Hit DOG-umentary Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake is recommissioned by U&W for two more series, plus a Christmas special!
- Mail on Sunday – 4**** “he’s endearing, charming, bowled over by puppies and entirely genuine”
- Heat – 4****
- OK! Online – “his love for canines is unmistakeable”
- The Guardian – “an undeniably endearing series”
After a hugely paw-sitive reception for series one, hit series Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake returns to U&W and U for another two heartwarming series (2x5x60’), plus a Christmas special (1x60’). 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 said “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 4 episodes.
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 of Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, 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 said “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."
Adam Collings said “Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake has been an absolute hit for U&W, the viewers asked for more and they shall receive! It is a must-watch for dog lovers and those who believe in the power of a second chance. The new series promises even more even more touching moments, inspiring transformations, and plenty of tail-wagging fun.”
Pete Ogden said, “We at BBC Studios were delighted to see that the U&W audience loved this show as much as we do. We’re bowled over by an epic two series order and we cannot wait to get back to Basildon, and beyond, to film more episodes highlighting the amazing work of Dogs Trust.”
Series 2 of Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake and the Christmas special will air on U and U&W later this year, with series 3 following next year.
For more information, please contact:
Jasmine Brewer – Publicist, UKTV
Notes for editors:
Images available here: https://res.cloudinary.com/uktv-dam/image/upload/v1745566507/ForDogSake-220425-0089_CROP_gi9ssi.jpg
Credit: UKTV/James Rudland
BBC Studios will be handling sales and distribution of this project.
ABOUT U
U is UKTV’s free streaming service, providing instant access to shows from UKTV's free-to-air channels – U&Dave, U&DRAMA U&W and U&YESTERDAY. Viewers can browse 8,500 hours of programming – including exclusive content, award-winning originals, premiere acquisitions and iconic BBC programmes across drama, (Whitstable Pearl, Marlow Murder Club, Annika, Sister Boniface Mysteries, Sons of Anarchy, Mike, Madam Secretary, A Million Little Things, The Shield, The Bill, Classic EastEnders, Holby City plus upcoming series in 2025 such as Bergerac and Outrageous), comedy (Meet the Richardsons, Red Dwarf, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, We Are Not Alone, Rosie Jones’s Comedy Disability Extravaganza), entertainment (Battle in the Box, Big Zuu's Big Eats, David Mitchell's Outsiders, QI, Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable, World's Most Dangerous Roads), and factual entertainment (Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, MasterChef Australia, Katie Piper: Jailhouse Mums, Emma Willis: Delivering Babies, Secrets of the London Underground, Bangers & Cash, Orlanda Bloom: To The Edge). U is available through the U app via computer, tablet or smart phone, or on television with Freeview Play, Amazon Fire TV, YouView, Samsung TV, Apple TV, Freesat, NOW and Roku.
ABOUT U&W
U&W is Broadcast Digital Awards’ Entertainment Channel of the Year for 2024. Its quality mix of UKTV Originals features heart-warming shows led by some of the UK's most-loved talent, uplifting series shining a light on heroic emergency services, and true crime programming that prioritises empathy for the victims at the heart of each story. U&W is life unfiltered. It’s those raw and genuine heart swell moments where emotions run high, and those moments where we reveal our true selves and where all life is captured. U&W Original programming includes the award-winning Emma Willis: Delivering Babies, Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over and Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over USA, At Home With Katherine Ryan, Katie Piper’s Jailhouse Mums; the incredible frontline workersof Inside the Ambulance, Young Midwives of Essex, Nurses on the Ward and 999 Rescue Squad; and the shocking true crime stories of Back From The Dead: Who Kidnapped Me?, Red Flag and Lies, Deceit & Betrayal. U&W is also the exclusive home to carefully selected acquisitions such as the joyfully competitive MasterChef franchise, including MasterChef Australia, MasterChef USA and MasterChef Juniors.
ABOUT BBC STUDIOS
BBC Studios is the main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd and generated revenues of £1.8 billion in the last year and profits of over £200 million for a third consecutive year. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes TV and audio globally and Media & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including UKTV, bbc.com and BritBox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made more than 2,800 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide range of UK and global broadcasters and platforms. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.
ABOUT DOGS TRUST
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for over 11,000 dogs every year across its network of 21 rehoming centres in the UK and one in Dublin. Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy and will never put a healthy dog to sleep. The charity also focuses its efforts on understanding dogs and sharing that knowledge with the wider public to prevent problem behaviours that can result in relinquishment or abandonment. We are working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.