Animated series Bluey to go global as part of BBC and Disney distribution deal

The BBC and Disney are set to introduce the canine star of hit local cartoon Bluey to a global audience.

Bluey is the most watched series on ABC iview, and has been played more than 90 million times.

A popular Australian animated series about a Blue Heeler dog called Bluey and her family is heading overseas, thanks to a distribution deal with BBC Studios and Disney.

BBC Studios said the first two series, which have proved very popular on ABC television and its streaming service iview, will premiere internationally on Disney Junior from late 2019 and its yet-to-be launched streaming service, Disney+.

Disney+ is set to launch in the US in November, but the US heavyweight has remained tight-lipped about its international expansion.

Disney executive Jane Gould said the power of family is a cornerstone of its storytelling, and the “warmth and authenticity of Bluey’s family dynamic” is what first captured its interest in the show.

“Bluey reminds us all of our own families, and it plays out the small but emotionally epic dramas of day-to-day life in surprising, heartfelt and very funny ways that will engage children and parents alike, said Ms Gould, senior vice-president of consumer insights and programming strategy at Disney Channels Worldwide.

“We’re excited to introduce Bluey and her family to our audiences across the world on our multiple platforms.”

Bluey is produced by Queensland-based Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS, and is co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios. Both series received production support from the Australian government through Screen Australia and Screen Queensland.

BBC Studios also said Melbourne-based Moose Toys will distribute Bluey toys, with the first range to hit local stores before Christmas. The toys will be available in the US and other regions, excluding Asia next year.

Bluey is the most watched series on ABC iview, and has been played more than 90 million times. It is currently the number one children’s series of 2019 on metropolitan broadcast television in Australia, according to OzTam.

BBC Studios and ABC Children’s recently announced a second series commission for Bluey, which will debut next year.