Super Bowl 2014: ‘Puppy Bowl’ and ‘Puppy Love’ = true love always

Super Bowl, what?

You’d rather watch puppies approximate the same moves as Peyton Manning and call it a day. That’s not to say that you won’t be tuning into the big game. Just that the time has come to excuse yourself from anything that’s not undeniably cute.

This year a number of television commercials, including those featuring Bob Dylan, Scarlett Johansson and the Budweiser Clydesdales, are vying for your short-term attention.

Fortunately, your choice is simple. Dial into the big game, but keep your remote programmed to the “Puppy Bowl.” Oh, and the “Kitten Bowl,” and did we mention the “Fish Bowl”?

Ever since the former began earning ratings gold, the others have followed--proving that even the staunchest of sports fans can be swayed by the power of puppies.

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That’s also why a Budweiser commercial called “Puppy Love” is making huge waves prior to the game. It features a puppy that just won’t give up on gaining the affection of a master.

Then there’s the “Puppy Bowl” on Animal Planet, which is, as they say, the “grand doggy” of them all, and is about to enter its 10th year. Basically a bunch of rescue pups will run around a small field chasing a ball and acting exceedingly cute. There’s even a slow-motion camera that catches the mutts as they shake off the water they accumulate on their fur. The show runs from 3 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Bonus: This year the first lady, Michelle Obama, will appear in the “Puppy Bowl” with first dogs Sonny and Bo.

The “Kitten Bowl” on the Hallmark channel is a new contender in the animal bowl space and it follows, roughly, the same format, only with rescue kittens. Also on the program: appearances by Rachael Ray, Regis Philbin and Hoda Kotb. It goes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on game day.

The “Fish Bowl”? Well, that’s just what it sounds like. A fish swimming around the bowl it calls home. TV can still be pleasingly ironic. Thanks National Geographic Channel.

ALSO:

“Puppy Bowl X” starting line-up anounced

Hallmark Channel announces first-ever “Kitten Bowl”

Michelle Obama to appear in “Puppy Bowl” with Sonny and Bo