Why ‘Bluey’ Is More Than Just a Kid’s Show: A Parent’s Guide

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Shows like “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and the sometimes debated “PAW Patrol” have been entertaining children for many years. These cartoons feature talking dogs who promote values such as kindness, cooperation, bravery, and friendship. There’s something special about watching a sweet, colorful dog with a childlike voice (usually on an iPad) that really resonates with kids. At the moment, the most well-known character from this category of children’s shows is a blue heeler puppy hailing from Australia.

Everyone, even their pets, are familiar with creator Joe Brumm’s appropriately titled Australian animated series, Bluey. This show made a strong impact when it debuted in 2018 and was the most-watched program in the U.S. in 2024, as reported by Variety. The successful children’s brand, considered by The Hollywood Reporter as an “estimated $2B behemoth,” chronicles the escapades of a seven-year-old Australian cattle dog and her family living in Brisbane, Queensland. (In actuality, she would be middle-aged given that an Australian cattle dog typically lives between 12 to 16 years. However, accepting such inconsistencies is necessary for any show featuring talking dogs.)

In the first preview, Bluey Heeler describes her diverse roles as a waitress, part-time mermaid, explorer, pilot, and ninja. Whether she’s playing with friends or spending time with her parents, Chilli and Bandit, and sister, Bingo, Bluey is a vivacious young pup who cherishes her life. The show has drawn in five to seven-year-olds, their parents, childless millennials, and even celebrities like Ryan Gosling and Natalie Portman. Some media outlets have referred to the unexpected success of this animated series as a “cult following.” So, for those who may not be familiar with Bluey, here’s what you should know: there’s plenty to explore, but rest assured, it’s all positive!

The Innate Imagination & Nostalgia of ‘Bluey’ Resonates With People of All Ages

A group of grown-up roommates in Australia will assemble to watch the show Bluey. Some play it for their pets to enjoy. However, others might be caught off guard finding themselves drawn into watching, as their kids are excited about their daily screen time allocation. It’s worth mentioning that the fan base of Bluey does not have a strong adult following similar to that of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. At its most problematic, the adult “bronies” subculture related to MLP in the 2010s combined elements of misogyny from 4chan communities, explicit fan art that was harmful to minors, and actual neo-Nazis. This Friendship Is Magic.

It’s great to see that the popularity of the Australian blue heeler pup named Bluey is free from any negativity or vulgarity. The internet is filled with positive articles such as “10 Parenting Lessons from Bluey’s Dad Bandit” and “Bluey: A Kids Show with Lessons for All,” showcasing its widespread appeal. The show portrays real-life situations, emotions, and imaginative play using a talking blue dog named Bluey as the protagonist, making it suitable for children. The nostalgic charm of watching Bluey may particularly resonate with younger millennials and older Gen Z, given that the creator Joe Brumm was also involved in the beloved 2000s British children’s program Charlie & Lola, which was a household name from 2005 to 2008.

2021 found me expressing my sentiments as a film enthusiast when I spoke with Vulture’s Kathryn VanArendonk: “Children’s television leaves me exasperated. So many fail to recognize it as a creative platform where one can indulge in some lightheartedness.” The repetitive narratives are tiresome, I lament, such as when a child breaks a cherished item, followed by the family’s collective distress: “Oh my goodness, what are we going to do!” They then invest their entire afternoon constructing an inferior replica of the broken item. Ultimately, they reach the resolution: “All I needed in the end was for you to say sorry.” My own children, however, when they break my belongings, don’t attempt to recreate them; they couldn’t care less! as I humorously put it.

A unique perspective from an animator and father in the kids’ TV industry, who isn’t afraid to speak his mind, offers a breath of fresh air. He understands the repetitive nature of children’s television can feel like a tiresome “Groundhog Day.” In fact, during the late 2010s, there was a strong parental backlash against the early 1990s-born animated series, Caillou. For those unaware, this Canadian children’s show revolves around the adventures of a whiny, cue ball-headed 4-year-old boy named Caillou. The original books, inspired by the influential studies and teachings of French psychoanalyst Dr. Françoise Dolto, aimed to respect every child as a person. However, many adults found the animated version to be grating, much like hearing nails on a chalkboard. On IMDb, Caillou’s rating is only 3.8/10.

Beyond Bluey being a more endearing child character compared to Caillou, this animated series was designed to resonate with both children and imperfect parents. In the early draft by Brumm, a brief 60-second preview, Bandit pushes his daughter Bluey on a swing while distracted by his phone. His poor multitasking results in him pushing Bluey too hard, causing her to spin 360 degrees around the entire swing set. Vulture described this short clip as “a child’s dream of the playground and a dad’s dream of fatherhood.” Bandit’s rugged personality and relatable charm has even captured the hearts of adult women, as evidenced by popular discussions on the Out of Bed podcast. If you’re curious, you can check out that episode.

In Brumm’s colorful Australian universe teeming with chatty canines and soft-leafed trees, reality and humor shine brightly in each seven-minute episode. From a mother dog sampling drugstore lipstick swatches on her arm while her puppies whine in discomfort on the store floor, to Bandit grimacing at the prospect of “playing hedgehogs” with his offspring, Bluey serves as a soothing show for audiences. Regardless of the age of the viewer, it’s hard not to feel a smile creep across their face as Bluey and Bingo act out the roles of “mermaid waiters” in the novelty of a hotel room. They exude an infectious sense of wonder with each new experience, and valuable life lessons often arise from these unfamiliar situations.

What Topics Does ‘Bluey’ Cover? What Parents Should Know

It would be quite challenging to avoid the widespread impact of the popular animated series ‘Bluey’ nowadays. From podcasts to clothing, toys, books, themed hotel rooms, and even a mobile game, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Bluey’ is omnipresent. Notably, the 28-minute episode “The Sign” from Season 3 set a new record on Disney+, garnering 10 million views within its first week on the platform. This extended episode has gained a reputation for being particularly moving, causing many adults to shed tears and sniffles while wearing their oversized hoodies (everyone’s allowed to feel their emotions).

Fundamentally, “Bluey” revolves around the theme of growing up, capturing life’s smallest instances and monumental achievements. In the episode titled “The Sign,” it delves into the emotional burden of relocation, the bittersweet goodbyes from a home steeped in memories and a town filled with friends and familiar faces. As one phase concludes, feelings of melancholy and sorrow may resurface, yet the dawning of a new phase brings hope for something positive.

In simpler terms, “The Sign” concludes positively when the Heelers choose not to part with their cherished life and home instead. Despite tackling challenging topics such as aging, self-image struggles, abandonment fears, parenting doubts, fertility issues, and even mortality, Bluey doesn’t flinch. In fact, it confronts these issues head-on and even celebrates them. Though it might remind you of shows like South Park, Bluey distinguishes itself as a series that parents can confidently watch with their kids. As of now, Common Sense Media gives Bluey a perfect rating from parents.

In simpler terms, the episode “Dad Baby” from Season 2 of Bluey sparked some debate within the show’s fanbase. This controversial episode was removed from Disney+ in the U.S. and labeled as banned due to its content. The episode features Bandit pretending to give birth to his daughter Bingo in an inflatable pool, which seems to be the source of contention. However, the reasons behind Disney+’s decision to ban the episode are unclear, with some speculating it may be due to the complexity of childbirth or potential involvement of gender-related ideology and politics. Since late 2024, this episode can be watched for free on the official Bluey YouTube channel.

Ultimately, both children and adults can find characters they recognize in Bluey and Bingo, as well as Bandit and Chilli. While the former are full of energy and imagination, the latter are loving but flawed parents who often feel drained, struggling to keep up with their offspring’s elaborate games. It’s a universal experience, not one rooted in shared misery, but in understanding that we all face our challenges day by day. In essence, it’s an invitation to join the Heelers and partake in their adventures on Disney+, accessible via the link provided below.

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2025-03-27 01:02