Australia House underwent a delightful transformation into “Bluey House” as it hosted a ceremony on Sunday morning to honor the beloved children’s show. Amidst a vibrant marching band procession, young spectators reveled in the spectacle.
Cheers and applause erupted as Bluey, the cherished character, emerged from Australia’s oldest diplomatic mission. Reflecting on Bluey’s global success, 14-year-old Henry remarked, “It’s great that Bluey has expanded all over the world and it’s not just an Australian thing.”
Eight-year-old Annaliese described the performance as “amazing,” praising the catchy music. High Commissioner Stephen Smith bestowed a special one-off award, hailing it as the highest honor he could give.
Show creator Joe Brumm expressed gratitude to everyone involved in bringing Bluey to life, emphasizing the show’s portrayal of Australia as a character itself. With over 150 episodes, Bluey ranks among the most-watched children’s programs worldwide.
In the United States alone, the show amassed 43.9 billion minutes of viewership last year, according to Nielsen. However, Bluey’s impact extends beyond screens.
New data reveals the significant cultural influence of Bluey, with British children spending 110 million hours playing with Bluey toys in 2023, among other engaging activities. High Commissioner Smith lauded Bluey as a “fantastic cultural ambassador for Australia,” facilitating connections with countries worldwide.
Broadcast in over 60 countries, Bluey serves as a vehicle for soft diplomacy, fostering international ties through creative storytelling. The award ceremony coincided with the surprise release of an additional episode titled “Surprise!,” dispelling recent cancellation rumors and confirming the show’s return.
