By little exaggeration, Bluey has one of the biggest fanbases in our current culture. So much so that even the grownups in the audience are quickly surpassing the series' intended audience of young viewers.
We could spend all day talking about why fans love the show, but something has changed in the past season, and we might see a repeat of this phenomenon as season four peers its head around the corner. Bluey might be the name on the marquee, but her sister might be stealing the show out from under her.
This episode of Bluey is called "Bingo!"
Bluey still has a big role to play in the show; it's still hers, after all. However, vigilant viewers will notice that more and more episodes are featuring her with more of a supporting role than the primary fixture. In fact, out of the 50 episodes in the show's third season, only nine feature Bluey in a central role.
Don't get us wrong here, Bluey plays really well with others, and sometimes it's better when she allows her friends to take the spotlight. However, this writer can't help but notice Bingo getting more character development as the story progresses.
We've seen Bingo cope with bullying ("Bin Night"), learn how to be bold and undertake a quest ("Curry Quest"), and even form a meaningful friendship with a new character ("Lila"). Prior to "The Sign," the last time we saw Bluey get this kind of development might have been "Double Babysitter" in season two.
As Ludo Studios prepares to drop season four and Bluey creator Joe Brumm works tirelessly on the upcoming Bluey movie, Bingo might go toe to toe with her sister and possibly steal her crown. Of course, a lot can happen between now and then.
In this writer's opinion, Bluey will always be the star of the show, but she truly does work better when she doesn't hog the screen (like Muffin). Whether that's by giving Bingo a little more limelight or even characters like Mackenzie or Lucky's Dad, viewers are still in for an animated emotional powerhouse.
All of Bluey and Bingo's episodes can be streamed on Disney+ and ABC iView.