Once upon a time, an Australian children’s show took over the world. Inspired by the creators experiences raising his kids — and his childhood Blue heeler — this TV show we all know and love dearly has become a staple for young children across the globe. If you haven’t gotten the hint yet, I am talking about Bluey!
In this TV show, we follow six-year-old Bluey as she goes throughout her childhood with her little sister Bingo, learning lessons along the way. The rest of the main Heeler family is Chilli, her mother, and Bandit, her father.
Every episode follows a new adventure with the Heeler family that often have deep meanings behind them. For example, episode 26 Season 2, titled, “Sleepytime,” Bingo attempts a,”Big girl sleep.” The young heeler was still learning to sleep through the night in her own bed and was having trouble with it.
Throughout the episode, in her sleep, she goes through an intergalactic journey through independence with her stuffed bunny, Floppy, all while also navigating sleep walking.
This episode can be considered one of the most emotional episodes due to the contrast between the dream and real life when Bingo gravitates towards the sun for warmth, which in the real world is her mother, Chilli.
The whole goal of this emotional episode is to show a journey towards independence with the comfort and encouragement of a mother who reminds Bingo, “I’m always here if you need me.” It can also represent maternal love and the challenges of growing up and change.
“Chilli is exceedingly patient, supportive, and understanding which allowed Bingo to feel comfortable during a growing time,” Says Jordan Cook ‘27. “I think not just this episode, but Bluey as a whole represents family ups and downs and steps that all family members take to find a solution to a problem they are facing, allowing those who watch it to understand the value of creativity, imagination, teamwork, honesty, togetherness, and more.”
While yes, it shows important lessons for children, It also has even deeper adult topics. This is represented in Season 3, the episode titled, “Onesies.” In this episode Chilli’s sister Brandy visits the Heeler family and brings onesies for Bluey and Bingo. All while a fun game is going on, it is revealed that Brandy hasn’t visited in awhile due to her infertility because seeing her sister’s family is too painful.
This topic can be sensitive for some people, and It’s often not spoken about. However, I feel since the show is mainly structured around the Heeler children and their games, it tones down the sensitivity. This show has lessons and messages for anyone that are very valuable to learn even if you are an adult.
“I genuinely feel an inferiority complex when I compare myself to Bandit Heeler.”, says Mr. Wood. “He is the father that all fathers should aspire to be, and we all should ask ourselves, ‘What would Bandit do?’ when parenting our kids.”
In other words, Bluey is for everyone. If you need a pick me up, a quick life lesson, or just need a simple entertaining show to watch, Bluey is a great option. Happy Watching!