NBC TO BROADCAST 20TH ANNUAL "NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA" ON THANKSGIVING DAY AT NOON IN ALL TIME ZONES

John O'Hurley and David Frei Return to Co-Host the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Canine Competition and Companionship

NEW YORK - November 3, 2021 - NBC will ring in the 20th year of celebrating man's best friend with the family-favorite holiday special "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina," airing Thanksgiving Day (noon-2 p.m. in all time zones), Nov. 25, following the telecast of NBC's "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade."

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" will be hosted by award-winning TV personality, author and Broadway star John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld," "Dancing with the Stars"), and expert analyst and American Kennel Club-licensed judge David Frei, who is one of America's foremost authorities on the sport. NBC correspondent and sports broadcasting Hall of Famer Mary Carillo will report from backstage and inside the show ring.

"It is extraordinary how this TV special has become an annual television-watching tradition for American families," stated O'Hurley, who has written three books about the dogs in his life since the show's 2002 debut. "Dogs more than ever have become a part of people's lives and the show reminds us of how great they are and how easy it is for them to make us smile."

A new American Kennel Club-sanctioned breed will be introduced to a national audience in this year's competition, bringing the total recognized breeds to 209. Arriving for the event is the Biewer Terrier (toy group), an elegant and athletic toy terrier whose only purpose in life is to love and be loved. They maintain a charming, whimsical attitude and are dedicated, loyal family members and friendly with strangers. Since the first "National Dog Show" broadcast in 2002, 50 new breeds have been introduced to the event.

Last year a graceful Scottish Deerhound named Claire took home the Best in Show title. The 3-year-old third generation champion hound was deemed top dog among the seven group winners.

The "National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is a beloved holiday tradition for families across the nation. Across its 19-year run to date on NBC, the telecast has reached over 15 million viewers each Thanksgiving Day.

The holiday special will simulcast at noon on Peacock on Thanksgiving Day. On Nov. 27 as well as be available immediately following on demand, NBC will present a primetime encore of this year's "National Dog Show Presented by Purina" (8-10 p.m. ET/PT).

For more information on the "National Dog Show Presented by Purina," and details on breeds competing, please visit: http://www.nationaldogshow.com

Breed descriptions and more information can be found at https://nds.nationaldogshow.com/event-info/the-seven-groups/