Spoilers for previously aired episodes of Bluey
Alright fellow parents and Bluey fans, who watched Sunday’s supersized episode “The Sign?” Thoughts? My kids were up at like 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, ready to put it on. The episode, which served as the show’s Season 3 finale, followed the surprise revelation at the very end of the previous one, “Ghostbasket,” that everyone’s favorite Heeler family was moving. Bluey has dealt with real-life issues before, including mortality and miscarriage, so moving out of their family home is a theme that you could totally see them addressing.
The premise of “The Sign” was Bluey is trying to stop her parents from selling their house as the rest of her family is trying to set up for Frisky and Uncle Radley’s wedding. The title refers to the For Sale sign outside of the home. There were a lot of callbacks to and payoffs from other episodes. The ending was so emotional that many people, myself and my kids included, cried watching it. Because of the unique nature of “The Sign” – it was 28 minutes instead of the usual seven minutes – and storyline payoffs, people immediately started worrying that this was also a series finale. Well, don’t fret! Bluey is not ending! The creators and cast are just taking a well-earned break.
Parents who watch the popular Disney+ series “Bluey” with their little ones had some big emotions when the latest super-sized episode hit the streaming service Sunday. “The Sign,” which at 28 minutes was about the length of four regular “Bluey” episodes, also had fans worried that the Heeler family’s possible move to a new house could have signaled the end of the beloved series after three seasons.
However, the final scene of “The Sign” makes it appear that the Heeler family is staying put – and producers have indicated to multiple news outlets that the adventures of Bluey and her family are far from concluded.
On the surface, “Bluey” purports to be a children’s show about a cartoon family of dogs living in Australia. And it is that, with its endless quirky hijinks delighting youngsters of all early ages. But the series produced in Brisbane, Australia, by Ludo Studio has also struck a nerve with parents who find themselves moved – often to tears – by the relatable situations and familial themes that arise in the series. “The Sign,” which premiered Sunday, is certainly no exception.
By now, those who have watched the episode know that the Heelers don’t appear to be on the move after all after Bandit – realizing that his family’s best life took place at that house – rips the sign from the yard before the credits roll.
Fortunately, this doesn’t appear to be the end of the Heeler family’s adventures. In fact, it may signal a momentous change in direction or scope for a show that has so far been defined by quick 7-minute episodes. While Disney+ declined to comment when reached Monday by USA TODAY, “Bluey” producer Sam Moore told BBC that “we have more in store and we are thinking what would be next.”
“No it is not the end for ‘Bluey,'” Moore said. “I’m sure we have many more surprises in store for you.”
‘Bluey’ executive producer Daley Pearson told the Los Angeles Times that the episode is something of a test to see how an audience responds to a longer format of the show, which debuted in 2019. He even hinted that a feature film could be on the horizon.
“It’s an episode about these very important things that these characters are going through,” Pearson told the LA Times. “It’s probably the biggest possible changes these characters have ever gone through. There’s a bit of experimental feel to it. Will it work? Will the audience stick with it? And I think it’s one of the most beautiful episodes we’ve made.”
I’m so relieved that Bluey isn’t ending but I am a little (selfishly) bummed that their hiatus is indefinite right now. I’m happy the creators are able to get a little R&R. I do hope they keep doing seven-minute eps, though. As we’ve talked about before, Bluey is one of the few tolerable children shows out there! Part of me is also a little sad wondering if my older son will be too old to want to watch it when it comes back. We first discovered it in early 2020 and have watched new episodes together as a family since then. Guess it’s time for a rewatch!
Alright, let’s nerd out about some of the stuff that happened during The Sign! Did you cry? I first teared up when they revealed that Aunty Brandy is finally pregnant! (Yes, Bluey has also touched on infertility.) And Winston’s dad isn’t lonely anymore! He moves in with the terriers’ mom, which is why he put his house with the swimming pool – the one that causes the buyers to back out of the deal with Bandit – up for sale! Also loved the full circle moment of seeing Greeny the balloon from “Mum School” float by and the sightings of Flappy the butterfly from “Slide.” Honestly, up until the very end, I was convinced that they were still going to move and bring Bluey’s adventures to another city. I went along on that emotional journey with all of them. My older son was sobbing so badly, tears streaming and all, that I had to go sit with him and hug him during the last 90 seconds or so. It was just a really fantastic episode of TV, and other creators can learn a lot from Bluey‘s simple, silly, and poignant approach.
It's absolutely crazy to have this air with all the other toddler shows, it's on such a different level pic.twitter.com/dSUzonZaKI
— Jon Cartwright (@JonComms) April 14, 2024
Bluey, Muffin and Bingo try to lift the sign🧡💙🤍✨#Bluey #BlueyTheSign pic.twitter.com/E01o3VYlcI
— ✨Jopla✨ (@Jop1a_) April 17, 2024
Just saw an episode of Bluey called “The Sign” that blew Oppenheimer out of the water.
— Simon Holland (@simoncholland) April 15, 2024
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