The final season of Pit Bulls & Parolees–- the Animal Planet reality series which features the Villalobos Rescue Center (VRC) for dogs in New Orleans, Louisiana–- will begin airing October 22.
For 18 seasons, ‘Pitbulls & Parolees’ and VRC founder Tia Torres have worked to combat misconceptions about pit bulls and other “bully breeds,” while also providing employment for parolees reentering society.
The series premiered in 2009, at which time VRC was located in Agua Dulce, California. The shelter relocated to New Orleans in 2011, reportedly due to financial reasons.
Tia announced recently that it was “the end of an era,” as ‘Pit Bulls & Parolees’ will air its final season this month. Through a post (on the VRC Facebook page) Tia insisted the shelter was not the reason for the series coming to an end, but rather “it was a ‘business thing.'”
“Animal Planet, along with other networks under the Discovery umbrella was sold to big tech (Warner Bros) and it appears they are consolidating (that’s what we are assuming) and many shows are going ‘bye bye,'” she wrote.
Tia noted that VRC’s efforts will continue, revealing she has created her own “online network,” The Rabid Reality, where fans of the show and VRC supporters can access “a variety of content from podcasts to web series,” with all proceeds benefiting VRC.
“After years of trying to pitch numerous TV show, documentary ideas to mainstream platforms, I built my own online network,” she explains on The Rabid Reality website. “I mean, one can only have the door slammed in their face so many times by those ‘suits’ that think they know more about ‘what animal people want.’
“So I finally said ‘bite me!’ and I am now doing my own thing!” Tia added. “Here’s to hoping that you enjoy my no bulls**t, 100% real, plethora of storytelling.”
Tia also took to Facebook Live last week to answer some fan questions regarding both the end of ‘Pit Bulls & Parolees’, and the future of VRC. Tia noted that many factors have contributed to the show’s ending, including the COVID pandemic.
“Between the COVID pandemic and the merger of several networks and channels, and being bought out by ‘big tech,’ these decisions are way above our paygrade and we are not privy to these discussions … ,” she claimed.
Tia mentioned on Facebook Live that “it stings a little” to hear fans of the show say that they will no longer support her shelter when the show is off the air, as VRC “was here long before there was ever a ‘Pit Bulls & Parolees.'” Tia assured fans of the show that VRC is “still here,” as it has been for nearly 30 years.
“I don’t mean this in an arrogant way, but ‘Pit Bulls & Parolees’ doesn’t exist without [VRC],” she said. “[VRC] has always existed without ‘Pit Bulls & Parolees’ … .”
She did admit, however, that the exposure her shelter has received from the show has been beneficial in terms of donations.
Tia said new episodes of ‘Pit Bulls & Parolees’ have not been filmed in over a year, noting that, although they were filming during COVID, they weren’t filming a lot. She said she started to get nervous once filming did not pick up again, as she had been told a new season of 22 episodes would be happening.
“So, as the TV show has started not filming again, we started hearing rumors that Animal Planet got sold–- the whole Discovery network platform–- which it did,” she said.
Tia claims once these rumors were seemingly confirmed by the show’s producers, she began thinking of other ways to bring in money for the shelter, which led her to create The Rabid Reality. Months later, Tia said still hadn’t received any information regarding the future of the show, though she was recently informed the final season will air this month.
“That is what they tell me, OK? Don’t shoot the messenger if it does not show up,” she joked. ” … This is what I’m told. Anything can happen. Again, I don’t control what goes on with the TV show, I don’t control what goes on with networks. I pick up dog s**t for a living, Ok?”
The final season of ‘Pit Bulls & Parolees’– which will reportedly consist of just seven episodes– is set to air October 22 on Animal Planet.
(Photos: Animal Planet; Facebook; The Rabid Reality)
I only saw 19 seasons am I missing some?
gee this really bites,i ve enjoyed this show ,i started watching just this year and i love watching the great effort Tia and family have put into helping these misunderstood dogs,i ve known several pitbulls,i cant bsay enough good about them.i wish you all the best and thanks so much for the help you have given these misunderstood dogs and all the other dogs you have helped.
Pit Bulls and Parolees.
2023.
Discovery Chanel in Australia.
What a shame. Tia and everyone around her does a great job.
She (Tia) won’t last forever.
It’s a difficult show to watch but it reminds me. Thankyou Tia and her entire family.
I am thrilled VRC will still exist. I never doubted it. You are rue heroes.
I still watch all the reruns everyday from 2 til 4 pm.
I’ve been a fan from day one. I start my day watching the show.
How will I spend my mornings now?
Sometimes it’s the only reason why I get up is to watch the show.
I have no doubt that you & your family will continue the work you’ve done all these years.
I love you and your family. Stay safe, love and prayers to All of VRC / Rabid Reality
Kelly Avants Yacolt, Washington ✌️?
Damn I’ll miss the show.Regardless your family is amazing .I thank u all for all u do for animals and parolees! Love u all to pits..lol bits
Take care and don’t give up Donna Peroff
Tia,
Thank you so much for the education you have provided on your episodes.
You will be greatly missed!
Much love to you and yours!
Morna
I’m so sorry I have been watching your show for a long time,I miss it ,there is not much on TV these days! Your show was one of my few favorite,lm also sorry I did not support you financially,please text me your address,I don’t know email,I’m 87 years young,I would like to help!!
I am really disappointed that Pit bulls & parolees will soon be canceled. I have watched the the show since they were in California. As popular as this show is & people wait to see it each week it is so upsetting that the television industry can’t see what a great show it is. I also like watching the family grow each year and how great they work together. This family has certainly dedicated their lives to helping a group of dogs that are totally mistreated and misunderstood. I say KEEP PITBULLS & PAROLEES on tv. parolees
I agree with you. I still watch all the reruns on channel 35. So glad they’re still on. This show was the best. Tia and her family are great people.
I really enjoy the show it really was basic and down to earth a family taking in their own meds to take care of dogs that are still misunderstood I have a female blue pitbull with my own it’s the first one I’ve ever had and I cannot believe that I have lost so many years not supporting him and not owning any my Ruby my blue pitbull is an extremely good dog with abandoned by their owners and they were just going to take it into a human humane society and we all know what happens to pities inside of humane society the misunderstood loving breed does not even get a chance they just get euthanized so Tia Torres I completely see everything that you do and I appreciate everything you do and I will definitely miss your show cuz it was a very good like I said down to earth show for a breed that is extremely misunderstood I have so many concerns that people misunderstand these animals that what else are they misunderstanding but like I said I will miss your show Tia you are a good person you are somebody that I completely look up to that took on a big job that nobody wanted to take on I appreciate you I implore you in anything you do and I just wanted you to know I thought you and your family are incredible and completely misunderstood as you help the misunderstood animals in this world thank you so much I appreciate you and I will definitely try to follow you.
I’m so sorry to hear this. It has been my favorite show. I love y’all and what you do very much. I wish I were in a different place in my life so that I could donate my time and money to VRC.
I loved that show. Tia has helped so many fogs. She is a hero among dogs. I will miss that show. Sending much love and best wishes for a great new adventure. Thank you Tia for helping the dogs. Sending much love to Tia and family
I am disgusted with Warner’s decision to pull the plug on this amazing show. It appears they are doing this to all of the animal-themed shows. I looked on the Animal Planet lineup and noticed they are now showing Naked and Afraid! Why the H___ is that show on the Animal Planet? I mourn for the days when the Animal Planet channel was for the animals. SHAME ON YOU Warner Brothers!
I am from Canada but a strong watcher of your work on TV series. I am so discussed you are being cancelled. There are so few shows of people doing good in this world. As a senior and an unable to get out much and I still watch your reruns and use it as my coffee time. I would like to see more of your plan for the dogs new living arrangements. I liked where you were going with things and how your whole family worked. I intend to buy your book. I will continue to pray that things work well for you and all your family as you call your staff. Fur babies and all. Hope I can find you on the other sites. Blessings
Warner bros suck. There are no good shows on anymore.( Unless you watch older shows and movies.) Nothing but political correctness and garbage trying to brain wash our kids. Sorry the show is being cancelled by losers at Warner bros and all these so called big tech losers. Praying for you and all your babies.
It is a shame that all respectable shows are being taken off the air. I really enjoyed the show. This was a show even kids could watch not like naked and afraid or Mayor Spanky being spanked by a drag queen. I do not know what is happening to our people and our country. I wish you all the best and I love Pit Bulls mine is 16 yrs. old.
Well Tia, I am devastated over the loss of your wonderful show. I’d like to be updated, if possible, about what will be happening with Villalobos. It was the best program on T.V. I watched it throughout my recovery from cancer and have continued to watch the re-runs. You are all wonderful and you’re real. Best of luck to you all. May I donate?
Much Love,
Patricia Book
Hello, do you know of anyone that can help us with our lost rottweiler. We live in dixon, Illinois and they have spotted her in a certain area but we have not been able to get her. Do you know of anyone that can help us? We have tried animal controls, reporting her to police, flyers etc. I know you are far but thought of asking you. Thank you, Alex.
So sorry your show was cancelled. I have been watching since you started. I am now watching all of the reruns. I have sent you donations. I will have to get on it again. Good luck and I’ll be following you on your new program. Keep up the good work, you really make a big difference in this world. Aren’t you blessed!
I am SO SORRY that Pit Bulls and Parolees programs will end in October.☹️
I’m not able to have dogs where I live but it makes me happy to enjoy this program.
Continue the GREAT work!!!
Ms Irene Rodriguez
I hope the program will continue!!!! I like it very much!!!! Bobbie ..
So it appears many Discovery Channels were forced to cut shows. Very sad that we can only watch reruns on the animal planet. They show reruns every damn day of the week. So clearly your show is still pretty popular. I will be looking for your on line channel!
SO SO SAD to know this amazing, eye-opening, very touching show will no longer be aired. Because of the incredibly kind, hard-working staff at Villalobos, I, as well as millions of other viewers, now have an understanding that would otherwise never have been known, how incredibly gentle and faithful pit bulls are, and mostly, how very forgiving they are, after so many life-threatening situations from which they were rescued by you! Thank you a million times over for letting us share your daily lives and for showing us how much every single dog, regardless of size, look, medical ailment….deserves and has the right to a kind and loving forever home!
Ms Tia Torres;
Am very sorry to hear had you will not be tapping Pit Bulls & Parolees any longer.
Have learned so much that you can not get from books.
Please, keep us informed as to how you, your family, & the Pit Bulls. You have
become like my second family that I did have a choose on. Love you all, with all
my heart & soul. sending you a letter to Villalobos Rescue Center, P.O.Box 39,
Napoleonville, LA.: With a small Donation sent to the Napoleonville, LA.:
Kris Dobbins
Mesa, Ariz.:
I’m really angry with the way this was handled, especially being that there’s been a loyal fan base towards Tia & her cause!!!
My Heart broke when I heard Pitbulls and Parolees were not going to be picked up for a new season.I was devastated. I LOVED THE SHOW THE PAROLEES TIA AND FAMILY AND THE PITBULLS.I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM THAT SHOW.I WILL MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH.I WISH YOU NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS AND A BEAUTIFUL LIFE NEW LIFE.
I for one am sad that “TV business” is ending not only a heart wrenching & heart warming, but an extremely educational show. I grew up with a German Shepard-Jack, who was my best friend for 15 years. I will watch your Rabid Reality!
Best Wishes & Good Luck
Mary Wilson
I’m sorry my favorite show will not be airing any new episodes. I love pitbulls and enjoyed seeing in-depth stories about them fro m rescue to adoption.
If I ever come to New Orleans, I will be visiting VRC for sure.
It’s a shame, when a reality show, that has benefited dogs and man, and had very high ratings, is cancelled. Just because men in suits think they know best. They have to take their blinders off and look and listen to the real world. I’m gonna miss you, your family, all the volunteers and especially all the Pitts ( and now hound dogs), you have given a second chance at life. Because of you and your show, I myself rescued a Pitt bull mix from my local shelter. She’s a doll baby.
Will miss you all and all that you do!!❤️
The people who made the choice to cancel were Idiots…I cancelled my network t-v (Dish) in protest & now I watch only Youtube since Tia’s channel (Rabid Reality) is shown there!
My heart hurts not to be able to watch the show. I had it recorded in case I couldn’t see it when it was airing. Your ability to show people how wonderful these dogs can be. And how parolees when given the chance have the ability to turn it around. Tina and her total family are blessings to this world. Lord willing we will be able to see something on a regular basis sooner than later.
Please find a way to come back to tv. We love the show the dogs and the family.
Tia,
I didn’t find Pitbulls and parolees until this year.
I am an animal lover, especially dogs and cats
I look forward to contacting you on your new website.
I was sad when I heard that some supporters would not continue sponsoring you, unless you were on Pitbulls and parolees
I look forward to sending donations soon.
What happened to Spencer parole violation? Did he go back to prison?
Sincerely,
Shelley Gibbs
Your work and love for the dogs and people needing another chance is absolutely one of the most unselfish acts of kindness that I’ve ever seen. There has never been and will never be a better tv program aired for the public to be able to learn so much about this amazing breed. Tia Maria, I am a huge fan and I admire you and your family for the dedication you guys have for under dogs. May God bless you for all the good things that you have done and I’m sure will continue doing. I’m far from wealthy but would love to be able to donate to you. Please send me the details to be able to. Thank You
I have been a fan of pit bulls and parolees since day one. I will miss Tia and her wonderful family and and all the animals very much . I wish you all best of luck in everything you do and I am very sad . Your family has felt like my family all these years. God bless you all and all your beautiful animals. Sending much love always
I am really sorry to hear that the show is ending Tia does so much to promote and Show that the pit bull is not only a great family dog but a beautiful pet. It’s not the dogs fault that a cruel person trains the dog to do bad things.
Any future shows where and when thank you Donna
I have been out of touch lately so I’m slow to comment I could not believe that this show was canceled it is heartbreaking when I look around my own state I always thought somebody needs to start an organization like Tia has I’m living in South Carolina and the way people treat the animals here is sad just watching what her and her family have done for those sweet babies warms my heart I believe the network has not only let this family down but thousand of loving dogs the humans have failed so with that god bless keep up the good work and hopefully another net work comes along and are thinking about the well-being of these animals that society has failed so badly and they are thinking about the dogs not just the bottom dollar
Well said Tracy! I feel, like thousands, the same way. I love Tia, her family & her mission. The Animal Planet network, created for & about Animals, will leave shows like “Finding Bigfoot” and dismiss one of, if not THE most important show on t-v.
So sad that a decision to stop filming Pitbulls and Parolees. I have been a faithful fan since season 1.
So many times these kinds of decisions are made for the wrong reasons (like canceling Star Trek – remember that???) The shortsighted decision to stop filming any animal based shows is just plain stupid.
I will still be a Pitbulls fan. Many of us out here will remain faithful fans of Pitbulls and Parolees under any name or channel.
And thank you to Tia and everyone in the Vialobos family. We are faithful and will keep watching as long as it’s on.
It is a REAL SHAME that VRC won’t be on the television anymore. I love watching PITBULLS & PAROLEES .Love to see what accomplishments they have made with all the dogs,and where they end up .
omg Tia and family and Earl I am going to miss seeing you on my tv screen. Boy oh boy you are so right those stuffed shirts do not have a clue about what we want to see. Its actually gotten me to the point of not watching anything on their channels at all. I think that you are an amazing woman and you will be great at anything you do. as for those people that are turning their backs on you listen to what Tia is saying she is still taking care of VRC do not discredit her keep on supporting her.
What a great contribution to society’s crippling demeanor.where money is thought of as a God. Your show brought hope to people and k9 I,e Dog spelled backwards God. Don’t give up keep contributing hope. I guarantee our creator will keep blessing u n ya crew.Luv ya ways ty from
NH
You and your daughters and son-in-law’s boyfriends and parolees have really we all and are very very disappointed that is not on the air and if there’s anything we can do to help you get it back on even if it’s Wi-Fi I don’t care I got both is that ass it wasn’t for you nobody would like pit bulls but because of you we have seen the kindness and caring of the pitbulls everybody is afraid of them but because of you I love you and your children and their husbands and boyfriends whatever but you have shown us a totally different side of pitbulls they are known to be so aggressive and without you nobody would know that pitbulls can be a very affectionate dog without you and I was scared of them dogs. But after watching your show for as long as I have I’m not afraid of pit bulls anymore I’m afraid of their owners we need you Tia what’s up you Tia we would not know the truth and leak and see it’s not bad pitbulls is bad pitbull owners and I would love to hear back from you
Can we do a PETITION?
I’ll sign the Petition if you get one started I love the Show
I am truly going to miss the show. I have learned a great deal about pit bulls and I no longer have a fear of them. I have watched your struggles and your fears with all that you deal with. I wish you continued success and much love and blessings.
I learned how to use the words “, “Dog manners” from watching P&P.
It IS an amazing show of diverse people who’s only claim is the love of dogs, ALL dogs.
Tia is a wind of fresh air we’re she speaks from her heart.
My hope is that the powers the be recognize the jewel they have @ Villalobos and groups of people will watch the show that really DOES need the exposure to survive. The dogs need people like the family that runs Villalobos. And in truth, the family and Parolees who work so hard giving people and dogs a chance to bring goodness into our oft news filled horror we get drenched in each day.
I hope the best for you and yours Tia. The owners of the show are making a BIG mistake by not picking you up for many more seasons. The Parolees need you too. I hope that keeps going…
Sincerely,
Holly M.
Firstly, Tia you have had the largest Pitbull & other dog breeds as well
as a few cats’ shelter & rescueim the USA & in N.America too! Tia is a seasoned expert for animal training who had trained dogs for movies & wolves b/4 this > Warner has made a grave error cancelling the show & I applaud you for creating beauty out of ashes. I definitely miss your wkly episodes & still enjoy your old ones. I hope you own these & are getting syndication for them. I will look for your online series even though I prefer tv< I/m unimpressed w/the stupidity of the Network execs. Ppl who love animals love no kill shelters the most & support channels who recognize the interest for this organization.
The execs should be doing more shows to fundraise for all shelters like yours. I pray you will get so much suooort where you are & flourish beyond your imagination!
I think that really sucks that the big bosses of these big conglomerates that take over these popular stations don’t listen to the fans of the most popular shows!! Guess they’ll have to find out the hard way.
No way do not take this show off air they help so many animals that would be dead if she didn’t help!!m????????????. Praying for this rescue to continue doing good work!
I don’t know if the people who decided to cancel this absolutely great show is even going to be getting all these comments. I’m just sick too to think they are actually getting paid for their job at this point….. what a shame…… I have been watching since the very beginning and they had so many viewers watching – I just don’t understand where their minds are…. Must be all about money.
I’m with you 100%. I’ve been watching this show from the start, even repeats. Tia has done something so beautiful with the dogs and paroles. Shows that there are good people I utthere.
I will miss seeing you and your family of wonderful workers. I hope the outcome will change. You e done such wonderful things for all your rescues.
I just got the info on everything concerning VRC.I am appalled. My pitbull Princess had to be put to rest last year. I am in the process of buying the home where Princess lived and loved..I would love to adopt Ambria.I am in the process of closing. Please let me know if she is available for adoption.
I love this show and have watched sense the begging. And I will follow Tia on her pod cast or show what ever she does. She deserved better then this