As families across the United States gather for Thanksgiving, millions will tune in to a beloved holiday tradition: the National Dog Show, airing on NBC at 12 p.m. ET, immediately after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year’s broadcast carries special significance, marking the 25th anniversary of the cult-favorite satirical film Best in Show, which helped inspire NBC to broadcast the National Dog Show annually.
In honor of the milestone, actress, comedian and game-show host Jane Lynch — who starred in the Christopher Guest mockumentary — spoke to For The Win about the movie’s legacy, the dog show’s cultural impact and why she loves advocating for senior dog rescue.
Why ‘Best in Show’ Remains a Comedy Classic
Lynch reflected on the nerve-wracking but joyful experience of filming the improvised comedy alongside stars such as Jennifer Coolidge, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara and Fred Willard.
“It was a joy to do. I was nervous because it was all improvised, so you have to know your character deeply before you arrive,” she said.
She recalled how no one dared break character on set, even during absurdly funny scenes.
“You give up your right to be amused. You have to surrender to the scene and reality of the moment.”
The film’s universal humor — built around the competitiveness and eccentricity of dog handlers — continues to resonate decades later.
Jane Lynch’s Love for Senior Dog Rescue
Speaking from home, Lynch pointed to her sleeping rescue dog nearby and revealed that she and her family adopt senior dogs.
“They’re adorable and entitled. Once they go grey, they get their way,” she joked.
Lynch says she and her partner currently live with two senior spaniels and adores the personalities of older rescue pets.
Why Millions Watch the National Dog Show Every Year
Lynch enjoys watching the competition with no particular breed loyalty — except a soft spot for dogs that seem to smile.
“If a dog looks like they’re smiling, I love it. And when the dog that wins knows it won — you can see them celebrating — it’s hilarious and beautiful.”
She also shared a memory from filming Best in Show, when she and fellow cast members trained with a professional dog handler. John Michael Higgins, after a 20-minute lesson, ended up winning a real dog show at a park handling a Great Dane whose trainer hadn’t shown up.
The Busy Bee Sweepstakes
In celebration of the film’s 25th anniversary, fans can enter the Busy Bee Sweepstakes, inspired by the movie’s iconic dog-toy meltdown scene. Purina is giving away 2,500 Busy Bee toys, and entrants also receive a digital copy of Best in Show if they register via the My Purina app before December 1.
A Thanksgiving Tradition That Endures
With nearly 2,000 dogs from 205 breeds competing this week, the National Dog Show continues to be a warm, spirited event beloved by viewers for its mix of competition, humor and heart.
As Lynch says, it all comes down to joy:
“People love watching because dogs are the best part of the human experience.”
