ABC’s Bluey renewed for second season after BVOD and international success
Australian animated children’s series Bluey has continued its success with ABC announcing its renewal for a second season.
The announcement comes as the show was took the crown for the most-watched program on ABC iview, collecting over 75 million plays and counting. In 2019 alone it has broken its own iview record, with 55 million program plays so far compared to 21 million plays in 2018.
Created by Joe Brumm, Bluey is produced for Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS and is co-commission by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios. The show is financed in association with Screen Australia and 100% created, written, animated and post produced in Brisbane with funding from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.
Usually when I rant about TV ratings (mostly overnight and 5 cap cities) 1 million is considered a great score. But in the background and away from traditional metrics the Aus-made cartoon Bluey just passed 75 MILLION plays to become the number 1 EVER show on ABC iView. #GoodDog! pic.twitter.com/GET9wQwZOB
— Scott Ellis (@blahblahellis) May 15, 2019
Bluey has been a success story for ABC. Since its launch in October 2018, the show is set to be distributed internationally after rating well with US and UK audiences. Ludo Studio is currently in the process of finding an international partner and the creators have said they won’t allow the show to be re-dubbed with US or UK accents, instead choosing to retain the Australian voice actors for international versions.
The second series of Bluey, which follows the story of a family of cattle dogs, will see the show return to what Australian audiences love – Bluey and her sister Bingo interacting with their family and friends.
Charlie Aspinwall, Bluey executive producer, said the team have been amazed by the way viewers have responded to the show.
“The first series was a massive effort from our talented and dedicated young team. We’ve all been amazed and overwhelmed by how Australians have taken Bluey into their hearts and we’re totally stoked to be making another fifty-two brand new episodes,” said Aspinwall.
The commercial success of the show has expanded beyond television, with BBC Studios partnering with Penguin Random House earlier this year to release three books in time for Christmas 2019.
Libbie Doherty, acting ABC head of children’s television, said the broadcaster was thrilled to be able to offer the show to viewers.
“The phenomenal success of Bluey is a testament to the incredible creative vision of the Ludo team and we can’t wait to share the new adventures in series two with Australian kids and their families,” said Doherty.
“Australians – young and old, with kids and without kids have embraced Bluey, Bingo, Chilli and Bandit, and ABC KIDS is thrilled to be able to offer them more of this warm and funny series next year.”
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Henrietta Hurford Jones, director of children’s content and BBC Studios, said the show has been a massive commercial success.
“Bluey is a series with huge heart, warmth and humour that offers a modern and authentic look at family life – and it has taken Australia by storm. The response from global clients has also been phenomenal and we think it will be embraced by audiences worldwide. We can’t wait to introduce the world to this Blue Heeler family who will clearly resonate everywhere,” said Hurford Jones.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Plaszczuk said the second season of the show would create 40 jobs in the state and inject close to $6m into the local economy.
“The Queensland Government, through Screen Queensland, is very proud to be one of the many partners supporting the growth of Ludo Studio, and the creation of this Queensland story, showcasing our beautiful landmarks and lifestyle to global audiences young and old,” said Plaszczuk.
Series two of Bluey will debut on ABC KIDS and ABC KIDS iview in 2020 with 52 x 7-minute episodes.
Great content with a great message around imagination for kids. Wonderful Aussie success story, keep it up ABC.
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Exceptional show. Deserves all the success it gets.
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We all love the show here, though confused by you saying “series 2” since i thought season 2 had just finished, or was that season 1b ?
Either way glad to hear there is 52 new EPs coming next year. Can’t wait.
I hope they release it on DVD soon.
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This show makes my smile. Every time the intro theme comes on my kids get up and dance and sing along and they can never quite hit the timing of the name callouts. Congratulations to all involved!!
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I’ve watched all the episode of Bluey! I’m not from Australia, but I love this show so much. Can’t wait for the second season to come out ?.
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I am absolutely in love with this show. From San Francisco and saw it for the first time with my 2 year old this weekend. We are all obsessed. I cried during one scene. Just lost my father and seeing the family dynamic here makes me want to be an amazing dad to my little man. If you are reading this creators, thank you!!
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I’ve been watching this show with my kids (4&5) and we love it, so funny and great story lines. So glad they kept the original voices too.
We live in Ireland, and we’re so glad theres more shows coming.
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