‘Lucky Dog’ Expands on CBS Saturday Mornings, Adds New Series ‘Paws with Purpose’ (EXCLUSIVE)

“Lucky Dog: Paws with Purpose,” a new series from Hearst Media Production Group, will premiere Oct. 3 on CBS, as part of its “CBS WKND” Saturday morning educational/informational lineup for the 2026-27 season.

In “Lucky Dog: Paws with Purpose,” Emmy-winning animal trainer and host Brandon McMillan pairs dogs with military veterans and families. The series features dogs like mixed-breed Peaches, poodle Steeve and Smoky, a certified therapy dog and USAA’s new K9 ambassador and “chief pawsitivity officer.”

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“The stories in ‘Lucky Dog: Paws with Purpose’ reflect the strength, resilience and connection that are such an important part of military life,” said Chris Curtain, chief marketing officer of USAA, which is a production partner on “Lucky Dog.” “We’re proud to be part of a series that celebrates those experiences.”

“Lucky Dog: Paws with Purpose” will air weekend mornings as part of CBS’ weekend educational/informational programming block. The series will lead a full hour of “Lucky Dog” programming on CBS.

In the time slot following “Paws with Purpose,” McMillan takes viewers to Australia for stories of shelter dogs in “Lucky Dog: Down Under,” which is premiering its second season. Here’s the full “CBS WKND” schedule this season:

9 a.m. ET “Lucky Dog: Paws With Purpose” (New Series)

9:30 a.m. ET “Lucky Dog: Down Under” (Season Two)

10 a.m. ET “Hope In The Wild” (Season Eight)

10:30 a.m. ET “The Visioneers With Zay Harding” (Season Three)

11 a.m. ET “Dr. Chris Pet Vet” (Rebroadcasts)

11:30 p.m. ET “The Open Road With Dr. Chris” (Rebroadcasts)

The “Lucky Dog” franchise launched in 2013 and has helped rescue, rehabilitate and re-home more than 200 dogs since then. The show has received three Daytime Emmy Awards, 63 Telly Awards and seven Parents’ Choice Awards, among other honors. McMillan has earned two Daytime Emmys for outstanding host in a lifestyle/travel/children’s or family viewing program for his work.

HMPG’s current programming slate includes more than 30 original series. Its weekly educational/informational programming blocks air weekends on ABC, CBS, NBC, The CW, Telemundo and independent stations.

Here’s a first look at