Viewers divided over Bluey’s new episode ‘Exercise’

Viewers tuning into Bluey’s latest episode were left scratching their heads over one particular scene, with many dubbing it “problematic”.

Viewers are divided over the new episode of Australian children’s series Bluey, with some claiming it featured “toxic” messaging about weight.

The beloved ABC series’ latest episode depicts husband-and-wife Bandit and Chilli weighing themselves on bathroom scales, in which Bandit sighs, “Aw man”, before touching the excess skin on his stomach.

This then becomes the catalyst for Bandit to realise he needs to do more exercise, as he rallies the entire family to workout in the backyard together. The episode is fittingly titled ‘Exercise’.

It’s clear what writers were trying to convey with the storyline, but people tuning in had mixed reactions to the execution, with some thinking the scene was “fatphobic” while others thought it was fair to highlight the importance of good health.

Bluey viewers are divided over the scene.

Prominent TikTok user Aussie Girl Margie took to the platform to air her frustration over the “problematic” scene.

“Apparently, Bluey is totally OK with fat shaming now,” she said. “I mean, overall the message of the episode was fantastic. But the fact they added in the scales and showed both parents being sad and disappointed after seeing the number on the scales, is pretty problematic.”

Others took to Bluey’s official Twitter and Facebook pages with similar grievances, with one writing: “Really disappointed in the way this episode started as someone who battled with my weight my whole childhood and into adulthood.”

I adore @OfficialBlueyTV & the messages it sends. Except in the latest episode “Exercise”, where weight becomes a trigger for exercise. Watching Bandit stand on scale& squeeze his belly, frowning, sends a msg to kids that fat = bad & exercise = weight loss. V upsetting. #Blueypic.twitter.com/68GAWzNeLk

— Psychocinematic Podcast (@psychocinematic) April 16, 2023

We watched today's new Bluey episode on catch-up and I tuned out 10 seconds in when Bandit stood on a set of scales because Bluey has a really, really damaging way of portraying food, exercise and being 'healthy'.

— Kylie (@kylie_evolved) April 16, 2023

I love #bluey but today's new episode starting with Bandit and Chilli jumping on the scales and being disappointed with their weight, followed by Bandit grabbing the skin on his tummy, was not it.

— Zoe Powell (@zoe_powell_) April 16, 2023

But there were plenty of people who defended the episode, arguing it was important for a children’s program to promote an active lifestyle.

“Absolutely loved it. Beautiful message about being active. Moving. Exercising. Playing in the backyard,” one wrote on Facebook.

“Loved it. The bit with the doctor at the end meant it was about Bandit taking care of himself, not about him not liking the way he looked,” another added.

“I liked it. Parents have to balance between work, exercise and kids. I don’t feel this episode was body shaming, it gave insight that parents are people too and have worries too. This includes their weight,” A third wrote.

The episode showed Bandit rallying his entire family into doing backyard activities.

news.com.au has approached the ABC for comment.

Bluey, which first aired in 2018, returned to screens with new episodes last week, debuting its third season on ABC Kids.

It marked an overnight launch record for the popular program on the channel, delivering an unbelievable Total Audience of almost 1.5 million.