Bluey: The Children’s TV Show That Just Works

Something about this show makes it so uniquely charming, likable, and wholesome.

Bluey is a show meant for children. That doesn’t mean it isn’t enjoyable for the whole family.

I had stumbled upon the show by accident. But after only a few episodes, I had fallen in love with its genuine stories and clever writing, all under the guise of a simple children’s show.

But in order to really show how good the series is, we need to contextualize its place in the most soul-sucking genre imaginable.

Children’s media.

Dramatic much?

I’m not.

Children’s shows often get a bad reputation in the media, and for good reason.

Many of the most popular children’s shows feature generic, dumbed-down, mindless, soul-sucking versions of reality. While these shows often claim to teach important material, it accomplishes this through over-simplified plotlines that repeat the same concept over and over again until its pounded rapidly through a child’s skull.

But the biggest problem is that its creators severely underestimate the intelligence of children. Most of the time, characters are too happy. They never feel any complex emotion. Even after significant points in the story where the characters should feel something, like losing a prized stuffed animal, the characters usually forget about it in seconds, assuming that their demographic lacks the capability and attention span to point it out. (Looking at you, Peppa Pig)

Bluey reminds me of a modern-day Arthur, albeit meant for a much younger demographic. Bluey recognizes the issues that children face and validate them.

Being pressured to do things that you don’t want to do? Learn to take pride in your voice and assert yourself when needed, like Bingo did in the episode Dance Mode.

Afraid after you caught a glimpse of your babysitter watching a scary movie at night? Learn that you aren’t alone and there are people that can help you overcome your fears, like Bluey did in the episode Double Babysitter .

Feeling guilty about failing those around you as a result of a disability? Learn that disabilities don’t define you as a person, like Jack learns as he switches schools in the episode Army.

The Bluey cast and crew recognize that children listen and internalize everything they hear around them. While all these things seem normal in childhood and eventually fade into memory, they have lasting effects on a person’s well-being. The inability to validate feelings can encourage the next generation to unhealthily bottle up their emotions and problems.

Bluey represents a normal family doing normal things, teaching that its okay to feel things sometimes. But its even more important to decide how you act in response to those feelings.

Or maybe its not that deep. I like Bluey because its plenty of wholesome fun.