10 ‘Bluey’ Facts, but They Get Progressively Darker
Think Bluey is just a kids' show? Check out these 10 things you need to know about the series: it gets creepier as you go.
We all know and love Bluey for its ability to handle important topics in a kind and family-friendly way.
However, our beloved cartoon has more layers than meets the eye. Today, let’s peel back those layers one by one. Fair warning: it may change how you view your next family viewing session.
1. ‘Bluey’ Origins: Where the Cartoon Came From?
Level: surface
Let's kick things off with something light. Bluey was created by Joe Brumm, who drew inspiration from his own experiences as a parent. The show first aired back in 2018 and quickly became a global phenomenon.
2. The Dogs in 'Bluey' Are Actually Blue (Well, Kind Of)
Level: surface
Bluey and her family are Australian Heeler dogs (also known as Australian Cattle dogs). Bluey and her dad are Blue Heelers, while her mom and sister are Red Heelers.
Fun Fact: these pups are known for their intelligence and high energy levels, which explains why Bluey and Bingo are always up for a new game or adventure. Pretty on-brand if you think about it.
3. ‘Bluey’ Has One of The Most Iconic Celebrity Cameos
Level: surface
Although there aren't many cameos in Bluey, there's one that outshines them all. In the episode “Whale Watching” (Season 3, Episode 22) none other than Natalie Portman herself makes an appearance.
Actress Says: “I was a narrator of a nature documentary that they were watching. It’s a very important show for my family and I was really, really honored to get to be part of it,” Portman revealed to Today.
4. “Bob Bilby” Featured a Very Cute Bit Between the Parents
Level: surface
Like many great children's shows, Bluey occasionally slips in jokes that fly over kids' heads but give parents a knowing chuckle. The Polaroid camera scene in “Bob Bilby” (Season 1, Episode 12) is a prime example of this clever and layered humour.
The context: when Chilli asks, “Are you ready, Bob?” Bandit seems to fall in love with her all over again while accidentally snapping a picture of the moment.
5. Bingo's Struggle with Anxiety in 'Bluey'
Level: shallow
Bingo is actually a more complex character than meets the eye. The show subtly shows how she deals with anxiety and sensory processing challenges, particularly in crowded or noisy situations.
Nice touch: this approach to neurodiversity makes Bluey stand out in children's television. It acknowledges these challenges and normalizes them.
6. The 2016 ‘Bluey’ Pilot: Things Got Dark
_37912.webp)
Level: shallow
Before Bluey became the wholesome show we know today, there was a rather different pilot episode.
Context: in the scene, Bandit (Bluey's father) is portrayed as irresponsible. He swings Bluey higher and higher while playing a video game on his phone. The episode ends with Bandit getting physically hurt because he was not paying attention.
“It was just unsafe. You could never put that on TV,” Joe Brumm (the creator of Bluey) said to The Saturday Paper.
7. “Copycat”: ‘Bluey’ Explored Mortality
Level: deep
“Copycat” (Season 1, Episode 38) introduced young viewers to the concept of death through the passing of a budgie.
Honorable mention: the episode handles this sensitive subject with grace and helps children process loss and grief in a safe, supportive context.
8. ‘Bluey’ Was Supposed to Be a Show for Adults
Level: deep
Ultimately, Brumm wanted to do Peppa Pig for adults. According to Bloomberg, it was even supposed to feature “mother struggles with breastfeeding problems, including bleeding nipples and mastitis.”
9. The Hidden Heartbreak: ‘Bluey’ Tackles Miscarriage
Level: deep
“The Show” (Season 2, Episode 19) begins innocently enough with the kids putting on a play. They reenact their parents' love story, complete with Bingo wearing a balloon as a pregnancy belly. When the balloon pops during the play, the scene takes on a whole new meaning.
The hidden meaning: the popped balloon and the way parents comfort each other was a subtle nod to an earlier loss in the family's history.
10. Is 'Bluey'... Racist?
Level: deep
In the world of Bluey, most of the dogs are purebred. Some viewers have pointed out this could send a problematic message about diversity.
“Lack of diversity has been an ongoing problem for years in probably every possible movie/show/franchise you can think of. From what I see, no, Bluey is not diverse enough, but it’s doing a lot more decently than other shows. That doesn’t excuse it though,” Redditor inuzhiro wrote.
There’s more: the show has faced other concerns about cultural sensitivity too. ABC actually had to pull two episodes (“Teasing” and “Flat Pack”) after complaints about certain terms used in the dialogue. The network responded quickly, they removed the episodes from streaming and promised to edit them before showing them again. (via NZ Herald)
