Parents' Guide to

Bluey

Bluey Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Emily Ashby By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 4+

Positive family, social themes in Aussie pup's adventures.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 4+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 3+

Based on 234 parent reviews

age 3+

Parents with negative reviews…give me a break!!! As an elementary teacher and parent, I find this show to be absolute gold. Hilarious, adorable, and full of positive messages. Yes, the characters *sometimes* cause (dare I say) mischief/ throw tantrums and yes, sometimes the parents aren’t as “firm” as I would be in real life. My child understands that this show is make believe and that sees the humor in it, just as I do. It encourages imagination and humor. In a world of YouTube/Tic Tok/and even inappropriate Disney movies, I have nothing but love for this show!
age 8+

Teaches kids to be disrespectful.

My toddler was super into this show for a while. I must admit I did not pay enough attention to what was going on in the show. She started saying weird phrases and talking back so I sat down and watched it with her one day because it’s the only thing I could link to her weird and mean phrases. It was the ice cream episode that really upset me. They were throwing a tantrum over wanting to buy ice cream when they were told no. The dad gave in and when their ice cream melted they threw another tantrum. I don’t recommend this show for small children who mimic behaviors because it’s been weeks since we’ve allowed her to watch it and she is still repeating things from the show when she is told no.

What's the Story?

BLUEY is the story of an outgoing young blue heeler puppy who finds new and exciting ways to play every day, in games of her own creation and in play with her family and friends. With Bluey's big imagination, an eager young sibling named Bingo, some willing canine friend playmates, and the help of her parents (voiced by David McCormack and Melanie Zanetti), Bluey can turn any situation into an exciting adventure. As she and her companions play, they learn to solve problems, compromise, show patience, and share as well.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (234 ):
Kids say (184 ):

This sweet, family-centered series is almost as adorable as its titular character herself. Bluey's appetite for life is infectious, and she delights in the simple things: a day at the park with friends, an impromptu game with her dad while they wait in a restaurant, and indoor play born of a balloon and some imagination. The stories aren't elaborate, and in that way, they're on par with most viewers' daily experiences.

Not every episode leaves viewers with an obvious lesson, but the show's broader family-related themes and sweet character relationships are assuring in and of themselves. Bluey is 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Bluey uses her imagination to inspire play. What kinds of scenarios does Bluey imagine? How does imagination help us work out real-world problems?

  • What elements of Australian life and culture do you notice in this series? Is it a focus of the show? Why is it important to understand and respect cultures that are different from our own?

  • Kids: How does Bluey's curiosity help her learn about her world? What topics inspire curiosity in you?

TV Details

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