Kevin David Creative

Everybody!

As a father of three, kid-friendly programming that doesn’t make me want to crush our television under a hydraulic press is hard to come by. Bluey, the fantastic public programming export from Australia, is a perfect example of how words can resonate across all demographics and age groups by never compromising authenticity and respecting the intelligence of its primary audience.

Bluey, along with her sister Bingo and parents, Bandit and Chilli, turns everyday life into boundless adventures that never stray too far beyond the living room floor. Using their endless sense of imagination and curiosity, we’re offered a window into a world that treats both play and pain as gifts worth giving. To be clear, most of the episodes will make you laugh at the cheeky antics, but don’t be surprised if you’re hiding a few tears from some of the sweetest television ever made.

Of course, the target market consists (in theory) of young children about 2-7. But that doesn’t stop the occasional wide-eyed 41-year-old from watching the Heeler family play Keepy-Uppy long after the kids have dozed off to the comfort of wonderful episodes such as “Rain” and “Sleepytime.” It currently sits at number 15 on IMDB’s top 250 television shows ahead of The Office, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

So what separates a Bluey from a Blippi? How do its writers craft such perfect playtime and parenting dialogue that could be lifted directly from an actual family Saturday afternoon filled with blanket forts and beach trips?

One parent and fan of the show quoted in the SFGate echoes what so many other moms, dads and even child behavioral experts praise about Bluey: it’s unwavering sense of sincerity. “Bluey is so adept at not speaking down to children. It doesn’t patronize children in the concepts that they can handle and the language that they can handle.”

Every word spoken by Bluey and Bingo is delivered as if it was lifted from the stream of consciousness that comes from children creating their own make-it-up-as-you-go fun. Bandit and Chilli seamlessly join in, but aren’t afraid to express the occasional exasperation at their endless supply of energy. Tricky subjects such as sibling jealousy or the feeling of parental inadequacy aren’t so much tackled as they are tailored to fit the emotional need that everyone carries to feel validated and valued.

Your audience will always appreciate authenticity over plastic self-promotion. Instead of getting down to their level, reach up to grab their attention with words that speak a story full of care and consideration for the individual person.

But seriously, go watch the “Sleepytime” episode right now!