Brisbane-made Bluey, the most-watched series on iview EVER, returns in April

It was the most watched TV show on ABC’s iview to date, and it’s made in Brisbane. And now, kids (and their parents) are going nuts on social media after its 2019 season 2 air date is revealed.

ABC TV show Bluey will be renewed for season two, starting April 1, 2019

After smashing ratings records last year, the Spring Hill-made animated children’s series Bluey has revealed its 2019 start date.

The adorable little pup will return to screens on April 1, on ABC iview and traditional broadcast, for a 26-episode run.

$1 FOR 28 DAYS: SUBSCRIBE TO ‘YOUR MASTHEAD’ & THE COURIER MAIL

The show is produced by multi Emmy-winning Ludo Studio, which recently relocated from Spring Hill to the refurbished ACB Drapers building at Wickham St, Fortitude Valley.

An ABC spokesman said the show was an instant hit.

“In 2018, Bluey was the Number One series on the ABC’s Iview service, across all genres of programs for all audiences,” he said. “With VPM series rating of 618,000 (from a total of 21.3 million program plays since its launch in October) — Bluey is the Number One Series ever on iview.

“Bluey was the Number One Australian children’s series of 2018 on broadcast TV in Australia. With an incredible 341K average audience (metro and regional) across the 26 premiere episodes.

“Bluey had a metro broadcast share of 20.8 per cent, for total people (up +7.5 pts on the timeslot average). And in its target demo of 0-4s Bluey it had a share of 78.8 per cent, (up +16.5 pts on the timeslot average).

“In 2019, Bluey S1 continues to dominate on iview, and is currently the Number One program on the platform ranked on VPM with a series rating 262,000.”*

PREVIOUSLY:

Brisbane’s hot dog Bluey racks up 9m views

Brisbane’s Bluey is the next Dora

Reaction on social media has been rapturous, including many calls for the show makers to release merchandise.

“For real life?” on avid watcher commented (it’s one of Bluey’s sayings).

“Not sure whose more excited — me or the kids,” another commented.

“It’s amazing,” another said. “I don’t have kids but I rate it. It’s made in Brisbane and everything is recognisable. West End Markets, New Farm Park — it’s so cool. We love it.”

The show is about six-year-old Bluey (last name, Heeler), her family and friends, who deal with everyday situations but in an original and imaginative way. The cast includes Dave McCormack, from the Brisbane band Custard, as Bluey’s dad and actor Melanie Zanetti as her mum, and is directed and co-written by Joe Brumm (Charlie and Lola). Executive producers are Emmy winners Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson.

Bluey’s press release announcing that it’s ABC TV iview's most watched show EVER

“Adventures unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her dad, Bandit, mum, Chilli, four-year-old sister, Bingo, and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun,” the spokesman said.

The show has also won many fans for it’s laid-back approach to solving child-parent issues, and displaying how parents can play with their attention-demaning children.

“Bluey ... loves to turn everyday family life into boundless playful adventures, developing her imagination as well as her mental, physical and emotional resilience.”

More details about the coming season are yet to be released.

* Source: Oz Tam/ Regional TAM, Consolidated 28 Data, Bluey, 1.10.2018-26.11.2018, 5 City Metro, ABC ME. Combined AGG Markets exc WA

Source: Oz TAM VPM & Begin Event Play Data.