‘Bluey’.
Disney has picked up the global rights to the first two seasons of Ludo Studio’s animated children’s series Bluey.
BBC Studios brokered the deal, with the series to screen on Disney Junior from late 2019 and the upcoming streaming service Disney+ in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand and Greater China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan).
Created by Joe Brumm and originally co-commissioned by the ABC and BBC Studios, Bluey follows the adventures of a six-year-old blue heeler pup who lives with her dad, mum and four-year-old little sister, Bingo.
The second series is currently in production, with Brumm as showrunner, working alongside executive producers Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson, producer Sam Moor and supervising director Richard Jeffery. Both seasons have been supported by Screen Australia and Screen Queensland.
Locally, Bluey is a hit among pre-schoolers; it is the most watched series of all time on ABC iview, racking up 90 million total program plays, and is the highest rating children’s series of the year on metro broadcast.
Jane Gould, senior vice president, consumer insights and programming strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide said: “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. 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.”
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.”
BBC Studios has also inked a global toy deal through Melbourne-based Moose Toys for all territories excluding Asia. The first range of Bluey merch will launch in Australia at the end of this year and the US and other regions in 2020.
Ludo’s Aspinwall said: “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.’
Menal McGrath, vice president, global licensing at Moose Toys, said: ‘The reception for Bluey in Australia has been phenomenal and we believe Bluey has what it takes to be a major hit in the pre-school aisle around the world. Bluey’s quirky and heartwarming stories align perfectly with Moose Toys’ core values to make kids happy.”