By Kayla DeKraker
Family-friendly BLUEY continues to be one of the highest-rated and most-watched streaming shows.
According to Nielsen, the children’s series remained the top show from January to June of this year, pulling over 25.06 billion viewing minutes. This makes it the most streamed show for 2025 so far, as well as 2024. If this trend continues, the series should score similar viewing minutes as last year’s 55.62 billion minutes.
But why exactly is BLUEY so popular?
“Turns out, the research is overwhelming in its support of what BLUEY and its creators suggest — play is critical,” explained Dr. Mary Beth Smith in an article for Psychology Today. “Researchers have documented the positive effects of play on children’s development for over a century.”
Every episode of BLUEY features family-friendly life lessons as the characters play together, an important part of development.
Smith explained, “Overwhelmingly, these studies highlight significant connections between unstructured play and children’s motor and cognitive development. Psychologists have found important links between play and attachment to caregivers, as well as an opportunity for language and behavior regulation development.”
But more importantly, BLUEY highlights what a strong family looks like, especially through the father character.
Related: BLUEY Creator Wants Kids’ Show to ‘Make Parents Laugh, Too’
“Bandit, Bluey’s father, frequently serves as the primary caregiver to the child characters. He is shown neither as a strict, masculine character nor as the ‘doofus Dad’ stereotype,” Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, told Today’s Parent. “While he’s often in situations where he’s made to look silly, this is presented as his choice and as a part and a consequence of his being a good dad.”
He continued, “Research suggests that fathers are about as likely as mothers to determine what young kids watch on TV, so fathers in particular may be drawn to a representation that feels accurate and positive.”
Movieguide® celebrated BLUEY’s family focus, nominating it for a Teddy Bear Award®. Movieguide®’s review for Episodes 348 and 349: “Ghostbasket” and “The Sign” reads:
These episodes are not only well animated but have top notch storytelling. The characters are all relatable by both children and adults. The entire purpose of each episode is to teach important life lessons for every person. “Ghostbasket” shows how the elderly should be treated. “The Sign” is about trusting in a divine plan even when life doesn’t go your way. Thus, both episodes have strong moral worldviews. “Ghostbasket” and “The Sign” are a delight for children of all ages, including parents and grandparents.
“Kids love it because it’s silly and it reminds them of themselves — whereas I think it makes parents get emotional because having kids is emotional and it’s just a mirror to you,” Joe Brumm, the show’s creator, previously told The Hollywood Reporter.
He continued, “You’re not crying because of Bandit’s love for his kid, you’re crying because of how much you love your kid, and he just reminds you of that.”
There are many great reasons to love BLUEY, but most of all, the series reminds us that wholesome, family-friendly content always prevails.
Read Next: Emotional BLUEY Episode ‘The Sign’ Moves Audiences to Tears
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