One of the series in ABC’s upcoming TV lineup is based off a web series of the same name. It’s called Downward Dog, and its protagonist is a talking canine named Martin who waxes philosophical about his animal existence and has a complicated relationship with his owner, a single woman in her 20s.
The original Downward Dog web series was produced by Michael Killen and Samm Hodges, with Hodges providing the voice of Martin. In May, ABC picked up the show for a full season, with Fargo’s Allison Tolman starring as Martin’s owner. In its latest update, the broadcast network has slotted in Downward Dog as a midseason replacement for its upcoming fall 2016 lineup. Depending on how long the other shows on ABC’s slate last, Killen and Hodges’ talking dog shenanigans could premiere in either late 2016 or early 2017.
In advance of the Downward Dog’s premiere, ABC has shared a trailer for it, and response has been split: Some pet lovers are excited, while other commenters have mocked the goofiness of the show’s premise.
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Downward Dog’s trailer certainly offers plenty of reason for concern, but Garfield this ain’t; the web series that inspired the TV show has been posted online, and Martin’s musings are surprisingly dark and cynical, with themes like loneliness and depression complementing the jokes about urinating on shoes.
It remains to be seen whether ABC can translate that tone for TV audiences. If the network can properly execute Killen and Hodges’ vision, we may have another successful web-to-TV adaptation on our hands; otherwise, Downward Dog is going to pee on the proverbial rug.
