From silly playtime to hard life lessons, these 5 best episodes featuring the character Bluey showcase early childhood in engaging, entertaining ways.
The titular character that spawned an empire of toys, merchandise, and three seasons (and counting) of a celebrated television show, Bluey anchors Bluey as the fun-loving sister, daughter, and friend. Whether she’s making up a game, trying something new, or learning a valuable life lesson, Bluey always balances her silly side but is never afraid to be vulnerable. Ranked from worst to best, here are the 5 best episodes of Bluey that showcase, you guessed it, Bluey.
5. POSTMAN
Season 2 Episode 36
It can be hard on a kid when their parents have an argument. The disagreement between Bandit and Chilli in the season 2 episode “Postman” is far from something to put their relationship in trouble, but it’s a smart character trait to show Bluey as someone who tries her best to make everything OK. Conflict resolution is an important skill for kids and adults alike to grasp, and when Bluey starts playing “ground is lava” with Bingo, she learns that it’s not necessarily best to just agree with everything someone says. But another of the magic tricks of “Postman” is when Bluey and Bingo learn that sometimes a squabble can be constructive. The episode may not be the most spiritually fulfilling of all the Bluey episodes, but it’s no less instructive of Bluey’s character.
4. THE CREEK
Season 1 Episode 29
When I was a kid, I was terrified of going up the tallest slide on the school playground. The creators of Bluey know that every kid is afraid of something, but season 1’s “The Creek” shows kids how easy it can be to conquer your fears. Bluey and her friends get bored at the crowded playground, so Dad takes them to a nearby creek. Along the way, Bluey’s fears nearly take over and prevent her from going further, but she learns to step outside her comfort zone, and the reward is a childhood memory she’ll likely never forget. There’s several artistic flourishes that show off the beautiful animation style of the show, and while the creek itself may not be the most picturesque place in the world, you really sense that Bluey doesn’t view it that way.
3. TYPEWRITER
Season 2 Episode 49
Many Bluey episodes follow well-worn tropes while putting the creators’ spin on them. Season 2’s “Typewriter” quickly feels like a kind of old-school fable featuring Bluey and her school friends. After Calypso (Megan Washington) tells a story, Bluey remains unsatisfied, so she sets out to write her own story with a real typewriter. Along the way, she gathers her friends to help her, and finds ways to help them overcome their insecurities at the same time. The episode never fails to feel like an adventure first and foremost, showcasing Bluey and her friends’ abilities to use their imaginations without any of them overtly stating their intentions.
2. COPYCAT
Season 1 Episode 38
Most children’s media tackles death in one way or another, and in the season 1 episode “Copycat”, Bluey handles it in the most Bluey way possible. The episode starts in typical Bluey fashion, with Bluey playing a game that annoys Dad. But after finding an injured Budgie while on a walk, they take it to the vet where it dies, despite their efforts. It can be hard for a kid to accept death, even when it’s an animal which they only just met.
The second half of “Copycat” cements itself as one of the series’ best, not because Bluey tries to make things turn out how she wanted it to happen, but because her version of pretend works as a way for her to cope with grief in her own way. Most shows would end on a saccharine note as Bluey comes to accept this new life lesson, but Bluey never forgets to have fun, and ends on everyone in the family doing what they do best: having fun.
1. RAIN
Season 3 Episode 18
I feel confident in saying the season 3 episode “Rain” is my favorite of all the Bluey episodes. It’s the first I remember watching which made me realize how the show stands out from the heap of empty calories that is most children’s television. In just 7 nearly silent minutes, “Rain” clues you in to who Bluey is, what she values, and the lengths her family will go to to nurture it – all without trying too hard to hit you in the feels.
And in a TV landscape where loudness is the operating principle for shows aimed at kids, it’s downright revolutionary to dedicate an entire episode to something as simple as Bluey playing in the rain. From the episode’s music, to the sound design, to the beautiful animation, plus everything else mentioned above, “Rain” is what I’d show any kid, parent, or non-parent to give them an idea of what Bluey is all about.
A new episode of the series Bluey is now available to watch on Disney Plus. The two remaining new episodes, “The Sign” (S3E49) and “Surprise!” (S3E49) will be available to stream on April 14 and April 21, 2024. Read our list of 5 best episodes of the show’s other characters:
- Bluey: 5 best episodes of Bingo
- Bluey: 5 Best Episodes of Bandit
- Bluey: 5 Best Episodes of Chilli
- Bluey: Supporting Characters’ 5 Best Episodes
