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Millions of Australians have tuned in to watch Bluey as the TV show smashes records

Popular children’s show Bluey has smashed ratings to become the top dog of television in Australia as well as around the world.

The beloved Australian children’s show Bluey has smashed TV ratings with more than 3.4 million Aussies tuning into the three episode special.

Fans were able to watch Ghostbasket, The Sign, and Surprise on ABC Kids and ABC Iview, with the three episodes currently holding average total audience of 4.8million across both platforms.

“Just when you think Bluey can’t get any better, creator Joe Brumm and the team at Ludo have broken all records with this trio of episodes for the season finale,” Head of ABC Children and Family, Libbie Doherty, said.

“The Bluey team keep doing what they do best, surprising, innovating and putting fans front and center making sure each episode is a cracker.

“ It’s been an incredible three weeks seeing reactions unfold, the ABC is ecstatic by these results and thank Australians for continuing to love and support Bluey.”

Bluey special has smashed TV ratings both in Australia and globally. Picture: David Parry/PA Media Assignments.
Bluey special has smashed TV ratings both in Australia and globally. Picture: David Parry/PA Media Assignments.

However, the show is proving it isn’t just popular among the Aussies.

Bluey special “The Sign” scored 10.4 million views globally in its first seven days of streaming on Disney+, becoming the platform’s most-viewed Disney Junior title and episode of the show ever.

The series, which was the second-most streamed show of 2023 with 43.9 billion minutes viewed according to Nielsen, consistently falls in the top 5 series on Disney+ by monthly views.

BLUEY GETS SPECIAL GLOBAL GONG

The Australian High Commission in London hosted a massive celebration which transformed the iconic Australia House into “Bluey House” for 24 hours.

The Australian Embassy, draped with Bluey flags, saw crowds of people and kids flock to enjoy the excitement.

Australia House in London became “Bluey House.” Picture: BBC Studios
Australia House in London became “Bluey House.” Picture: BBC Studios
Australian High Commissioner Stephen Smith presents children character Bluey with the first Special Recognition Award for Cultural Impact across the UK and the World at Australia House in London. Picture David Parry/PA Media Assignments.
Australian High Commissioner Stephen Smith presents children character Bluey with the first Special Recognition Award for Cultural Impact across the UK and the World at Australia House in London. Picture David Parry/PA Media Assignments.

Bluey herself made a surprise appearance accompanied by marching band playing the “Bluey” theme song to coincide with the finale of Bluey titled ‘Surprise,’ which landed globally on ABC Kids and ABC iview in Australia and Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior in the rest of the world.

Australia House, London received a surprise visit from Bluey, and a marching band to celebrate the final episode of the hit animated show. Picture: BBC Studios
Australia House, London received a surprise visit from Bluey, and a marching band to celebrate the final episode of the hit animated show. Picture: BBC Studios

The Australian High Commissioner presented Bluey with its inaugural ‘Special Recognition Award for Cultural Impact across the UK and the World’ in tribute to the iconic Aussie animated character.

The Australian High Commissioner Stephen Smith said: “Bluey’s phenomenal success in the UK and globally is testament to the ingenuity and artistry of Australia’s creative industries. Bluey highlights the power of Australian stories to resonate with children and parents the world over.”

“Transporting Australia House into Bluey House is a recognition of the fantastic work the ABC and the BBC has done to bring Bluey not just to Brisbane, Queensland and Australia but also to the rest of world.”

Australia House, London where Bluey made a special appearance and received an award celebrating the final episode of the global phenomenon animated show. Picture: BBC Studios
Australia House, London where Bluey made a special appearance and received an award celebrating the final episode of the global phenomenon animated show. Picture: BBC Studios

It comes as exclusive new figures shared by the BBC show British families have spent over 110 million hours enjoying the show’s toys, video games and live events.

Bluey has become a worldwide phenomenon with the show currently airing in over 60 countries.

The beloved animated series is the most-watched children’s program on US streaming services, the number 1 show on CBeebies in the UK, and the number 1 kids show on Australian broadcast television.

It also has 5.7 billion lifetime views on its official Bluey YouTube channel. The online Bluey Book Reads series, read by an all-star celebrity line up including Kylie and Dannii Minogue, has been viewed over 20 million times since its launch.

The Guardian called the show “arguably the best television series in the world”.

Australia House, London was transformed into “Bluey House” as crowds flocked to see the iconic cartoon character appear in person. Picture: BBC Studios
Australia House, London was transformed into “Bluey House” as crowds flocked to see the iconic cartoon character appear in person. Picture: BBC Studios

Nicki Sheard, President of BBC Studios Brands and licensing, who manage the Bluey brand and global rollout, said: “What an incredible accolade for an Australian born show that has truly become part of the world’s cultural zeitgeist. We are thrilled to have created experiences that have unlocked family time and opened the magical world of Bluey for fans across the world of all ages.”

Joe Brumm, the show’s creator added: “It is an honour to receive this award on behalf of everyone who helped bring Bluey to life. Our beautiful country is a character in the show just as much as any of the dogs, so to have brought it into the living rooms of the whole world, encouraging people to come and visit is something I’ll always be proud of.”

Originally published as Millions of Australians have tuned in to watch Bluey as the TV show smashes records

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/world/bluey-receives-recognition-of-animated-shows-huge-global-impact/news-story/2ce5becfc06df61f389549757547910e