To say that Bluey is one of the most successful shows on streaming would be a grand and glorious understatement. Even after consuming billions of hours of content, fans are still barking for more.
As Disney and Ludo Studio enter a new partnership, the long-awaited fourth season is all but inevitable, but with over 150 episodes on Disney+, a Bluey binge might sound like a challenge (but it can be done), but here is just a small sampling of what fans should watch before Bluey's return.
"Camping" (Season 1, Episode 43)
Many would argue that Bluey's first season is a bit of a mixed bag. It's cute and cuddly, but it's still kinda finding its identity. However, "Camping" was one of the first instances where the kid gloves came off and viewers got slapped right in the feelings.
Bluey's brief friendship with the French-speaking Jean-Luc was one of the highlights of the entire series. Who would have thought that a simple family camping trip could give kids (and adults) such an emotional roller coaster? Perhaps the two will be reunited in the new season?
"Army" (Season 2, Episode 16)
Her name might be on the title, but Bluey doesn't need to star in the episodes to be great. Case in point, "Army" featuring Jack and Rusty. A game of soldiers explaining the perspective of neurodivergent kids was certainly not on our Bluey bingo cards.
The episode is just a taste of how Bluey's friends can carry the episodes with or without her. Both a fourth season and a full-length feature film are big jobs, and our girl will need all the paws she can get. This writer certainly wouldn't mind seeing more of Jack and Rusty in the foreground.
"Sleepytime" (Season 2, Episode 26)
If there is one Bluey episode that absolutely took the world by the throat, it's "Sleepytime." Incredible visuals, an emotional story, and a heartfelt message with minimal dialogue, set to an epic symphonic soundtrack, combine to give viewers an unforgettable experience.
Although other episodes have attempted to recreate this combination, "Sleepytime" retains its crown. The best way to truly understand what an impact this single episode had on the entire series is to simply go watch it for yourself.
"Unicorse" (Season 3, Episode 8)
If there is one recurring character fans can expect from season 4, it's Unicorse. An obnoxious unicorn puppet played by Bandit at his best certainly makes for a memorable addition to any episode.
While not exactly Shakespeare or "Sleepytime," "Unicorse" is basically a supplemental episode so that fans will get references later in season 4. Like the "Grannies" episodes or the miniseries, it helps keep the fandom in on the jokes.
"Fairytale" (Season 3, Episode 26)
"Do you believe in fairytales?" In this episode, we see how Chilli and Bandit met in a mystical land known as "the '80s." Not only does this adventure in the age of bright neon and cassette tapes give us some background on some of our favorite characters, but it reinforces how much of a role the adults play in the show.
It's been said that Bluey is made as much for adults as it is for their kids, and a story about mum and dad was definitely the way to go with that idea. It certainly wouldn't be out of pocket for Disney and Ludo to give us a sequel.
"The Sign" (Season 3, Episode 49)
This 28-minute-long special was where the show pulled out all the stops for an intensely emotional storyline that had even the most jaded parents crying in a corner. As Bluey and Bingo deal with the big changes involved with Aunt Frisky and Uncle Rad's wedding to moving to a new house, things get a little more intense than the average episode.
Bluey Creator Joe Brumm gave fans his absolute best when he delivered this masterpiece. The lesson about accepting change resonates with millions of viewers, and Bluey handled it like an absolute champ. Even if it did end up leaving us in a puddle with our feelings.
All these episodes and more can be found on Disney+ and ABC iView.