UNLEASHED: A DOG SHOW STORY

A grounded, character-driven dramedy about purpose, connection and quiet transformation—set against the world of competitive dog shows.

Photo: Alyssa Janiszak

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Unleashed: A Dog Show Story

A scripted series about a burned-out PR exec who inherits a champion show dog—and stumbles into a world of sequins, secrets and second chances.

The Series

When Myles is unexpectedly entrusted with his late Aunt Trudy’s champion Papillon, he’s drawn into the vibrant world of competitive dog shows—a tradition-rich sport rarely explored on screen.

Inspired by real events, Unleashed blends dry wit and emotional nuance into a fresh take on self-discovery. It’s not about ribbons or rankings, but about resilience and finding footing in unfamiliar ground.

Why Now

In an era shaped by reinvention and reckoning, Unleashed explores what it means to find belonging in unlikely places. Through the lens of competitive dog shows—a deep-rooted world navigating change—the series invites viewers to reconsider identity, connection and purpose in a time when those ideas have never felt more urgent.

Meet the Creator

A man in a blue suit sitting on a bench, holding a black dog.
A black and white photo of a dog show where a woman is presenting her small dog for judging. Two young women observe, one with curly hair wearing a sweater, and a man with curly hair in a suit holding a large clipboard. The background shows a crowd and a fence.

That’s me on the left—a junior handler with a borrowed blazer and a lot to learn.

Matthew G. Stroud is a longtime storyteller and first-time series creator. After years crafting narratives for global brands, he returned to the dog show world he first loved as a kid. That full-circle moment sparked Unleashed, a personal story shaped by real weekends, wins and revelations.

His dog Kermit is a Silver Grand Champion Schipperke and Westminster competitor—a nod to a sport defined by ritual, discipline and heart.

Now based in Tulsa, Matthew travels the Midwest with his two Schipperkes (and a senior Dutch Shepherd), immersed in a world steeped in history—one evolving through digital innovation and fresh voices, as a new generation steps up to preserve the future of the sport. It’s a space where tradition meets transformation, and knowledge is passed hand to hand across generations.

At its core, Unleashed is about what grounds us—and the dogs who lead the way.

Praise for the Pilot

  • “The dog show world is rendered with wit and care… full of textured details that bring authenticity without leaning on caricature.”

  • “There’s a quiet dignity to the way the story builds — and that’s its most resonant strength.”

  • “Unleashed thrives on emotional honesty and richly observed detail. The characters are specific, the dialogue sharp, and the tone warm without tipping sentimental.”

  • “The script does a fantastic job making internal transformation feel like enough. It lands with grace and purpose.”

  • “You get sucked in fast… It’s never for cheap laughs. These people care.”

  • “A redemption arc told in hot dog slices, sparkly armbands, and quiet grace under fluorescent lighting.”

Scenes from the Dog Show World that Inspired Unleashed

All photos © Matthew Stroud

A red sign with yellow text and an arrow pointing to the right, inviting people to meet the breed at the Fort Worth Kennel Club event, held indoors with people and dogs visible in the background.
Multiple dogs, likely Australian Shepherds, are sitting on grooming tables with grooming equipment at a dog show or grooming event inside a large indoor venue.
A man in a black suit shows two Dalmatian dogs at a dog show, standing in front of a white lattice barrier with a blue American Kennel Club banner in the background.
Two women and a dog at a dog show, with the dog on a pink grooming table, decorated with red bows, in a large indoor arena filled with people and other dogs.
Indoor dog show taking place in a large arena with people guiding dogs through an obstacle course.
A black dog on a grooming table at a dog show, surrounded by people in a large indoor venue with cages and signs in the background.
Outdoor market booths with colorful hats, scarves, and accessories, set up under white tents on a sunny day.
A black Cocker Spaniel with long, curly hair being shown at an indoor dog show. The dog is on a leash held by a woman in a gray blazer and skirt. Several people are observing, with tables and chairs in the background.
Indoor event space with a large sign reading '2' at the entrance, set up for a craft or flea market with tables displaying items, vendors, and attendees in the background.
Dog grooming at a pet show in an indoor auditorium with people grooming small poodles on tables.
A busy indoor dog adoption event with many dogs in cages, people interacting with and caring for the dogs, and tables with supplies. The large space has high ceiling with bright overhead lighting.
Dog training or competition event at an outdoor stadium with tents, people, and dogs.

Materials Available

  •  Pilot script (WGAw registered)

  • Full series bible with season one arc and supporting characters

  • Pitch-ready logline and synopsis

© Unleashed: A Dog Show Story