Credit: Ludo StudiosIn many ways, the field of children’s TV has undoubtedly changed over the past few decades, and arguably not for the better. Leave it to Bluey and the rest of the Heelers to set the gold standard for kids’ cartoons.
At this point in the game, it’s hard to find anyone who isn’t somewhat familiar with Bluey, especially since it became such a big hit in the States, thanks to Disney+ and Disney Junior. With iconic episodes like “Sleepytime” and “Stickbird” resonating with parents as much as kids (if not more), it should come as no surprise that the show has absolutely trounced the competition.
Related: ‘Bluey’ Thrown in the Disney Vault, Episode Stirs Debate
In the most recent Nielsen ratings, Bluey was recognized as one of the most streamed shows this year, and its popularity continues to grow as it lands at the top of the Nielsen list for January 2024. Not only that, but it is destroying some of its biggest competition.
Bluey Buries CoComelon
Of all the shows that have young viewers glued to the TV screen, CoComelon has earned the ire of parents on both its YouTube channel and TV show, earning it the moniker of “crack for kids.” However, the overstimulating CGI nursery rhyme nightmare has just met its match, as Bluey’s top dog status buries it in the streaming wars.
A recent report from Bloomberg shared that Bluey smashed through the ratings with its latest episodes and became the most-watched paid-streaming show, while CoComelon can barely keep its head above water. The official statement reads,
“Bluey! The Australian animated series has supplanted CoComelon as the most popular kids show on streaming. It benefits from tonnage; there are more than 150 episodes of the show. But it’s still more popular than long-running shows like Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS and Young Sheldon…”
While it’s certainly satisfying to see something like Bluey rise to the top of the heap, especially over something with the reputation CoComelon has acquired, some viewers and consumers might be asking why.
For Real Life?
You could write an entire academic treatment as to why Bluey works and resonates so well with its viewers of all ages, but a core element that very few series seem to have grasped is the sense of reality that comes with each colorful episode. The show and its subject matter treat the viewers like an audience rather than toddlers in need of stimulation.
Related: Disney Unleashes ‘Bluey’, “Crotch Shots” and Groin Jokes Galore
The show relies not only on imaginative storytelling skills but also a level of emotional maturity that helps develop its young audience while also reaching out to the parents in the room. It’s safe to say that something of CoComelon’s caliber might find that more than a little difficult.
Fans looking for more adventures with Bluey, Bingo, and the rest of their canine crew from Brisbane can get their binge on with over 150 episodes ready for streaming.
Are there any big Bluey buffs in your family? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!