DSP South Scores Duo of ‘Dog’ Shows for Channel 5

DSP South, the Brighton based DSP label, has announced two new factual entertainment series, their first commissions outside of London, both focused on the incredible abilities of man’s best friend. 

Guide Dog Puppy School (4 x60) and Super Dogs (2 x60), both explore the amazing bond between humans and their abilities to support us from different perspectives. 

In Guide Dog Puppy School we meet the remarkable puppies across guide and support dog organisations throughout the UK. Puppies who will provide life changing assistance and companionship, helping individuals to live with greater dignity and independence. Throughout the series we’ll follow the dogs’ stories, seeing jeopardy; emotion; and joy, as they transform the lives of the people they’ve been sent to help and their families. 

Super Dogs shines a light on the remarkable skills our pets are capable of. From detecting serious illness to locating missing pets, will celebrate the stories of man’s best friend that go above and beyond to help humans, as well as their fellow animals. This formatted docu-series will explore how dogs become more than just a pet, and explores the people, techniques and training that help to transform these animals into remarkable creatures capable of saving lives. 

Both series were commissioned for Channel 5 by Kit Morey, commissioning editor unscripted, and are set to air later this year. 

Alexis Price, Head of DSP South and co-executive producer on both Guide Dog Puppy School and Super Dogs, said: "We're thrilled to continue DSP South's growth with these new series commissions. We're a nation obsessed with dogs, and we hope the Channel 5 audience find as much joy in watching the series as we have in making them." 

Kit Morey, commissioning editor unscripted, for Channel 5, added: “To be able to celebrate all that dogs do for us, whether that’s in the family home, or in the workforce, is a joy. I’m so pleased to be working with the talented team at DSP South to bring Guide Dog Puppy School and Super Dogs to Channel 5 viewers.” 

Super Dogs is a 2x60’ series produced by DSP (a Banijay UK company). It was commissioned for Channel 5 by Kit Morey, commissioning editor (VP) unscripted. The Co-Executive Producers are Donna Clark and Alexis Price, Yasmine Weber is the Production Executive and Louise McNamara is the Production Director. 

Guide Dog Puppy School is a 4x60’ series produced by DSP (a Banijay UK company). It was commissioned for Channel 5 by Kit Morey, commissioning editor (VP) unscripted. The Co-Executive Producers are Donna Clark and Alexis Price, Yasmine Weber is the Production Executive and Ben Duncan is the Series Producer.       

Notes to Editors: 

About Channel 5  

Channel 5 is a public service broadcaster and the UK’s third largest commercial TV station. Launched in March 1997, Channel 5 has been part of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) since its acquisition in September 2014.   Channel 5 and its digital brands – 5STAR, 5USA, 5Select, 5ACTION and the on-demand service My5 – offer a diverse range of issue-led documentaries & popular factual celebrating the British countryside and drawing talent to the channel, accessible history, premium drama and critically-acclaimed children’s, news and current affairs programming. Through its agenda-driving commissions, Channel 5 leads on societal issues from inequality to homelessness and mental health, aiming to tell the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the nation.    In 2018, Channel 5 won its first BAFTA for Cruising with Jane McDonald. The following year, Raped: My Story won best Single Documentary at RTS. In 2020, it won crowned Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Awards and by the RTS. In addition that year, it secured its first ever Grierson award win in the ‘Best Single Documentary – Domestic’ category with Suicidal: In Our Own Words. In 2021, it won best factual entertainment at the Broadcast Awards for Springtime on the Farm. It also won best drama at Voice of the Listener & Viewer for All Creatures Great and Small the same year.