Format

As the UK version of Pooch Perfect, the new 8 x 60 competitive dog grooming format hosted by Sheridan Smith, gets set to premiere on BBC One this Thursday, Beyond Rights announced its first international deals for title.

Format deals have been struck with Tresor TV Productions in Germany and Fabiola for the Benelux territories, while the original Australian series of Pooch Perfect (8 x 60), commissioned by Seven Network and hosted by Hollywood star – and former junior dog handler – Rebel Wilson, has been licensed to TV2 in Denmark, YLE in Finland, SIC in Portugal, Blue Ant Media in Canada and Quebecor in French-speaking Canada.

Created by Beyond Production’s UK team, Pooch Perfect is a primetime entertainment format that artfully combines a competitive reality show with man’s best friend. Each week, professional dog groomers compete in a series of heats undertaking ‘pawsome’ challenges to create epic ‘transfurmations’ of adored family pets. In every episode, the groomers reveal their creations on The Dogwalk, where two expert judges will deliberate over the week’s canine contenders, and their owners are given the chance to see their newly transformed dogs for the first time. Who will stay and who goes ‘walkies’? Over the course of the heats, quarter finals, semi-final and final, the stylists are gradually eliminated until one claims the title of the nation’s Top Dog Groomer.

As well as breed standard and freestyle makeovers, the format is also packed full of useful information for dog-lovers and owners, delivering top tips on responsible ownership, fun facts about dog breeds and a guide to at-home pooch pampering techniques. In the UK series, Sheridan Smith will be joined by regular vet Bolu and judges Colin Taylor and Verity Hardcastle.

Simona Argenti, head of sales at Beyond Rights comments: “In a year when Covid-19 lockdowns have seen dog ownership increase in numerous territories worldwide and broadcasters are looking to bring fun and joyful entertainment into viewers’ lives, Pooch Perfect is proving a perfect fit.

“We are delighted to have agreed early sales for the Australian version of the show and anticipate the UK series will also be of interest to many territories. But we expect the format to be the real winner. Local broadcasters can choose their own canine-obsessed celebrity hosts and focus on breeds popular in their own countries, however, its real strength lays in the fact that it is a fantastic family entertainment show, highlighting great skill, incredible reveals, dramatic competition and a powerful shot of the ‘ahh’ factor.”