bowl ahead of Super Bowl 2026.
Adoptable shelter pets compete in football-themed games to promote adoption.
The event airs Feb. 8 on Great American Family and GFAM+, streaming on Great American Pure Flix.
The Woman Behind the Mission
Beth Stern isn’t just a celebrity spouse—she’s a full-time animal advocate. At any given moment, her home houses dozens of foster pets alongside her permanent furry family. Her husband, radio legend Howard Stern, has long supported her mission, letting their New York home transform into a haven for neonatal kittens and special-needs animals.
For Stern, this work isn’t charity; it’s a calling. “I’m so grateful to dedicate my energy to animal rescue,” she told People. That gratitude fuels the Great American Rescue Bowl, her signature event that turns Super Bowl weekend into a catalyst for pet adoptions.
How the Rescue Bowl Works
Each year, shelter pets from North Shore Animal League America star in this family-friendly “game.” The 2026 matchup pits The Snuggle Squad against The Cuddle Crew, with puppies and kittens scrambling across miniature football fields. The event streams Feb. 8 at 12 p.m. ET, timed perfectly so fans can watch the Rescue Bowl before the Super Bowl’s 6:30 p.m. kickoff.
Stern has hosted since the inception, watching years of participants move from shelter spaces to forever homes. She calls it the highlight of her year—“never stops being cute.” Beyond entertainment, the Bowl attacks pet overpopulation by spotlighting adoptable animals who might otherwise be overlooked. sponsorships from Great American Family and Animal League America ensure every viewer sees adoption success stories unfold live.
Broader Impact Than Just a Game
The Great American Rescue Bowl has already saved hundreds of lives by pairing its broadcast with local adoption drives. Watch-parties hosted at North Shore Animal League shelters connect viewers directly with pets who played onscreen. Stern reports that post-show adoptions surge each year, proving the power of Hollywood visibility for shelter advocacy.
Her mission extends beyond the Bowl. Stern’s upcoming children’s book, Coco and Stephen, Together Forever, transforms a real-life rescue story—Stern’s kitten and bunny best friends—into an inspiring tale for young readers.
Fan Engagement and Future Hopes
Passionate animal lovers have turned the Rescue Bowl into a social media phenomenon. Hashtags like #AdoptDontShop trend each year, with Stern’s fans sharing photos of their adopted pets tuned into the event. The goal is clear: build a national conversation around adoption, not purchase. For 2026, Stern wants to reach even further, embedding QR codes in the broadcast that link viewers directly to pets waiting in shelters.
She leaves viewers with a challenge: “If you watch the Bowl and fall in love, visit your local shelter. These pets are winners whether they’re on the Snuggle Squad, the Cuddle Crew, or waiting for a cue card at home.”
For Beth Stern, Super Bowl Sunday isn’t about touchdowns—it’s about creating forever family moments, one four-legged MVP at a time.
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