The United States is discovering Bluey and it’s safe to say Americans are falling in love with the animated Aussie TV show.
The behemoth that is ABC juggernaut Bluey has become a worldwide phenomenon, based on a family of heelers featuring mum Chilli, dad Bandit, sister Bingo and the eponymous Bluey.
Three seasons and 151 episodes, the show has tried its hand at cricket and has once again left grown adults in tears.
Now Bluey episodes have been released on streaming services in the US and American viewers are hailing the “Cricket” episode as some of the best television ever made.
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The ‘Cricket’ episode features Bandit recounting a story of a cricket game at a kid’s birthday party when red kelpie Rusty gets to the crease.
As the adults try to get him out, Rusty smacks them all over the park, while explaining how the youngster developed his skills.
Bluey is a minor player in the episode, saying: “Cricket’s just about hitting a ball around the grass,” before her dad says: “Cricket’s about more than that, kid.”
Popular US-based sports streamer Jomboy tweeted: “Been waiting for it to get released in the US. We watched it twice this morning. Good stuff.”
One viewer wrote: “The “Cricket” episode of Bluey might be one of the best pieces of children’s animation I’ve ever watched. Even if you have no interest in Bluey I would recommend going out of your way just to watch this specific episode.”
A second said: “Man, this cricket episode of Bluey did a critical hit to my feelings.”
Another posted: “The Bluey Cricket episode will be tough to beat in the next 250-ish days for the best thing I watch in 2024. It’s unreal.”
The “Cricket” Bluey episode received a similarly emotional reaction from Aussies when it was released here in June, out-rating the final day of Australia’s win in the World Test Championship Final.
Speaking on The Grandstand Cricket Podcast, 18-Test former Aussie batter Ed Cowan admitted it hit him in the feels.
“Honestly, I was bawling my eyes out,” he said.
“So Romy is ten and a half — she’s too old for Bluey, still loves it.
“If you’re a cricket fan, I don’t care how old you are, you have to watch this episode. And if you don’t have a tear in your eye at the end of the episode, I don’t even know if you’re human.
“And then it got me thinking, why wouldn’t Cricket Australia, if you want the hearts and minds of the kids, Bluey’s the biggest cartoon in the world. It’s massive in the States, you should be pushing cricket.
“These are the mediums if you’re thinking about making money and licensing deals, Bluey’s just handed it to you on a plate.”
And judging by the reception from the rest of the world, it’s a slam dunk for cricket as well.
Broadcaster Andy Maher posted: “Rightfully a lotta love for ‘Cricket’. It’s note perfect and an absolute joy. What shouldn’t be lost is the respect given to technique in the ep – especially Tiny’s action. It’s a thing of beauty. Total respect.”
Cricket journalist Melinda Farrell tweeted: “I’m on the train and FINALLY got to see the Bluey ‘Cricket’ episode. It’s simply beautiful! Do yourself a favour, even if you’re not a kid or you don’t have one. So much to love!”
The Daily Telegraph’s Ben Horne posted: “Cricket can spend millions on marketing to kids… but in seven minutes, Bluey captured the essence and soul of the game for a worldwide audience.”
SEN cricket commentator Adam Collins posted: “Cricket goes straight onto Bluey Mount Rushmore. Watched with Winnie when she got home from nursery – perfection. Not sure how many Rustys are left, but I’m reassured he’s in the middle batting, with his sister, and that millions of kids are now going to want to be like him.”
The Chaser’s Brydon Coverdale said: “Sometimes I wonder why I’ll bother watching some premium TV series of 8 or 10 hour-long episodes when in seven minutes Bluey can pack a bigger punch, more heartfelt moments, greater laughs and deliver far more depth, time after time after time. It is simply perfect storytelling.”
Grade Cricketer Sam Perry tweeted: “WTC into Bluey’s “Cricket” episode. Hell of a 24 hours. Bluey left me in bits. Everyone else I speak to similarly in bits. Details perfect. Soul. Australian cricket is in good hands with Rusty. Dad why are you crying? That kind of thing.”
BBC’s Kate Bottley commented: “Just watched the ‘Cricket’ episode of @OfficialBlueyTV. Oh my they did it to us in ‘Camping’ they did it to us in ‘Daddy drop off’. That final second punch to the gut, a masterpiece.”
If you haven’t seen the Cricket episode or are new to Bluey, Australians can watch for free on ABC iview.
Bluey has dealt with sport in the past, with the Queensland-based family revealed to be keen Maroons fans in The Decider episode, where the family watch a State of Origin match.
