Bluey: An Underdog on Top

Young viewers of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will spot a new entry with a familiar face and tail. In fact, kids around the world could recognize the fifty-foot balloon as Bluey, star of the animated show that carries her name and follows the adventures of an energetic Australian blue heeler cattle dog.

Now in its third season on Disney+, Disney Junior and Disney Channel, Bluey was created by Joe Brumm and is produced by Ludo Studio for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and BBC Studios Kids & Family. The 2D-animated series has been widely praised for its gentle humor and subtle way of addressing topics such as family dynamics, growing up and, of course, Aussie culture.

Brumm, an Australian native, was an animator on the British series Charlie and Lola prior to creating Bluey. His industry influences are varied — they include Michael Dudok de Wit (the Dutch director of the 2016 feature The Red Turtle) and Trey Parker and Matt Stone (South Park). But he drew on his experiences as a dad of two daughters to dream up a friendly preschool show for an Australian audience.

"I love the moments when a great story point meets great artwork and then meets great music," he says. "In contrast, the toughest parts are keeping each episode unique. The story has to make me laugh, yet still be appropriate for kids and broadcasters. That is sometimes a challenge."

Why has Bluey become a global hit? "Kids find it funny, parents find it relatable and it has good stories," he says. "Then, on a technical level, every artist and musician put their all into it."

Brumm is moved by fan reactions to his big-hearted show. "I've heard from families in the midst of rough times who tell me the show brings a bit of laughter back into their houses," he says. "I've heard it helps pediatric doctors on the ward establish connections with the kids they treat. The doctors, nurses, patients and parents all stand around having a genuine conversation about their favorite episode!"

Does Brumm have any advice for those who hope to create their own animated hit? Actually, he has several bits to offer:

"Make sure you know every role in your production pipeline well. Don't be optimistic in your scheduling — it will take longer than you think. Make sure you yourself are ready to be a showrunner, as all questions will come to you. Finally, don't make something that's already been made, trust your taste — and make the show you'd want to see!"

This article originally appeared in emmy magazine issue #12, 2022, under the title, "An Underdog Lands on Top."