Some of the bittersweet lessons learned inBlueytug a bit harder on the heartstrings and resonate deeply with me. The animated Australian series has earned acclaim from audiences and critics alike for incorporating life lessons in each episode that both children and adults can benefit from, so it’s no surprise that, as an adult, I’ve felt seen by certain episodes.
What makesBlueysuch an emotionally rewarding series is its balance of comedy and tragedy.Of course, the series is still aimed at young children, butBlueyisn’t afraid to get deep, touching on the topics of loss, self-esteem, infertility, and big life changes.Blueyis an easy series to rewatchthanks to its feel-good quality andthe charming Heeler family dynamics, but certain episodes hit too close to home and are ones I don’t revisit as often.
10"Dragon"
Season 3, Episode 43
SeveralBlueyepisodes highlight significant moments inBandit and Chilli’s respective childhoods, providing a storyline that’s likely to resonate with older audiences.An episode that does this well is “Dragon.” The episode follows the family of four as they sit around a table drawing scenes from a made-up, adventurous story about finding a dragon. Bluey is self-conscious about her initial sketch of the dragon, prompting Chilli to recall critical moments in both her and Bandit’s childhood revolving around their art skills.
The tearful goodbye Chilli has at the end with the spirit of her mom is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
In the flashback to Chilli’s childhood, she’s having trouble drawing a “perfect” horse.However, her artistic abilities keep improving over the years thanks to her mom’s encouraging words. What’s so great about “Dragon,” and why it’s an episode I’ll only return to for a good cry, is it perfectly encapsulates the way the words and actions of a deceased loved one can impact us forever. The tearful goodbye Chilli has at the end with the spirit of her mom is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
9"Space"
Season 3, Episode 34
There are quite a few interpretations of season 3’s “Space,” in which three of Bluey’s classmates are playing pretend.Jack, Rusty, and Mackenzie act as though they are traveling through space on a rocket, but the latter continuously distances himself from the group. Audiences witness an incident from Mackenzie’s childhood through a flashback where he thought he had lost his mother. The experience was traumatic for the young Mackenzie, and it’s clear it still affects him to this day.
What often brings me to tears in “Space” is the reminder Mackenzie receives from his teacher, Calypso, telling him he’s okay now and there’s no need to return to the painful memory.Trauma, in nearly all forms, is frequently addressed inBluey, but this episode hits the hardest for me.Calypso’s message is simple and effective and is something worth holding onto, no matter one’s age.
8"Yoga Ball"
Season 1, Episode 16
In “Yoga Ball,” Bandit is working from home and is persuaded by his kids to take breaks and play with them. During playtime, Bandit happens to play with Bingo a bit too rough for her liking, as he forgets she’s younger and smaller than Bluey.Audiences see Bingo upset throughout the episode, but she keeps these feelings to herself until Chilli gives her the courage to use her voice.In this episode, I see a bit of my younger self in Bingo.
As a quiet kid, I too struggled to find the courage to use my voice to advocate for what I needed.
his feeling is often isolating, and it’s heartbreaking to see Bingo quietly hurting.However, the reminder of the strength of one’s voice can be appreciated by adults as well. Whether it’s used to stand up for yourself or others, one’s voice is a powerful tool, and “Yoga Ball” reminds us of this.
7"Camping"
Season 1, Episode 43
Different phases in life bring about new friends and the likelihood of parting ways with old ones.“Camping” captures such a predicament when Bluey becomes quick friends with fellow camper Jean-Luc while on a camping trip with her family. The two don’t speak the same language, but they manage to create a bond that Bluey is under the impression will last forever. Therefore, when Jean-Luc leaves early with his family, Bluey is devastated.
Chilli’s words when comforting Bluey hit too close to home, inciting a far greater emotional response from me than I was prepared for the first time I watched “Camping.“Chilli reminds the confused and sad Bluey of the harsh reality that not all friendships are meant to last.While it’s an unfortunate reality many have had to deal with, especially as kids, the heartbreak that comes from parting ways with friends can be subdued by reflecting on all the good times had with them.
Season 2, Episode 27
The tearful ending to “Grandad” makes me emotional with every rewatch.The episode isn’t as much about Bluey and Bingo’s relationship with Grandad, or Mort, and instead follows Chilli around as she tries to get her father to slow down and rest during his surgery recovery. To Chilli’s dismay, her father is adamant about chasing around his grandchildren as he feels the decision to rest should be up to him.
Anyone with a similarly close relationship with an older relative is sure to be touched by the episode’s story and the final moments with Mort and Chilli sitting beside one another.
“Grandad” quickly becomes anepisode ofBlueythat’s guaranteed to make parents cryafter Chilli confesses the reason she’s worried about her father’s health is because she still needs him.Out of all ofBluey’s most heartfelt episodes about family, “Grandad” sums up my feelings about my loved ones nearly perfectly.Anyone with a similarly close relationship with an older relative is sure to be touched by the episode’s story and the final moments with Mort and Chilli sitting beside one another.
5"Rain”
Season 3, Episode 18
There’s hardly any dialogue in season 3’s “Rain,” but there’s plenty to love about the episode.Taking place on a rainy day, Bluey’s outdoor activities are accompanied by a moving score.The majority of the episode’s tone is lighthearted as Bluey thinks of different ways to prevent a stream of water from running down the front pathway. Chilli is visibly aggravated by Bluey’s actions as she is leaving water footprints in the house.
The episode takes an emotional turn when Chilli sits down and realizes what Bluey has been doing this whole time.The two share a sweet moment when Chilli puts aside her desire to stay dry and keep the house clean and plays along with Bluey in the rain. As an older sibling, I see a lot of myself in Chilli, as there’s always been a need within me to contain any chaos. “Rain” is a much-needed reminder to let loose and have fun. Cleaning can always be saved for a later time.
4"The Sign”
Season 3, Episode 49
With a rare nearly 30-minute runtime,“The Sign” features several emotional momentsthat reach those beyond the series' core fan base.The majority of the episode sees the Heelers preparing for a wedding in the family while simultaneously dealing with the mix of emotions that come after it’s announced they’ll be putting their house up for sale and moving to another city. Though the series' writers cleverly address each Heeler family member’s feelings about the big move, it is Bluey who is seen struggling the most.
10 Bluey Moments That Are Absolutely REAL To Parents
The international phenomenon Bluey may be a kids’ show, but there are so many little moments in it that resonate specifically with parents.
Numerous episodes before “The Sign” centered around change and the need to adapt to a new situation.However, this episode ofBlueypresents the lesson to kidsthe best, emphasizing the inevitability and excitement regarding big life changes. Refreshingly, the adults in this episode are also unsure of what the future holds, which I find to be a comforting idea as I get older.
3"See Saw"
Season 2, Episode 28
In one of the moreunderrated episodes ofBluey, audiences are treated to a few different important lessons.“See Saw” follows a day at the park where Pom Pom feels inadequate due to her size and sits out playing Bluey and Bingo’s games. Bandit takes notice of this and sits at the opposite end of a seesaw, prompting the girls to gather many of their friends to weigh down their side of the board to lift their dad successfully.
Pom Pom ends up being a crucial component in the friends' plan, and it’s difficult to avoid tearing up at her victorious celebration.The feeling of not being good enough is something many kids have had to deal with —myself included.Though it’s much easier to navigate such a feeling as an adult, it’s something that still pops up in life occasionally, meaning the lessons learned in “See Saw” will forever hit home.
2"Charades"
Season 2, Episode 11
Like mostBlueyepisodes, “Charades” starts with an amusing storyline before ending on a bittersweet note.The episode sees Bluey and Bingo spending a day at their Nana’s house with their younger cousins playing the titular guessing game.Being younger, cousins Muffin and Socks aren’t able to comprehend the rules of the game quite as easily. To ensure everyone has a fun time, Nana bends the rules, playing along with Muffin, who has already revealed the ballerina on her card.
Throughout the episode, we see Nana making sacrifices for her grandkids, something grandparents are known for doing —mine included.The moment in “Charades” that never fails to bring tears to my eyes is when Nana recalls her own grandmother, detailing the kindness she showed and the similar sacrifices she made. It’s an act of love one cannot fully appreciate at Muffin’s age, but it’s a bittersweet feeling to revisit childhood memories and notice the little things your grandparents did to make you happy.
1"Flat Pack"
Season 2, Episode 24
“Flat Pack” is an episode ofBlueyappreciated for its symbolism and many layers.The episode starts with Chilli and Bandit struggling to assemble furniture as Bluey and Bingo use the packaging as props during imaginative play. The sisters play out evolution, with Bluey pretending to be Bingo’s mother. The two wrap up their play by sending Bingo off on her own imaginary adventure, leaving Bluey to question what’s next for her now that her job of “raising” Bingo is done.
The episode ends with Bluey joining her parents on the porch swing as they all watch Bingo from a distance.The imagery is sure to strike a chord with parents, but its impact goes beyond those who have raised children.For me, the ending provides a comforting sentiment. The idea that parental figures continue to look over you when they’re no longer physically by your side —in the afterlife or from a distance as you step out into the world— brings a lot of peace.
