Bell Media Distribution Strikes Deal to License Original Docuseries PETS & PICKERS to Animal Planet

TORONTO (January 26, 2023) – Bell Media confirmed today the sale of two seasons of the original docu-series PETS & PICKERS to Animal Planet. Produced by Tyson Media, PETS & PICKERS makes its U.S. debut Feb. 18. Production has wrapped on PETS & PICKERS Season 2, which is set to launch this spring on Bell Media’s Animal Planet and will also air in the U.S. at a later date. Shot in Richmond, B.C., the unscripted series is the latest representation of ongoing Bell Media Distribution sales to broadcasters and platforms in more than 100 markets worldwide, including all five titles in Discovery’s “MIGHTY” franchise, CTV Life Channel’s soon-to-launch EVOLVING VEGAN, Crave’s WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE (EVEN JAY BARUCHEL), and more. Motivated by extraordinary compassion and a singular belief that all animals deserve treatment, the heartfelt PETS & PICKERS reveals how the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) Animal Hospital works tirelessly to offer low-income pet families access to top healthcare. To fund these treatments, RAPS has a unique solution: their thrift store. An energetic and dedicated group of animal loving “pickers” comb through donated mystery bins containing abandoned storage locker items, all money raised goes to pay for vet care and lifesaving surgeries. It’s a one-of-a-kind “pets and pickers” relationship with an uplifting mission: to help animals and their people. To find out more about RAPS, visit their website at www.rapsbc.com. Season 1 of PETS & PICKERS is available to stream on CTV.ca and the CTV App. PETS & PICKERS was created and produced by Tyson Media in association with Bell Media for Discovery Canada, with the participation of The Bell Fund. Tyson Hepburn is Executive Producer and Showrunner. Kelly McClughan is Series Producer, and Andrew Vacheresse is Series Director. For Bell Media, Heather Williamson is Sr. Development Executive; Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Tina Apostolopoulos-Moniz is Sr. Production Executive; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; Pat DiVittorio is Vice-President, CTV & Specialty Programming, and General Manager, Discovery Networks. Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. Karine Moses is Senior Vice-President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec, Bell.