If Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have taught the entertainment world anything, it’s that cartoons and animated films have the imaginative power to appeal to adults and children alike. One outstanding recent small-screen example includesBluey, a unanimously praised Australian cartoon series launched in 2018 and now available on Disney+. The relatable slice-of-life dramarevolves around Bluey Heeler, a curious and fun-loving Blue Heeler puppy dog who comes of age by getting into a series of wacky misadventures with her younger sister, Bingo.
In 2024,Blueyadded a prestigious Peabody Award to its growing collection of awards and accolades, cementing itself as one of the most amusing animated TV shows for the whole family to entertain. However, the real question is whetherBlueyis worth watching for childless adults or if having children is necessary to enjoy the full scope of the acclaimed cartoon and itsuplifting positive messagesregarding family values.
What Is Bluey About?
Created by Joe Brumm,Blueyis an Australian children’s animated series aimed at preschoolers. Premiering on ABC Kids in October 2018,the series revolves around Bluey, a hyper 6-year-old Blue Heeler puppy with unbridled enthusiasm and curiosity.Bluey lives with her father Bandit (David McCormick), mother Chilli (Melanie Zanetti), and younger sister Bingo, navigating the daily rigors that every human being, old or young, faces in their lifetime. When the family isn’t engaging in fun playtime together, Bluey often works part-time as an airport security guard and learns how to be a responsible employee.
With three seasons and counting thus far,Blueyhas aired over 150 episodessince 2018. In depicting the daily ups and downs of the Heeler family, the show appeals to far more than just children.The show has received widespread acclaim for its helpful parental messaging and heroic depiction of Bandit as an ideal father figure.Parents are drawn to the show because of the positive, uplifting education it provides for them to become better caretakers, adept listeners and communicators, and more inclusive to those unlike themselves.
A major theme involves interacting with mixed breeds outside the Blue Heeler species (Chilli and Bingo are Red Heelers, for example), with Bluey’s parents encouraging her to be friendly with their neighbors. Bluey’s neighbors include Golden Retrievers, Pat, Chucky, and Lucky, and Chow Chows Wendy and Judo. Apart from showcasing tender parenting skills that oppose crass cartoon dads like Peter Griffin and Homer Simpson, Bandit and Chilli advocate for Bluey and Bingo to be kind and inclusive to others, especially those who do not resemble their Heeler breed.
At school, Bluey plays and interacts with a poodle named Coco, a Dalmatian named Chloe, a Beagle named Honey, an Afghan Hound named Indy, an English Bulldog named Winton, a Border Collie named Mackenzie, a Dachsund named Snickers, an Australian Kelpie named Rusty, and many more. Under the supervision of their Australian Shepherd teacher, Calypso,Bluey learns how to get along with others, respect their differences, and foster inclusiveness.With Bluey’s parents and authority figures guiding her down a successful path, the show is aspirational for children and adults alike.
Bluey Speaks to Parents as Much as it Does to Children
At its core,Blueyis about strengthening family bonds to become better parents.Aside from Bluey’s friends and neighbors, the show focuses on Bluey’s uncle Stripe, Aunt Trixie, and her cousins Socks and Muffin. Bandit’s older brother Radley and their parents, Bob and Chris, are included, as are Chilli’s father, Mort, and sister Brandy. The way the characters communicate and use role-playing fun to solve problems and keep the family a loving, tight-knit unit is second to none.
As such, Bluey has earned a seal of approval fromCommon Sense Media, an outlet dedicated to analyzing the merits of children’s programming. In its 2019 review ofBluey, the outlet wrote:
“Not every episodeleaves viewers with an obvious lesson, but the show’s broader family-related themes and sweet character relationships are assuring in and of themselves.Blueyis a series that presents parental figures who are very much attuned to their kids and who aptly balance the demands of work and family. Even when they’re not directly involved in their kids' play, their presence is known in the story and their influence is felt in how the youngsters interact and solve problems.”
Similar sentiments can be found onIMDb’s user reviews, which consistently repeat howBlueyinspires viewers to be the best possible parents and caretakers. While such quotes aren’t admissible in this space,Seven West Medianotes howBandit’s unwavering patience, warm listening skills, and tender willingness to educate their children and instill housework responsibilities in imaginative ways inspire viewers to become more well-rounded fathers.According to show creator Joe Brumm in the publication’s interview:
“It was a challenge for us to come up with a show that a three-year-old and a 30-year-old would both enjoy. But that’s what we set out to do and I think we’ve done that. There are quite a few dads who say the show reminds them to be more playful with their kids.”
AlthoughBlueywill make better parents out of viewers with children, the real question is whether the show is worth watching for adults without children.
20 Most Emotional Episodes of ‘Bluey’
Even adult fans of the popular children’s show ‘Bluey’ admit to getting emotional while watching the series.
Is Bluey Worth Watching For Adults Without Children?
Even thoughBlueyhas struck a chord among children and their parents,the cartoon is also enjoyable for adultswho’ve yet to become mothers, fathers, aunties, and uncles. According toa Reddit threadasking why the show appeals to adults without children, the OP opens the discussion by stating:
“PersonallyI like the way the characters are written.The kids are written as actual kids who are still learning and who have flaws and the parents are written like actual parents who aren’t perfect but do their best. We see the parents make mistakes and not always have the answers to a problem.”
A popular responseto the query reads:
“It’s light-hearted, cute, genuinely funny, andI like how it presents its lessons without being too dumbed down.I also love the creativity in the games, like how the girls took a drawer out of a side table to make a return slot for their library books.”
Other viewers note thetherapeutic qualityBlueyhas for those who grew up in negative households,with one adding:
“I didn’t have a good upbringing. I lived in abuse, neglect and hate speech. This show has helped me heal from it.”
Why So Many Adults Are Deeply Invested in the Fate of Bluey
Given its appeal to viewers of all ages, Bluey has quickly become a series adults want on the air forever.
While rarer yet,the show has even helped parents who’ve lost children prepare for their next experience.As Flavielle states:
“Me and my husband lost our son at 8 months old. I am unable to have children, so it gives me an idea of what we would have had. I am currently getting a hysterectomy, so I also relate to onesie.”
Time and time again, parents and non-parental adults have given heartfelt testimony aboutBluey’s positive influences and uplifting messages. As such, it’s no surprise that the show that appeals equally to adults and children, parents and non-parents has received a 2024 Peabody Award, recognized for being among “The most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in all of television.“Blueyhas also won three Logie Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program.
