Since its debut in 2018, the animated preschool show “Bluey” has become a massive success with children loving to join the titular blue character in the creative adventures she experiences in each episode. While the show is meant for a much younger audience, “Bluey” has also struck a chord with adults as well — and not just parents. Toddlers, teens, and adults alike have all fallen in love with the series. So, that begs the question: What’s the deal with Bluey?
Bluey is an Australian animated series following a family of anthropomorphic dogs including the six-year-old Bluey, her sister Bingo, and her parents Bandit and Chilli. In the show, Bluey and her friends and family play creative games and go on unique adventures. This formula may sound very similar to other preschool shows, partly because other popular children’s shows inspired it.
When asked about “Bluey’s” inspiration, its creator Joe Brumm explained, “In terms of kids shows, I loved Peppa Pig. I loved how every family was a different animal. You just had such different visuals there, you know, instantly.”
Bluey just wrapped its third season earlier this year with the 28-minute special “The Sign”, and the show has branched off into tons of merchandise, a video game, immersive experiences, and even a Hollywood movie that will be released in 2027. So, if it’s just like other shows in its category, what makes it so much more popular?
For starters, “Bluey” episodes have been entertaining for both kids and adults through its likable and relatable characters which strengthen the entire series. The beloved show also sends a powerful messages which parents and kids learn through their make-believe games. “Bluey” episodes offer great fun for kids as well as thought-provoking and often emotional messages for adults in just seven minutes. This is why the show has been so well-received.
No matter your age, “Bluey” is a show that will evoke laughter and tears in more episodes than just one. A teenager via Common Sense Media wrote a “Kids Say” review that reads, “I’m 13 and I run into the room when my brother puts it on. It’s so funny and entertaining. My friend (same age as me) and I have long conversations about single episodes and competed to be first to watch the new season which doesn’t disappoint.”
Another reason “Bluey” is so popular is because some episodes cover very deep topics that other shows wouldn’t dare even hint at. This includes death in the episode “Copycat”, abandonment in the episode “Space”, and even infertility in the episode “Onesies”. These are some of “Bluey’s” most emotional but also most beloved episodes, with IMDb giving them scores of 8.7, 9.5, and 8.7 out of 10 respectively.
“Bluey’s” ability to offer deep and important messages for young viewers and a portrayal of fantastic but still relatable parenting plus more mature themes for older viewers has been the show’s biggest reason for its success.
“[Bluey] doesn’t just have good lessons for kids; some episodes are a masterclass in creative, engaged, positive parenting,” Annie Reneau of Upworthy.com wrote.
Recently, the creation of a feature film based on the series has been announced and is in the works, and it’s no surprise why. With the immense popularity of the show, “Bluey” has established itself as one of the most beloved children’s television programs ever made. So, if you ever see someone young watching “Bluey”, stop right where you are and give it a watch! No matter how old you are, you may learn something new. And even if you don’t, you’ll still have a great time.