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Australian series Bluey to stream on Disney+ thanks to BBC and Disney partnership

BBC Studios has announced a partnership with Disney which will see Australian created and produced children’s show, Bluey, air globally on Disney Junior and Disney+.

The first two series of the show will stream on Disney’s platform in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand and Greater China and premiere internationally on Disney Junior from late 2019.

Australian company Moose Toys has also been named as the show’s global master toy partner.

Disney Channels Worldwide senior vice president, consumer insights and programming strategy, Jane Gould, said Bluey fit in perfectly with Disney’s family-focused viewing.

“The power of family is a cornerstone of Disney storytelling, and the warmth and authenticity of Bluey’s family dynamic is what first captured our interest in the show,” said Gould.

“Bluey reminds us all of our own families, and it plays out the small but emotionally epic dramas of day-to-day life in surprising, heartfelt and very funny ways that will engage children and parents alike. We’re excited to introduce Bluey and her family to our audiences across the world on our multiple platforms.”

Charlie Aspinwall, executive producer for Bluey maker Ludo Studio, said the partnership with Disney and Moose Toys was a dream come true.

“Dreams do come true. Partnering with Disney and Moose Toys is everything we hoped for Bluey and way more. We can’t wait for kids and families around the world to fall in love with this special show.”

The Moose Toys range will be available in Australia in time for Christmas 2019 and in the US and other regions in 2020.

Henrietta Hurford-Jones, Director of Children’s Content at BBC Studios said: “Bluey has bowled people over with its warmth, energy and humour. The way the show celebrates brilliantly observed moments of contemporary family life, role play and imagination has struck a chord with everyone who has watched the first series on the ABC and I can’t wait for Bluey and family to meet the rest of the world.”

The partnership announcements come after it was revealed earlier this year that Bluey had been renewed for a second season and had set streaming records for ABC iview in its short time on the platform.

Created by Joe Brumm, Bluey follows the adventures of a lovable and inexhaustible six-year- old Blue Heeler puppy who lives with her dad, mum and four-year- old little sister, Bingo.

The series is the most-watched program on ABC iview with over 90 million plays according to OzTAM data. It’s also current the number one children’s series of 2019 on metro broadcast television.

Bluey is produced by the Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS and is co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios. Both series received production support from the Australian Government through Screen Australia, and Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.

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