'Bluey' Faces Backlash After New Muffin Episode

Disney+ subscribers were treated to not one but seven new Bluey minisodes this week, and it’s safe to say our favorite cartoon dog is back in action. However, did the creators rip the curtain back on one of its young performers?

The new miniseries from Ludo Studio consists of short vignettes featuring Bluey, Bingo, and the rest of the show’s colorful cast of characters. However, the minisode “Muffin Unboxing” caused a bit of a stir as the studio called out kids involved in YouTube culture.

Related: Is That all? Why Some ‘Bluey’ Minisodes Aren’t on Disney+ (Yet!)

This isn’t the first time Bluey has tackled the subject of kids depending too much on technology like tablets and TV, but the show is also known for taking a few jabs at parents on occasion. Influencer and Bluey buff Aussie Girl Margie further details how the show might be undoing some of its reputation.

This Episode of Bluey is Called “Exploitation”

“Muffin Unboxing” is a blatant and obvious parody of kid-centric and toy-centric influencer content, and Muffy is delightfully unhinged as she (and her parents) tear into a toy dump truck. However, Aussie Girl Margie points out that seeing young characters portrayed in a fictional social media realm might come off as a touch hypocritical, given how protective Ludo is of its child actors.

Related: ‘Bluey’ Love Story Confirms Mature Season 4

That said, this writer wholeheartedly agrees with the idea that this episode is more of a satirical look at YouTube/influencer parents, as Stripe and Trixie are clearly trying to be. It’s also not the first time Bluey has held a mirror up to some questionable parenting techniques that some viewers might practice.

The show is notorious for handling surprisingly mature subject matter, but the ethics of child influencers and social media platforms like YouTube is something of a wildcard. However, this minisode confirmed something Inside the Magic had predicted long ago.

Muffin Steals the Show

Eagle-eyed viewers will have already noticed Bluey herself seems to be taking a backseat to let some of the side characters, like her sister and parents, take center stage. We’ve seen a good handful of Bingo-focused episodes, but Muffin seems to seize control.

Not only does this one feature Muffin in the title and lead role, but Bluey herself is nowhere to be found. Judging by the responses to the video above, it won’t be the last time the series takes this route.

Related: ‘Bluey’ Changes Direction, Follows Disney’s Lead

Of all the show’s beloved cast of cartoon dogs, Muffin is perhaps the most realistic character of the bunch. She’s loud and destructive, throws tantrums, and wears all her emotions on her sleeve like any toddler would.

Both Muffin and her family represent a more realistic approach to the animated family model seen in the show. As much as parents try to be Chilli and Bandit parenting Bluey and Bingo, many are much more like Stripe and Trixie, raising little balls of chaotic energy.

Do you think this is the right take for Bluey to make? Tell Inside the Magic in the comments below.