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Bluey is a godsend in our household. It's not annoying and the amount of classical and original music woven into each episode is wonderful. There's one particu

Bluey is a godsend in our household. It's not annoying and the amount of classical and original music woven into each episode is wonderful. There's one particular episode - "Sleepytime" - which I cannot bring myself to watch anymore because I get so emotional. Every parent I talk to with young kids who has seen the episode agrees and knows what I mean. It's really that good, and despite being a fun little show there are a lot of episodes that are actually art. I'll add that although the kids in the show sometimes get up to mischief, they never do anything that I don't mind my own toddler emulating. My child now rings her xylophone, commands the rest of the family to freeze, and we have fun playing along.

dclowd9901 3y ago
My wife will run in from the other room to skip “Sleepytime” because she knows she’ll be bawling by the end of it if she even thinks about it. Does me the favor because I will be too. My endorsement of the show is that it feels like one of the great sitcoms like Cheers or Frasier, Golden Girls or Roseanne. The stories are never pandering or simple. You never quite know where they’re going to go with a plot line so when it lands, you’re often delightfully surprised or floored. Most kids shows seem like a low effort afterthought full of contrived vapid nonsense. As far as I’m concerned my kids can watch as much Bluey as they like and I’ll buy the shit out of their merch if it signals to other networks to get off their asses. Forgot to mention the animation in the show is absolutely some of the best I’ve ever seen in a cartoon. I really appreciate the way the show models real physics as things would be in the real world. One of my biggest pet peeves of kids shows is when they show something that is physically impossible (not for comedic purpose, just lazy storytelling). It’s basically just thumbing its nose at kids’ intelligence.
- hdhfjkrkrme 3y ago
  > Most kids shows seem like a low effort afterthought full of contrived vapid nonsense. Kids brain is not adult brain. You need a different kind of training material.
  - dclowd9901 3y ago
    We’re not talking about the same thing here. Lots of kids shows don’t even try to make sense or have a cogent story. So not only are they insulting the intelligence of their audience, they’re also refusing to enrich their critical thinking skills at all. That’s the _other_ kind of kids show out there right now.
    - hdhfjkrkrme 3y ago
      Are cartoon physics insulting kids intelligence? Tom coming back 1 second after being blown up with dynamite makes sense? Maybe these kinds of cartoons are bad according to you. There it research that kids are more interested in stuff which is surprising (fixation period, ...) because that builds a model of how the world works, not the easily predicted stuff.
      - eesmith 3y ago
        > Are cartoon physics insulting kids intelligence? dclowd9901 already said the issue is when it's "just lazy storytelling". Pixar shows you can tell great stories with cartoon physics. You don't eat only sugar. You don't eat only carbs. You don't eat only protein. Your body needs a mix. Many people want their kids to have a healthy diet. Saying Nutella is a "sometimes food" is not the same as saying Nutella is "bad", or that it's a "never food." Tom & Jerry is a sometimes food. Other shows exercise a different range of critical skills. I was gobsmaked when I saw a clip from Mr. Rogers where Daniel Striped Tiger asks Lady Aberlin "What does assassination mean?", in a special episode created after the assassination of RFK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQv0ZtpRdNk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQv0ZtpRdNk And Mr. Rogers could tackle racism head-on, like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4recJ6qXyk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4recJ6qXyk in an era when blacks were prohibited or physically attacked for trying to go to "white" pools. Bluey could take on these sorts of topics for kids, in an age appropriate way. Tom&Jerry could not. Nor could Blippi, so it's not just cartoon physics that's the issue. But Mr. Rogers couldn't pull off the classic "coyote paints a picture in a wall, Road Runner enters the picture and speeds off into the distance, coyote tries and crashes into the wall" gag, nor should it. I don't think it's a good idea for kids to only watch Mr. Rogers-type shows either. > kids are more interested in stuff which is surprising Strange then that kids' cartoons are often so formulaic. "The Animal Mechanicals are sent to a new floating island to resolve a problem. The team comes up with a plan, and each team member gets to use their special abilities to help out. There are problems along the way, but they are resolved and everyone is happy at the end." "Something goes wrong. The Paw Patrol are called to help. Ryder comes up with a plan, the pups use their special abilities to help out. There are problems along the way, but they are resolved and everyone is happy at the end. Except for Mayor Humdinger."
hackernewds 3y ago
can I watch this episode adhoc, or do I need to watch the rest? emotional entertainment really gets me
- yardstick 3y ago
  You can watch it adhoc. Edit: Pretty much all the top Bluey episodes have a good emotional pull to them. See https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/mar/21/the-10-best-bluey-episodes-for-both-kids-and-parents-sorted https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/mar/21/the-10-best-...
  - imp0cat 3y ago
    Aww, they missed Puppets, the most meta episode of them all about free will!
    - hackitup7 3y ago
      That was a weird dream!
- dclowd9901 3y ago
  I disagree a bit with the sibling commenter. This episode falls into about the second season of the show midway through. So putting yourself into that context: you’re watching something like 35 episodes of this show and it’s cute and wholesome and the stories are great, some with some emotional impact, but then you get to this episode and it just absolutely blindsides you. So, I think it will _make sense_ on its own, but I think it _really_ hits hard if 1) you weren’t expecting it and 2) if you have kids.
  - deleted 3y ago
    [deleted]
  - konschubert 3y ago
    I’ve seen the episode many times, but I don’t get what’s the blindside? Are you referring to how it references the fact that parents will eventually leave their kids when they die? That’s only mentioned indirectly by the mom, no? Is there a deeper story that I am missing?
monkeydreams 3y ago
'Sleepytime' ruins me whenever I watch it.
a_bonobo 3y ago
'Onesies' and 'Babyrace' are also highly emotional episodes. Onesies is, hidden for children, about the inability to conceive children, not being able to deal with your relatives' children; 'Babyrace' is about the doubt all parents have about their parenting ('You're doing great' is aimed directly at the audience)
- twisteriffic 3y ago
  'Chest' always hits me in the feels. Not subtle at all, but it works.
  - konschubert 3y ago
    I really like the dynamic between the parents in this episode. Chilly clearly doesn’t think Bandits approach will work, but she lets him have a go. She stays around as an advocate for the other side, without sabotaging his attempt.
    - grepfru_it 3y ago
      Is that the episode when the kid has the phone and the parents are fighting in them background and the kids are oblivious to it but blueys dad is and makes them mute the sound? Then the other parents make peace and team up to get the phone back? So many episodes that all have great messaging for both child and parent.
      - konschubert 3y ago
        No, the episode you are referring to is called "facytime", I think. The one I am talking about is "chest"
- awilfox 3y ago
  Baby Race reduces me to tears every time.
  - 3y ago
sspiff 3y ago
Of all the children's programming my children have watched, Bluey is by far the nicest for us (the parents) to watch or listen to, and has been the most enduring in terms of popularity with our kids. Similar to Peppa Pig, the scenarios are often recognizable in a family with young children, but they're generally funnier and the characters are more loveable. The animation style is a refreshing break from the bright colourful garbage most CGI studios seem to churn out on an assembly line. And like you said, they won't pick up bad ideas from the show.
- rich_sasha 3y ago
  As a dad, I used to like Peppa Pig, but now can barely stand it - as opposed to Bluey. Daddy Pig is fat, useless, convinced he's an expert in everything but failing every time. His parenting skills hover around 0, and always needs to be rescued, usually by Mummy Pig. So much for healthy co-parenting. Furthermore, Peppa is mean to her friends, who like her regardless, she always gets special treatment. I'm not saying there isn't a lot of good stuff in PP, there is for sure, but the issues above feature in every episode and they really get to me now.
  - wizerdrobe 3y ago
    That’s virtually every sitcom and children’s cartoon, the father is a bumbling idiot. Talk about “toxic masculinity” … On the other had, I wonder if that is why I gravitated towards King of the Hill in my early years. Generally a positive male role model, competent, trying to do the right thing by his family and community.
    - organsnyder 3y ago
      That's one thing that makes Bluey so special. The dad isn't perfect, but he's a really good father and husband.
      - twisteriffic 3y ago
        Also the emphasis on community. How Lucky's dad just rolls with it and joins in the game when Bandit steals his sandwich or football.
myspy 3y ago
We haven‘t watched Bluey yet but when my older kids were young we watched Sarah & Duck. We loved it because it‘s chill and relaxing and a little weird.
- RecentlyThawed 3y ago
  Sarah & Duck is such a nice change from the typical loud and fast action kids programming. Shaun the sheep is another good slower alternative though not always as calming
- darrmit 3y ago
  Sarah and Duck is a great show. We watched it all the time when my 11 year old was 5-6 and my now 5 year old has grown to love it as well. Agreed on the description - the instrumental music is relaxing and the mix between realism and complete fantasy (like when they go underwater or inside the ball machine) is a lot of fun.
- bjacokes 3y ago
  Sarah & Duck and Bluey are my favorite kids shows, but they're very different. S&D is more quiet and contemplative, whereas Bluey tends to be more playful and energetic. My daughter grew out of S&D and into Bluey at around age 4. I used to be frustrated that the parents in Bluey seem to have endless energy and attention to devote to their kids – at least with S&D, I didn't feel like there was such a lofty version of parenting with which to compare myself. But I've come to realize that the playful and fun dad in Bluey is a much better role model, for me personally, than the dads who are just sort of vanilla and kind (Daniel Tiger, Doc McStuffins), not to mention the dads who are just awful (Peppa Pig). Physical comedy, imaginary play, and committing to the bit, are all great for having fun while also connecting with young kids. Sarah and Duck obviously didn't teach my any of that, so it's been a useful change of pace as my daughter has gotten older.
  - nomdep 3y ago
    The unlimited energy becomes a little more realistic from season 2 onwards, but I was annoyed too, and maybe even felt guilty... prompting me to address those emotions. Totally on point for the show
xattt 3y ago
The last available episode, Cricket, is even more devastating. It shows what kind of sibling relationships can be in face of family situations that might be trying for kids, and how they come through for each other. I hope for my kids to have this kind of bond.
- jhot 3y ago
  Definitely one of my favorites and gets me emotional every time. I can only hope my kids have the same empathy and awareness as Rusty. The Grandad episode also hits hard as my parents age and I see them only a few times a year.
hiisukun 3y ago
There's another episode, called rain, that you might enjoy if you haven't seen it (and some of the sibling commenters might too). There's no dialog, and it's a beautiful balance of the frustration and wonder that comes with parenting.
- bknight1983 3y ago
  ‘Rain’ is special to me because I would do the same thing as a kid, just trodding along and trying to build a dam to hold the water back. My daughter and I do it now when we have a big rain storm
- larrymyers 3y ago
  Rain one of my favorite episodes. The amount of story packed into 8 minutes with just music and animation is so good.
madcaptenor 3y ago
I CANNOT WATCH THAT ONE, IT MAKES ME CRY. I just wish they'd say what the music is in the credits - my wife and I often hear something that's familiar but can't put our finger on what it is.
- willismichael 3y ago
  Most of the music in Sleepytime is Gustav Holst's Jupiter, though I'm not sure right off the top of my head whether that is used for the credits.
- konschubert 3y ago
  Sleepytime uses music from Holst’s “The planets”. In particular the piece called “Jupiter”. Just Google “holst Jupiter”.
  - madcaptenor 3y ago
    Yeah, I eventually figured that one out - I was actually familiar with the Holst but couldn't place it, so for a while I was just thinking "oh, I know this from somewhere"
    - xyzzy_plugh 3y ago
      Something something national geographic
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]
- mikestew 3y ago
  Though I agree that the songs should be listed in the credits, iOS has Shazam built-in now that Apple bought it, which will recognize songs ("hey Siri, what's this song?"). I'd be shocked if Android didn't have something similar.
  - konschubert 3y ago
Auracle 3y ago
As someone that had a job that took me away from my daughter too much, “The Quest” does me in. Also the infertility episode hit me like a truck that I didn’t see coming because we also dealt with that for years.
konschubert 3y ago
I’ve been trying to find out what the maker of Bluey, Joe Brunn, is up to now. Is there a new show coming? And does anyone know where I can buy an uncensored DVD or downloads collection?
- charlangas 3y ago
  Last I heard he said he wasn't planning to make a 4th season of Bluey. But it was worded in a way that made it sound like it wasn't ruling it out completely. One thing I admire about the show is that all the children actors' identities are a secret. No one outside of the show's team knows who voices Bluey and Bingo (other than the fact that they're the daughters of someone who works on the show), which probably affords those girls as much of a 'normal' life as possible, something that celebrity children wouldn't ever get to experience. That also makes me wonder if the reason we're not getting more than 3 seasons is that their voices will change. But man, I really hope he puts out more stuff, whether in the Bluey universe or elsewhere.
  - xyzzy_plugh 3y ago
    I read a conspiracy post about how the kids' voices were AI (clearly not) but the post also pointed out many examples of audio clips being recycled across episodes. I notice it while watching now, so I think you're on to something here. Conversely other shows have had many different voices actors without noticeable detriment by their targets audiences, such as Peppa Pig, discussed elsewhere here.
nightowl_games 3y ago
Yes! It's the romanticization of the routine of parenting. The music is so romantic and epic. I feel you!
IanCal 3y ago
> there are a lot of episodes that are actually art. Indeed, I can't emphasise enough just how much this is underplayed in: > One storyline contrasts the adult dogs struggling to construct flat-pack furniture while the children create their own adventure This is a short episode that's fun for kids to watch with some adventure and a bit of parents struggling to build some furniture. It also covers the evolution of life on the planet and futures beyond, growth, aging, letting your children go. It's like 5 minutes and entirely self contained, it's truly incredible.
- Bjartr 3y ago
  > some adventure and a bit of parents struggling to build some furniture. It also covers the evolution of life on the planet and futures beyond, growth, aging, letting your children go. It's like 5 minutes and entirely self contained, it's truly incredible. They crammed so much into so little time, it's truly impressive. That episode also depicts a religious creation myth with the parents as deities who provide materials that create the world and are depicted as gods in the kids' "cave paintings". It joins with the aging theme by having the raised deck where the parents are be where the kid playing the aging mother goes after her child moves on, complete with a blink and you miss it homage to Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" followed by the Dad saying "This is heaven" to close the episode.
  - IanCal 3y ago
    > They crammed so much into so little time, it's truly impressive. It is. I'm aware I'm gushing about it a lot but it's very impressive. It doesn't even feel rushed. To reiterate a point from earlier, this is all while being a fun thing for young children to watch.
- jboggan 3y ago
  To expand - most kid shows that adults can stand to watch are written to adults in some sly way that flies over the kids' heads. Often that adult targeted humor is something that kids have no context for (subtle sexual innuendo, pop culture references) - I think the 2016 "The Jungle Book" remake is a good example of this, with extended and funny references to Apocalypse Now and other mature films. But Bluey will have some innocuous fun episode and the subtle context is actually something about death, parental legacy, being an adult with a life predating your children, the pain of miscarriage, etc. I don't know how they pull off addressing those topics but they somehow do and it's magical.
tclancy 3y ago
I guess I better not mention there's a really nicely printed book version of "Sleepytime" then. https://www.bluey.tv/products/bluey-sleepytime/ https://www.bluey.tv/products/bluey-sleepytime/
- jboggan 3y ago
  Which my child demands almost every night and I struggle to not choke up when I get to the "because I love you" part.
jcul 3y ago
Sleepytime was the first full episode I watched, and it had me in tears.
fillskills 3y ago
For fans of Bluey, I would highly recommend a similarly positive Puffin Rock: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puffin_Rock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puffin_Rock It shows about a kid bird and her younger sibling exploring their island. It has supportive parents. Themes in the show are exploration, family ties, friendships, problem solving, independence etc.
- jcul 3y ago
  I'm Irish, but I've never heard of this. I was surprised to see it is an Irish production, and narrated by Chris O'Dowd! I guess my kids are a bit young and missed it. Same as how many people without kids in the appropriate age range may not have heard of bluey. Going to try it with my kids, thanks for the recommendation.
imp0cat 3y ago
Not just classical. There is an episode which has Futurama's "Pop a poppler in your mouth..." as a background music. But it could just be that the Poppler song is also based on some classical tune. ;)

dclowd9901 3y ago

My wife will run in from the other room to skip “Sleepytime” because she knows she’ll be bawling by the end of it if she even thinks about it. Does me the favor because I will be too. My endorsement of the show is that it feels like one of the great sitcoms like Cheers or Frasier, Golden Girls or Roseanne. The stories are never pandering or simple. You never quite know where they’re going to go with a plot line so when it lands, you’re often delightfully surprised or floored. Most kids shows seem like a low effort afterthought full of contrived vapid nonsense. As far as I’m concerned my kids can watch as much Bluey as they like and I’ll buy the shit out of their merch if it signals to other networks to get off their asses. Forgot to mention the animation in the show is absolutely some of the best I’ve ever seen in a cartoon. I really appreciate the way the show models real physics as things would be in the real world. One of my biggest pet peeves of kids shows is when they show something that is physically impossible (not for comedic purpose, just lazy storytelling). It’s basically just thumbing its nose at kids’ intelligence.

hdhfjkrkrme 3y ago
> Most kids shows seem like a low effort afterthought full of contrived vapid nonsense. Kids brain is not adult brain. You need a different kind of training material.
- dclowd9901 3y ago
  We’re not talking about the same thing here. Lots of kids shows don’t even try to make sense or have a cogent story. So not only are they insulting the intelligence of their audience, they’re also refusing to enrich their critical thinking skills at all. That’s the _other_ kind of kids show out there right now.
  - hdhfjkrkrme 3y ago
    Are cartoon physics insulting kids intelligence? Tom coming back 1 second after being blown up with dynamite makes sense? Maybe these kinds of cartoons are bad according to you. There it research that kids are more interested in stuff which is surprising (fixation period, ...) because that builds a model of how the world works, not the easily predicted stuff.
    - eesmith 3y ago
      > Are cartoon physics insulting kids intelligence? dclowd9901 already said the issue is when it's "just lazy storytelling". Pixar shows you can tell great stories with cartoon physics. You don't eat only sugar. You don't eat only carbs. You don't eat only protein. Your body needs a mix. Many people want their kids to have a healthy diet. Saying Nutella is a "sometimes food" is not the same as saying Nutella is "bad", or that it's a "never food." Tom & Jerry is a sometimes food. Other shows exercise a different range of critical skills. I was gobsmaked when I saw a clip from Mr. Rogers where Daniel Striped Tiger asks Lady Aberlin "What does assassination mean?", in a special episode created after the assassination of RFK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQv0ZtpRdNk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQv0ZtpRdNk And Mr. Rogers could tackle racism head-on, like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4recJ6qXyk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4recJ6qXyk in an era when blacks were prohibited or physically attacked for trying to go to "white" pools. Bluey could take on these sorts of topics for kids, in an age appropriate way. Tom&Jerry could not. Nor could Blippi, so it's not just cartoon physics that's the issue. But Mr. Rogers couldn't pull off the classic "coyote paints a picture in a wall, Road Runner enters the picture and speeds off into the distance, coyote tries and crashes into the wall" gag, nor should it. I don't think it's a good idea for kids to only watch Mr. Rogers-type shows either. > kids are more interested in stuff which is surprising Strange then that kids' cartoons are often so formulaic. "The Animal Mechanicals are sent to a new floating island to resolve a problem. The team comes up with a plan, and each team member gets to use their special abilities to help out. There are problems along the way, but they are resolved and everyone is happy at the end." "Something goes wrong. The Paw Patrol are called to help. Ryder comes up with a plan, the pups use their special abilities to help out. There are problems along the way, but they are resolved and everyone is happy at the end. Except for Mayor Humdinger."

hackernewds 3y ago

can I watch this episode adhoc, or do I need to watch the rest? emotional entertainment really gets me

yardstick 3y ago
You can watch it adhoc. Edit: Pretty much all the top Bluey episodes have a good emotional pull to them. See https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/mar/21/the-10-best-bluey-episodes-for-both-kids-and-parents-sorted https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/mar/21/the-10-best-...
- imp0cat 3y ago
  Aww, they missed Puppets, the most meta episode of them all about free will!
  - hackitup7 3y ago
    That was a weird dream!
dclowd9901 3y ago
I disagree a bit with the sibling commenter. This episode falls into about the second season of the show midway through. So putting yourself into that context: you’re watching something like 35 episodes of this show and it’s cute and wholesome and the stories are great, some with some emotional impact, but then you get to this episode and it just absolutely blindsides you. So, I think it will _make sense_ on its own, but I think it _really_ hits hard if 1) you weren’t expecting it and 2) if you have kids.
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]
- konschubert 3y ago
  I’ve seen the episode many times, but I don’t get what’s the blindside? Are you referring to how it references the fact that parents will eventually leave their kids when they die? That’s only mentioned indirectly by the mom, no? Is there a deeper story that I am missing?

monkeydreams 3y ago

'Sleepytime' ruins me whenever I watch it.

a_bonobo 3y ago

'Onesies' and 'Babyrace' are also highly emotional episodes. Onesies is, hidden for children, about the inability to conceive children, not being able to deal with your relatives' children; 'Babyrace' is about the doubt all parents have about their parenting ('You're doing great' is aimed directly at the audience)

twisteriffic 3y ago
'Chest' always hits me in the feels. Not subtle at all, but it works.
- konschubert 3y ago
  I really like the dynamic between the parents in this episode. Chilly clearly doesn’t think Bandits approach will work, but she lets him have a go. She stays around as an advocate for the other side, without sabotaging his attempt.
  - grepfru_it 3y ago
    Is that the episode when the kid has the phone and the parents are fighting in them background and the kids are oblivious to it but blueys dad is and makes them mute the sound? Then the other parents make peace and team up to get the phone back? So many episodes that all have great messaging for both child and parent.
    - konschubert 3y ago
      No, the episode you are referring to is called "facytime", I think. The one I am talking about is "chest"
awilfox 3y ago
Baby Race reduces me to tears every time.
- 3y ago

sspiff 3y ago

Of all the children's programming my children have watched, Bluey is by far the nicest for us (the parents) to watch or listen to, and has been the most enduring in terms of popularity with our kids. Similar to Peppa Pig, the scenarios are often recognizable in a family with young children, but they're generally funnier and the characters are more loveable. The animation style is a refreshing break from the bright colourful garbage most CGI studios seem to churn out on an assembly line. And like you said, they won't pick up bad ideas from the show.

rich_sasha 3y ago
As a dad, I used to like Peppa Pig, but now can barely stand it - as opposed to Bluey. Daddy Pig is fat, useless, convinced he's an expert in everything but failing every time. His parenting skills hover around 0, and always needs to be rescued, usually by Mummy Pig. So much for healthy co-parenting. Furthermore, Peppa is mean to her friends, who like her regardless, she always gets special treatment. I'm not saying there isn't a lot of good stuff in PP, there is for sure, but the issues above feature in every episode and they really get to me now.
- wizerdrobe 3y ago
  That’s virtually every sitcom and children’s cartoon, the father is a bumbling idiot. Talk about “toxic masculinity” … On the other had, I wonder if that is why I gravitated towards King of the Hill in my early years. Generally a positive male role model, competent, trying to do the right thing by his family and community.
  - organsnyder 3y ago
    That's one thing that makes Bluey so special. The dad isn't perfect, but he's a really good father and husband.
    - twisteriffic 3y ago
      Also the emphasis on community. How Lucky's dad just rolls with it and joins in the game when Bandit steals his sandwich or football.

myspy 3y ago

We haven‘t watched Bluey yet but when my older kids were young we watched Sarah & Duck. We loved it because it‘s chill and relaxing and a little weird.

RecentlyThawed 3y ago
Sarah & Duck is such a nice change from the typical loud and fast action kids programming. Shaun the sheep is another good slower alternative though not always as calming
darrmit 3y ago
Sarah and Duck is a great show. We watched it all the time when my 11 year old was 5-6 and my now 5 year old has grown to love it as well. Agreed on the description - the instrumental music is relaxing and the mix between realism and complete fantasy (like when they go underwater or inside the ball machine) is a lot of fun.
bjacokes 3y ago
Sarah & Duck and Bluey are my favorite kids shows, but they're very different. S&D is more quiet and contemplative, whereas Bluey tends to be more playful and energetic. My daughter grew out of S&D and into Bluey at around age 4. I used to be frustrated that the parents in Bluey seem to have endless energy and attention to devote to their kids – at least with S&D, I didn't feel like there was such a lofty version of parenting with which to compare myself. But I've come to realize that the playful and fun dad in Bluey is a much better role model, for me personally, than the dads who are just sort of vanilla and kind (Daniel Tiger, Doc McStuffins), not to mention the dads who are just awful (Peppa Pig). Physical comedy, imaginary play, and committing to the bit, are all great for having fun while also connecting with young kids. Sarah and Duck obviously didn't teach my any of that, so it's been a useful change of pace as my daughter has gotten older.
- nomdep 3y ago
  The unlimited energy becomes a little more realistic from season 2 onwards, but I was annoyed too, and maybe even felt guilty... prompting me to address those emotions. Totally on point for the show

xattt 3y ago

The last available episode, Cricket, is even more devastating. It shows what kind of sibling relationships can be in face of family situations that might be trying for kids, and how they come through for each other. I hope for my kids to have this kind of bond.

jhot 3y ago
Definitely one of my favorites and gets me emotional every time. I can only hope my kids have the same empathy and awareness as Rusty. The Grandad episode also hits hard as my parents age and I see them only a few times a year.

hiisukun 3y ago

There's another episode, called rain, that you might enjoy if you haven't seen it (and some of the sibling commenters might too). There's no dialog, and it's a beautiful balance of the frustration and wonder that comes with parenting.

bknight1983 3y ago
‘Rain’ is special to me because I would do the same thing as a kid, just trodding along and trying to build a dam to hold the water back. My daughter and I do it now when we have a big rain storm
larrymyers 3y ago
Rain one of my favorite episodes. The amount of story packed into 8 minutes with just music and animation is so good.

madcaptenor 3y ago

I CANNOT WATCH THAT ONE, IT MAKES ME CRY. I just wish they'd say what the music is in the credits - my wife and I often hear something that's familiar but can't put our finger on what it is.

willismichael 3y ago
Most of the music in Sleepytime is Gustav Holst's Jupiter, though I'm not sure right off the top of my head whether that is used for the credits.
konschubert 3y ago
Sleepytime uses music from Holst’s “The planets”. In particular the piece called “Jupiter”. Just Google “holst Jupiter”.
- madcaptenor 3y ago
  Yeah, I eventually figured that one out - I was actually familiar with the Holst but couldn't place it, so for a while I was just thinking "oh, I know this from somewhere"
  - xyzzy_plugh 3y ago
    Something something national geographic
deleted 3y ago
[deleted]
mikestew 3y ago
Though I agree that the songs should be listed in the credits, iOS has Shazam built-in now that Apple bought it, which will recognize songs ("hey Siri, what's this song?"). I'd be shocked if Android didn't have something similar.
- konschubert 3y ago

Auracle 3y ago

As someone that had a job that took me away from my daughter too much, “The Quest” does me in. Also the infertility episode hit me like a truck that I didn’t see coming because we also dealt with that for years.

konschubert 3y ago

I’ve been trying to find out what the maker of Bluey, Joe Brunn, is up to now. Is there a new show coming? And does anyone know where I can buy an uncensored DVD or downloads collection?

charlangas 3y ago
Last I heard he said he wasn't planning to make a 4th season of Bluey. But it was worded in a way that made it sound like it wasn't ruling it out completely. One thing I admire about the show is that all the children actors' identities are a secret. No one outside of the show's team knows who voices Bluey and Bingo (other than the fact that they're the daughters of someone who works on the show), which probably affords those girls as much of a 'normal' life as possible, something that celebrity children wouldn't ever get to experience. That also makes me wonder if the reason we're not getting more than 3 seasons is that their voices will change. But man, I really hope he puts out more stuff, whether in the Bluey universe or elsewhere.
- xyzzy_plugh 3y ago
  I read a conspiracy post about how the kids' voices were AI (clearly not) but the post also pointed out many examples of audio clips being recycled across episodes. I notice it while watching now, so I think you're on to something here. Conversely other shows have had many different voices actors without noticeable detriment by their targets audiences, such as Peppa Pig, discussed elsewhere here.

nightowl_games 3y ago

Yes! It's the romanticization of the routine of parenting. The music is so romantic and epic. I feel you!

IanCal 3y ago

> there are a lot of episodes that are actually art. Indeed, I can't emphasise enough just how much this is underplayed in: > One storyline contrasts the adult dogs struggling to construct flat-pack furniture while the children create their own adventure This is a short episode that's fun for kids to watch with some adventure and a bit of parents struggling to build some furniture. It also covers the evolution of life on the planet and futures beyond, growth, aging, letting your children go. It's like 5 minutes and entirely self contained, it's truly incredible.

Bjartr 3y ago
> some adventure and a bit of parents struggling to build some furniture. It also covers the evolution of life on the planet and futures beyond, growth, aging, letting your children go. It's like 5 minutes and entirely self contained, it's truly incredible. They crammed so much into so little time, it's truly impressive. That episode also depicts a religious creation myth with the parents as deities who provide materials that create the world and are depicted as gods in the kids' "cave paintings". It joins with the aging theme by having the raised deck where the parents are be where the kid playing the aging mother goes after her child moves on, complete with a blink and you miss it homage to Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" followed by the Dad saying "This is heaven" to close the episode.
- IanCal 3y ago
  > They crammed so much into so little time, it's truly impressive. It is. I'm aware I'm gushing about it a lot but it's very impressive. It doesn't even feel rushed. To reiterate a point from earlier, this is all while being a fun thing for young children to watch.
jboggan 3y ago
To expand - most kid shows that adults can stand to watch are written to adults in some sly way that flies over the kids' heads. Often that adult targeted humor is something that kids have no context for (subtle sexual innuendo, pop culture references) - I think the 2016 "The Jungle Book" remake is a good example of this, with extended and funny references to Apocalypse Now and other mature films. But Bluey will have some innocuous fun episode and the subtle context is actually something about death, parental legacy, being an adult with a life predating your children, the pain of miscarriage, etc. I don't know how they pull off addressing those topics but they somehow do and it's magical.

tclancy 3y ago

I guess I better not mention there's a really nicely printed book version of "Sleepytime" then. https://www.bluey.tv/products/bluey-sleepytime/ https://www.bluey.tv/products/bluey-sleepytime/

jboggan 3y ago
Which my child demands almost every night and I struggle to not choke up when I get to the "because I love you" part.

jcul 3y ago

Sleepytime was the first full episode I watched, and it had me in tears.

fillskills 3y ago

For fans of Bluey, I would highly recommend a similarly positive Puffin Rock: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puffin_Rock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puffin_Rock It shows about a kid bird and her younger sibling exploring their island. It has supportive parents. Themes in the show are exploration, family ties, friendships, problem solving, independence etc.

jcul 3y ago
I'm Irish, but I've never heard of this. I was surprised to see it is an Irish production, and narrated by Chris O'Dowd! I guess my kids are a bit young and missed it. Same as how many people without kids in the appropriate age range may not have heard of bluey. Going to try it with my kids, thanks for the recommendation.

imp0cat 3y ago

Not just classical. There is an episode which has Futurama's "Pop a poppler in your mouth..." as a background music. But it could just be that the Poppler song is also based on some classical tune. ;)