Bad Dog, Bluey: Parents Push Punishment Episode

Along with such classic characters as Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, Bluey has become one of the most treasured fictional entities on the planet. However, recent responses from her fan base might bring her down a step or two.

Three animated dog characters are playing in a lush garden. The blue dog on the left and the orange dog on the right are enthusiastically raising their arms. The central character, with a gray face, is dressed as a flower. They are surrounded by greenery, flowers, and even some muffin-shaped bushes. — Credit: Ludo Studio

To say that Bluey is one of the most wholesome and delightful series on streaming today would be a grand and glorious understatement. Yet recent reports state that it is becoming problematic for parents who cannot live up to the expectations set in the show.

A recent article from the UK’s iNews shared that the show is problematic for parents who cannot follow in Bandit and Chilli’s footsteps. As silly as it is to compare oneself to a pair of cartoon dogs, what’s even more troubling is that some parents are pushing for a punishment episode.

This Episode of Bluey is Called “Consequences”

A scene from the animated series "Bluey" shows Bluey taking a photo of her dad, Bandit, who looks tired. Bluey is sitting on Bandit's back, holding a toy bunny, while another toy bunny rests on Bandit's head. The background features toys and a shelf adorned with more beloved items from Bluey's world. — Credit: Ludo Studio

In case you haven’t tuned in to Disney+ or Disney Junior for the past six years, Bluey is an Australian animated children’s television series that follows the adventures of a playful blue heeler puppy named Bluey and her family. The show emphasizes imaginative play, family bonds, and the joy of childhood.

Because of that approach, the series has won international acclaim and has an audience of millions, including kids and parents. In short, it’s one of the most infectious creations to grace our screens.

Chilli, Bluey, and Bingo in the kitchen — Credit: Ludo Studio

One of the most common descriptors is that Bluey is a show about parenting that kids can watch, too, but some parents recently took issue with how things are handled in the show’s dog-inhabited version of Brisbane. In her recent article, iNews writer Allegra Chapman made the following statement.

“‘Bluey’ is the quintessential show of the gentle parenting era. The parents never shout, or punish. They are respectful of their children’s thoughts and ideas. They are never too busy for their kids, and they encourage Bluey and her younger sister Bingo to be their full selves. It’s beautiful and aspirational. And impossible to live up to.”

This isn’t the first time viewers have pointed the finger at gentle parenting, nor is it the first time someone has expressed a need for discipline in the Heeler household. Chapman goes on to add,

“Chilli is the more relatable of the parents. No moment of television has spoken to me like the episode where, as Bandit walks through the door, she thrusts the cooking utensils at him and announces, ‘I need 20 minutes where no one comes near me!’ But still, even when rattled, she remains patient with her children.”

“I, by contrast, sometimes lose my temper. Sometimes I shout. Sometimes I get tired and I don’t want to play. Sometimes (quite often, actually) I have to work.”

As more opinions and observations like this continue to sprout, the reality of a disciplinary episode directed at Bluey and Bingo becomes more and more possible. That’s not exactly the most wholesome image.

For Real Life?

Muffin barks at Bluey and Bingo — Credit: Ludo Studios

Inside the Magic has discussed the possibility of a punishment episode before, and multiple parents agree that the pups have it too easy. Even Muffin, the tiny terror that she is, rarely gets into serious trouble.

As developments point to longer episodes, as hinted by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, we might actually see a deeper episode addressing something like this. While Bluey and Bingo are good kids, they’re not perfect, and neither are their parents.

A collage of four animated images featuring cartoon dogs in playful scenarios. One dog has pink scribbles on its head, two dogs have colorful scribbles over their faces, and a blue dog looks excited with colorful scribbles around it while holding a muffin in the bottom right corner. — Credit: Ludo Studio

Although the episode “Faceytalk” does demonstrate Muffin dealing with the consequences of hogging the tablet (and later throwing Stripe’s phone in the pool), it’s an episode that’s primarily played for laughs. Does that mean parents should still take notes?

At the end of the day, Bluey might have several episodes directed more at parents than at kids, but that doesn’t mean Bandit and Chilli should replace any real moms and dads in the room. They’re the example, not the rule.

Bandit and Chilli might be iconic, but they are still just cartoon characters with a sea of adoring fans. It’s okay to want to be like them but impossible to embody them, and that’s okay.

Do you want to see Bluey and Bingo face the consequences of their actions? Tell Inside the Magic what you think in the comments below!