The Australian animated cartoon, “Bluey,” was the most streamed show in America in 2024, with 56 billion watched minutes. According to Nielsen, a global leader in audience insights, data, and analytics, the show was just shy of the all-time record of 58 billion minutes set by “Suits” in 2023. The Nielsen numbers reveal a huge leap for “Bluey,” which never fell off the top ten in streaming charts and announced a full-length movie would hit theaters in 2027.
The show’s skyrocketed due to its ability to reach both kids and adults. “Bluey” never talks down to its audience, and it always has a purpose that is meaningful and digestible for viewers of all ages. The show’s vibrant colors and diverse soundtrack are guaranteed to entertain kids, but the deeper levels of the content have even adults celebrating new “Bluey” episode releases. There are many reasons why it’s so popular among many demographics and why it has earned its place among the best TV shows of 2024.
Bluey’s sense of humor is intelligent and hilarious. So much of modern children’s television can come across as annoying, especially to adults, when shows talk down to their audience or because the content is shallow and lifeless. “Bluey,” however, is genuinely funny. It makes many winks to adults about funny human experiences, and it doesn’t pander to the viewers. Some of these jokes may fly over the heads of kids, but they’ll land perfectly with the adult audience.
“Bluey” doesn’t shy away from real-world problems, either. It showcases many issues that can be common for adults and children, such as parents not knowing all the answers when it comes to parenting, and having to say goodbye to someone you love. These examples convey a message many need to hear or find comfort in. “Bluey” makes it clear that it’s okay to not have all the answers when it comes to parenting, and that sometimes special people will leave, but that’s okay, as the time you spend with them can help you grow as a person.
Most importantly, the characters in “Bluey” aren’t perfect. The show portrays realistic human interactions, relationships, and experiences. In season one, episode “Verandah Santa,” Bluey gets frustrated when her cousin bites her and purposely excludes her from games. This shows a realistic reaction to how a six-year-old may handle such a situation. You and the people around you can get angry, upset, sad, or frustrated, and that’s okay. Real people feel real emotions, and Bluey teaches viewers how to handle such emotions when they occur.
Though it might seem like just a silly cartoon about a family of dogs, “Bluey” truly holds deep and emotional meanings. It’s become a comfort show for people of all ages across the globe, and it rightfully claimed its spot as the most streamed show in America in 2024.
