Bluey has managed to become extremely popular among both children and their parents, and there are a number of fascinating behind-the-scenes details that make the show even better. The Australian animated show, originally aimed at preschoolers, is now a global phenomenon with millions of viewers of all ages tuning in to learn the life lessons that the Heeler family has to teach. Its heart-warming family dynamics and lovable characters have earned the show lots of praise and a solid spot in TV history.
Given how popular Bluey has become, it is interesting to learn what went into creating it in the first place and all that goes on behind the scenes. Luckily, the cast and crew have been quite open about what it takes to create such a massive hit, allowing viewers to learn more about this beloved show. Some of the information that has been revealed gives viewers a deeper understanding of who the characters are and how massive the show truly has become.
12 Bandit Is An Archaeologist
A surprisingly popular fan theory suggested that the beloved and relatable parents from Bluey were actually international criminals. While this would have made for some interesting storylines, the only confirmed career of Bandit Heeler is archeology. His job choice is a clever reference to him being a dog and enjoying digging up bones.
11 Chilli Works In Airport Security
Chilli’s career choice is also one that fits her well, as she is a sniffer dog. She works in airport security part-time and stays at home with Bluey and Bingo the rest of the time. According to the official Bluey site, Chilli also enjoys playing hockey, going on adventures, and spending time with her sister.
10 Bluey Was Created To Be An Australian Version of Peppa Pig
According to The Independent, Joe Brumm wanted to create a show that was similar to Peppa Pig but had a more Australian feel. He also shared with The Hollywood Reporter that his initial idea was to create an R-rated retelling of Peppa Pig, using the grammar of the show but showing the realities of parenting. He explained that he had written the script for it and would like to revisit it one day. He also revealed that the writers touched on it a bit in season 2, episode 50, “Baby Race” but in a more G-rated manner.
9 The Pilot Was Only A Minute Long & Never Actually Aired
In the same The Hollywood Reporter interview, Brumm explained what the original pilot episode entailed. He said that it was only one minute long and was based on his own daughters constantly asking him to push them on the swings “all the way around“. In the original pilot, Bluey is asking Bandit to do the same, and he ultimately swings her all the way around the top bar. Since it made it seem as if Bandit was being unsafe with his child, the scene never aired.
8 The Show Is Based On It’s Creator’s Own Two Daughters
The pilot episode is not the only part that was based on Brumm’s own life. According to The Guardian, Brumm carefully observed the games his daughters were able to come up with using their imagination. He wrote them into Bluey and explained that the games were “so weird and bizarre and idiosyncratic, and those memories get lost in the sands of time“. Luckily for Brumm and viewers, these childhood games are now captured through Bluey.
7 A Number of Episodes Have Been Banned Or Censored
Although the show is mostly innocent, there have been some Bluey episodes that have been banned and censored for a number of different reasons. Some, for example, were deemed to be setting a dangerous example for children, and others were edited for sillier reasons, like talking about feces. Most instances of editing or removing scenes were due to the show being added to Disney+ and needing to meet their strict content guidelines.
However, there was one scene that was removed globally because of intense backlash. This is season 3, episode 29, “Exercise”. In it, Bandit can be seen weighing himself and being unhappy with the results. The episode garnered a lot of controversy, as concerned parents felt that it was spreading ideas of fat-shaming and negative body image talk.
6 Audiences Do Not Know Who Voices Bluey and Bingo
While viewers know who is behind Bandit and Chili, they do not know who voices Bluey and Bingo. The show’s crew decided to keep the voice actors for Bluey and Bingo anonymous in order to protect their privacy. All that has been revealed about them is that they are the children of people on the show’s production crew. This decision has been widely praised, especially considering the dangers well-known child actors face.
5 The Voice Actors Behind Chilli And Bandit Didn’t Meet In Person For Four Years
Another fascinating piece of information about the voice actors involved with Bluey is that some of them were not able to meet in person for four years. According to an interview on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, the two actors, David McCormack and Melanie Zanetti, actually met for the first time in person when they both traveled to New York City for the appearance. This is because they record separately, and Zanetti travels a lot for work.
4 The Show’s Producer Thinks People Mistaking Bluey For A Boy Is A “Happy Accident”
According to New Idea, the show’s producer, Daley Pearson, does not mind the confusion regarding whether Bluey is a boy or a girl. He seems to welcome it, saying “I hesitate to correct people, especially kids, that say ‘I really love him. I think kids see what they want to see. They want to be Bluey, so if they’re a boy, they see themselves… I think it was a bit of a happy accident.” So although it has been confirmed that Bluey is, indeed, a girl, Pearson is completely fine with viewers thinking whatever they like.
3 Several Celebrities Are Fans Of The Show & Have Made Appearances
Considering Bluey‘s massive popularity, it is no surprise that there are a number of celebrities who are fans of it as well. Stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Robert Irwin, Eva Mendes, Natalie Portman, Anthony Field, and many more have all expressed that they are fans of the show. So much so, that they were all willing to make voice cameos on it throughout the seasons.
2 Chilli Was On The Cover Of One Of Australia’s Biggest Fashion Magazines
In addition to being a mom and working in airport security, Chilli also seems to have been dabbling in fashion modeling. She was the cover star of the February 2023 issue of InStyle, one of Australia’s biggest fashion magazines. The cover features a still from season 1, episode 26 “On The Beach”, where Chilli is lying in the sand.
1 The Bluey Album Has Topped The Australian Charts
Bluey is just breaking records left and right, it seems, and some of them aren’t even related to the show itself. The show’s soundtrack managed to hit number 1 on the Aria Album charts in 2021, beating out several popular Australian artists. The show’s composer, Joff Bush, shared with The Guardian that this accomplishment “shows how loved Bluey is as a show, and how parents love it too.“
Sources: Bluey, Independent, The Hollywood Reporter, New Idea, The Guardian
