Themes

Queenslander residential architecture inspires the designs of

animated houses in the series.
A central theme of the series is the influence of a supportive family; this is reflected in the
relationships between Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli.[2] The Heeler family are presented as a nuclear
family. Brumm was eager to reflect contemporary parenting practices, with both adults shown to
be working parents; Bandit as an archaeologist and Chilli working part-time in airport security. [2][6]
[30]
Bethany Hiatt of The West Australian explains that the series depicts the realities of modern-
day fatherhood, with Bandit seen regularly doing housework and engaging in imaginative play with
his children.[31] Chilli's role as a mother is explored as she balances both work and family life. [57] Her
struggles with newborn motherhood and encounters of competitiveness in a parenting group are
depicted through flashbacks of Bluey experiencing significant developmental milestones. [58] Both
parents are shown to acknowledge and validate the emotions of their children, such as Bluey's
distress after the death of a bird.[26][59] Bluey and Bingo are shown to navigate their sibling
relationship throughout the episodes, learning how to work together, compromise, and resolve
conflicts.[38][60] Episodes detail the family's contemporary domestic lifestyle, with Philippa Chandler
of The Guardian describing the series as "social realism".[34][61]

Jacaranda trees are featured in the series as an example of flora in

Australia.
The series also depicts Australian contemporary culture, and is set in semi-tropical Queensland.
[28]
The animation of Australian architecture in the series is designed to reflect the
typical Queenslander residential designs of Brisbane; high-set suburban dwellings with
characteristic verandas, against representations of Brisbane skylines.[5] The characters speak
with Australian accents in local and international airings.[6] The series has a focus on the Australian
sense of humour with dry wit frequently expressed through the dialogue.[34][57] Several episodes detail
the exploration of Australia's climate and nature,[5] with characters encountering Australian
wildlife such as fruit bats, wallabies, kookaburras and ibises.[30] Flora of Australia are also depicted in
the series, including Poinciana trees and Jacaranda trees.[30] The series explores Australian
sport through the inclusion of rugby league; the Maroons and the Blues are featured in a depiction of
the State of Origin series.[62] However, Brumm has expressed that he did not want to exaggerate
the stereotypes of Australia.[30]
The series advocates the importance of play throughout childhood. Bluey and Bingo are the vehicle
used to display this theme; the episode "Trampoline" features Bandit imploring Bluey to continue
creating new games to play.[11] The siblings engage in imaginative play during "mundane" activities
such as visiting the doctor or going to the supermarket.[34][36] The parents are shown to engage in the
play with their children.[59] Bluey and Bingo also engage in imaginative play with their friends; learning
lessons such as the importance of following the rules.[63] The characters also learn lessons such as
the influence of technology, the economy and personal finance through their gameplay.[60][63] Pearson
has stated that the characters experience emotions such as jealousy and regret through their
gameplay. He commented that, while there is no antagonist in the series, these emotions form the
central conflicts of the program.[33]
The character of Jack is shown to have attention deficit issues; he states that he "can't sit still or
remember anything". Upon the online character announcement, parents praised the representation
of children with attention deficit issues.[21] Dougie was introduced as a profoundly deaf character who
uses Auslan to communicate with his mother in the episode "Turtleboy"; the character is shown
signing but it is not the focus of the episode's story. Consultants were involved to authentically
animate the Auslan signs, and viewers praised the representation. The episode "Onesies" alludes to
the fact that Chilli's sister Brandy cannot have children, addressing the topic of fertility without
specifically labelling the reason why. It was also reported that "The Show" subtly approaches
pregnancy loss.[26]

Episodes
Main article: List of Bluey (2018 TV series) episodes

The first series premiered in Australia on ABC Kids on 1 October 2018, with 26 episodes airing daily
throughout October.[1] The following 25 episodes of the series began airing on 1 April 2019. [64] The
final episode of the first series, a Christmas special, aired on 12 December 2019. [65] It was reported in
March 2019 that production had begun on a second series of 52 episodes; the order was officially
announced in May.[11][57] The second series premiered on 17 March 2020, with the first 26 episodes
airing daily, through April.[66][67] The remaining episodes began airing on 25 October 2020, and were
followed by a Christmas special which aired on 1 December 2020, and an Easter special airing on 4
April 2021.[68][69][70] Preliminary discussions for the third series had begun by April 2020; the series
order was made official in October.[10][40][68] The third series began airing on 5 September 2021 with a
Father's Day-themed special,[71] followed by further episode blocks from 22 November 2021,[72] and 13
June 2022.[73] The series was moved to weekly episodes beginning 9 April 2023; episodes aired
Sundays through June.[74] A special 28-minute episode titled "The Sign" will air on 14 April 2024.