U&W recommission Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake

Pete is the worthy successor, as a dog lover, to the late Paul O’Grady to bring the love of dogs to screens…

After a hugely positive reception for series one, hit series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake returns to U&W and U for another two, heartwarming series, plus a Christmas special. The series, which is U&W’s highest unscripted premiere since 2016 and was the top episode on U in the week of launch, is produced by BBC Studios Entertainment and will see podcaster and passionate animal advocate Pete Wicks continue his mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need.

Pete Wicks:

“I am delighted to return to Dogs Trust for series two, three and a Christmas special of For Dogs’ Sake. Filming the first series and following the journeys of these dogs was such a personal and professional career highlight.

“To know the show received such a positive public reaction, and had a genuine impact on the increasing numbers of dogs being rescued is what really matters. The true heroes of this show are the Dogs Trust staff and volunteers – the work they do is incredible and it’s been an honour to highlight their dedication and commitment. I’m excited to be working with U&W and BBC Studios Entertainment to make it all happen again.”

The first series which aired on U and U&W in January 2025 launched to a 7-day consolidated audience of 501k, making it the channel’s highest unscripted premiere since 2016. It was the #1 top episode streamed on U in the week of launch and averaged over 1 million viewers for Total Consumption across the four episodes.

 Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake / Picture Credit: UKTV/James Rudland

Whilst the first series of Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake was on air, Dogs Trust saw their highest ever number of Apply to Adopt enquiries and their rehoming centres across the country reported an increase in footfall as a result of the show airing.

In this new series, Pete will continue to work alongside a team of experts at Dogs Trust following the operations of the rehoming centre – from the canine carers and behavioural teams to those who work on the front desk and the volunteers. This series shines a light on all of the unsung heroes who are committed to making a difference to the lives of these loyal companions, whilst also educating viewers about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal welfare.

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake has been commissioned for UKTV by Helen Nightingale, Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment Commissioning, and ordered for U&W by Adam Collings, Director of Programming, Factual & Factual Entertainment and Hilary Rosen, Director of Commissioning. Executive producers for BBC Studios Entertainment are Pete Ogden and Elen Moore with Nicole Sullivan and Melissa McCall returning as series producer and series director.

Helen Nightingale, Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment Commissioning, UKTV:

“I’m over the moon to be bringing this show back! The reception for the first series was ‘fur-nomenal’ and it’s a delight to continue to work with BBC Studios Entertainment and Pete on this passion project.”

Series two of Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake and the Christmas special will air on U and U&W later this year, with series three following next year.