Robin Thede to Judge Dog-Grooming Competition for HBO Max

Robin Thede will judge HBO Max’s dog grooming competition series, “Haute Dog.”

Thede will join celebrity dog groomer Jess Rona to judge the competition, while Matt Rogers will serve as the host.

The series will debut Sept. 24 with the first six episodes.

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Billed as “the most adorable competition series ever created,” each episode features three dog groomers facing off over two rounds. Rogers will provide comedic commentary and Rona will lead the judging panel with her “extensive knowledge of breeds and proper grooming techniques.” Thede will serve as the “haute” expert and evaluate the outrageous and jaw-dropping transformations. The judges determine who wins Best in Show and the lucky groomer will walk away with $10,000 and a first place rosette.

The series was inspired by celebrity dog grooming expert Jess Rona’s social media presence and coffee table book “Groomed.” She has also appeared on “Drunk History” and “New Girl.”

Jax Media’s Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch and Séamus Murphy-Mitchell will executive produce along with Yaron and Rona. Abi McCarthy will serve as showrunner. Jax Media completed production of the series over four weeks this summer in Simi Valley following full union guidelines and COVID protocols, with zero positive results from cast, crew and producers. Tests were conducted regularly across four weeks of production from load in to strike.

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