ABC Cancels ‘Pooch Perfect,’ ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’

ABC has axed the dog grooming competition show hosted by Rebel Wilson, “Pooch Perfect” after just one season along with the Jimmy Kimmel-hosted, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

The cancelation of “Pooch Perfect” comes as no surprise since the series was one of ABC’s lowest-rated reality series of 2021. ABC also did not mention the show when it announced the shows that are up for renewals, Deadline reported.

“Pooch Perfect,” which is based on an Australian format, showcased 10 professional dog stylists and their assistants who competed in a series of challenges aimed on transformation of pets with a judging panel comprised of international styling experts.

The styling teams competed in two challenges every week: The Immunity Puppertunity challenge and the Ultimutt Challenge showdown. The teams faced off in the grooming challenges and showcased their work on the “dogwalk.” There was a single elimination each week until the season finale where the remaining three teams competed for a cash prize and the “Pooch Perfect” trophy.

Having hosted the Australian version of the show in 2020, Wilson hosted the U.S. version in 2021. Lisa Vanderpump, celebrity dog groomer Jorge Bendersky and veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris served as the show’s judges.

ABC has also decided to shelve “Who Wants To Be A Millionnaire.” Based on the long-running British format, ABC has not officially axed the show but its status is yet to be determined and the network has no plans to make new episodes, Deadline said. ABC, however, left the door open for its future return.

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the new iteration of the show following the death of its original host Regis Philbin. The show put celebrities in the hot-seat and required them to answer multiple-choice trivia questions for a chance to win $1 million for their favorite charities. The show introduced new changes: It included the “Ask the host” part which allowed contestants to ask Kimmel to help them answer the questions. Contestants could also bring a friend to the show to help them manage the first 10 questions.

The reboot of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” aired for two seasons in 2020 with its first season filmed in March as Covid first began to hit the U.S. Its first season was aired without an audience while the second season was produced in August 2020 under strict Covid safety protocols and a small crew, as per Deadline.