Greatest American Dog on CBS

By Ally Matteodo

CBS’ new series Greatest American Dog garners the title of Best of the Week. Airing on July 10th at 8:00 p.m. ET, the first episode of this reality competition showed open casting for the program being held across the country, as judges combed the nation for outstanding dogs and their owners.  In the end, twelve pairs of dogs and owners were chosen to live together at a “Canine Academy.”  These twelve will compete in a series of challenges and withstand obstacles for a chance at winning one million dollars and the title of “Greatest American Dog.”  The dogs will be tested in such categories as intelligence, obedience, teamwork, and courage.  In this episode, the twelve finalists arrived at the house and engaged in a meet-and-greet.  The dogs then played a game of musical chairs, with the winner moving into the “canine suite.”  The guests and their dogs were later divided into three teams to compete in a talent show, with the dogs being judged on their individual performances.  The teams created different themes for their showcases: Team Disco Dogs, Team Aloha, and Team Bark N’ Wag High. 

When it comes to describing dogs, there is a lot of truth in the phrase “Man’s Best Friend.”  During this program one of the owners remarked that, even though everyone living in the house is very different, they have one common bond: their dogs.  Although the program is a competition, the fact that everyone loves their dogs works as a unifying element.  The relationship between every dog and owner is remarkable in some way.  One of the dogs, Star, saved the life of his owner’s wife Sherrie. Sherrie suffers from diabetes; when she went into a coma, Star woke owner Bill up so that he could help Sherrie.  Another one of the dogs has an acting career, having appeared in Super Bowl and Dr. Pepper commercials.  The owners are energetic, loving, and enthusiastic in their interactions with their dogs, making the program a delight to watch.  The owners’ relationships with their pets are clearly beneficial; not only does such a relationship provide a source of support, it also has proven physical benefits.  Recent medical research has determined that people who own pets live longer than those who do not.  Dogs know no evil, hatred, or pettiness, but are astoundingly loyal and loving companions; and this episode honoring these meritorious qualities proved to be ideal entertainment for the entire family. For giving audiences kid-friendly, enjoyable and upbeat entertainment, Greatest American Dog deserves the title of Best of the Week.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org