Tyler Hilton’s Surprising Love for Bluey and Its Global Impact
When Tyler Hilton’s 5-year-old daughter, Winnie, developed a fascination with a children’s series introduced by a nanny, he was skeptical. “A dog family? Really?”he thought initially. Yet, as he found himself entranced by the sounds of Bluey’s World wafting through his Canadian home, he became deeply amused and increasingly involved with the show.
“The parents in the show resonated with me,” the actor, known for his role in One Tree Hill, reflects. “They are relatable, embodying the kind of parent I aspire to be. They balance between being loving and fun while also showing moments of exhaustion and frustration. Watching it felt like seeing a reflection of myself. There were episodes that brought me to tears — I realized, ‘This is the greatest show ever.'”
Hilton, now a devoted fan of the animated series, felt a pang of disappointment when he was unable to attend the immersive experience at Bluey’s World Brisbane during his Australian tour. His passion for children’s entertainment has also led him to create a book titled Daddy: Live in Concert.
The Global Phenomenon of Bluey
Tyler is far from alone in his enthusiasm for Bluey. Since its debut in 2018, the series has cultivated a massive global audience. Notably, the extended episode “The Sign” garnered an astonishing 10 million views on Disney+ within its premiere week, earning it the title of the most-watched show in America in 2024.
However, the show’s impact extends well beyond the screens. Some even liken its influence to that of Taylor Swift in the realm of children’s entertainment. From introducing Aussie slang among children to facilitating tourism initiatives, Bluey has woven itself into the fabric of family culture, education, and travel. The franchise, valued at an estimated $2 billion, has proliferated into merchandise, live shows, and even an upcoming movie.
Creators and Their Inspirations
Crafted by Australian writer-director Joe Brumm, the Emmy-winning series centers around the imaginative adventures of Bluey, a 6-year-old Blue Heeler puppy, her sister Bingo, and their loving parents, Bandit and Chilli. Drawing from his own experiences as a father, Brumm skilfully developed scenarios that resonate with both children and parents alike.
Brumm noted in an interview with The Saturday Paper: “The conflicts and emotional challenges portrayed are directly inspired by parenting my own daughters.”
Authenticity in Storytelling
Australian theater producer Andrew Kay was instantly captivated by the show after watching the episode “Spy Game,” which humorously depicts a relatable family moment. “It was unlike any children’s show I had seen, sincere and authentic,” he noted. This unique approach established a strong connection with families who enjoy participating in the experience together.
Kay quickly acquired the rights for a live adaptation, producing Bluey’s Big Play, which continues to tour globally. Experiences at venues like Madison Square Garden revealed families attending together, breaking traditional trends where only children comprised the audience for kid-centric shows.
Importantly, the characters Bandit and Chilli contribute significantly to the show’s intergenerational impact. Dr. Pamela Rutledge, director at the Media Psychology Research Center, explains how they exemplify healthy parenting by validating emotions and fostering problem-solving skills while openly admitting their shortcomings. This relatable depiction resonates deeply with parents navigating their own parenting journeys.
In the episode “Yoga Ball,” for instance, Chilli helps Bingo assert her feelings about rough play while Bandit validates her emotions effectively. Dr. Rutledge emphasizes the show’s commitment to addressing mature topics, such as infertility and loneliness in a way that is both appropriate and impactful. “Most toddler shows skim over emotional complexities, but Bluey approaches them thoughtfully,” she remarked.
Impact on Tourism
As Brumm hails from Queensland, the show highlights his home state, fueling a surge in local tourism. Fans have begun lining up real-world locations featured in the show, prompting initiatives from Tourism and Events Queensland. The organization launched Bluey itineraries, further invigorating visitor interest, leading to a successful campaign that attracted nearly 680,000 visitors in 2024 alone.
Ollie Philpot from TEQ has observed a direct correlation between interest generated by the show and increase in state tourism. “Bluey has shared our way of life globally and united our tourism sector like never before,” he stated, noting its economic impact, which is anticipated to exceed AUD$18 million.
Immersive Experiences and Family Appeal
With Bluey’s World Brisbane becoming a buzz-worthy attraction, visitors arrive eager to experience it firsthand. Airlines such as Qantas offer the world’s first in-flight entertainment featuring the show. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with whimsical elements, enhancing the immersive atmosphere.
Future plans for the experience promise new narratives, allowing families to return for fresh interactions. As Andrew Kay states, “This is unlike any narrative-driven experience out there.” The joyful reactions from children and engaging scenarios underline the universal appeal of Bluey.
The Cultural Phenomenon
Tyler Hilton notes a fascinating parallel between Bluey and Taylor Swift: “Both resonate with both parents and children, maintaining a standard of quality that respects the audience.” Dr. Rutledge further elucidates the advantages of shared fandoms among toddlers, such as building a sense of community and social skills.
The cultural influence of Bluey is vividly illustrated by children mimicking Australian accents and phrases popularized by the series. Actor Ryan Gosling even remarked on his daughters’ newfound Aussie twang, resembling that of Hilton’s daughter Winnie, who affectionately calls him “mate.”
Numerous celebrities, including Natalie Portman and Lin-Manuel Miranda, have expressed their admiration for the show, which has inspired themed merchandise, literature, and immersive experiences at locations like CAMP.
Andrew Kay opines that while many creators try to replicate Bluey’s success, such phenomena are rare. “You can’t manufacture this brilliance; Joe Brumm has created something truly extraordinary,” he remarked, emphasizing the uniqueness of the show’s charm.
As evidenced by the equal number of adults and children sporting Bluey apparel, the series has undeniably captured the hearts of all ages. Tyler Hilton concludes, “Bluey has taught me invaluable parenting lessons that no book ever could. It’s not just a children’s show; it’s a profound exploration of a beautiful, albeit challenging, phase of life.”
