20 Best Bluey Episodes And The Lessons They Teach Children

James Johnson

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Best Bluey Episodes
Photo Credit: Bluey

In a bustling world where screens often compete for attention and childhood seems to pass in the blink of an eye, Bluey emerges as a rare gem, a show that celebrates the beauty of everyday life through the lens of boundless imagination and heartfelt family connections.

Set in Australia, this beloved animated series follows the adventures of Bluey, a spirited six-year-old Blue Heeler pup, her inquisitive younger sister Bingo, and their loving parents, Bandit and Chilli.

As the father of four children, I’ve watched all 154 episodes of Bluey at least 10 times each. Throw in reading many of those episodes to my children in book form, and countless hours playing with our massive collection of Bluey toys, and I’ve probably certainly consumed more Bluey content than any other media in the past several years.

While every episode of Bluey is imaginative and offers important lessons for children, there are a few episodes that have stood out to me and my children. I’ve based this list solely on how many times my 2, 7, 10, and 13-year-olds have watched these episodes and how often I’m asked to read at least a few of the book versions of these episodes.

Here are my household’s 20 best Bluey episodes and the lessons they teach children.

Spoiler Alert: The Synopsis for each episode contains spoilers. Given that every Bluey Episode is just 7 minutes long, it doesn’t take much to give away the plot. “The Sign” episode is the one exception at 28 minutes long.

Takeaway – Season 1, Episode 14

Bluey Takeaway Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: When Dad, Bluey, and Bingo stop to pick up some Chinese takeaway on the way home, the spring rolls are missing! They can wait for fresh ones, but it’ll take five minutes… an eternity for two starving, very restless kids!

After trying to stop Bluey from taking a shower under the tap, taking Bingo for a wee, and failing to keep his food from the crows, Dad is almost ready to sacrifice his beloved spring rolls and head home.

But the arrival of fortune cookies and well-timed advice sees Dad relax and go with the flow, turning a stressful pit stop into a take-home family memory.

What “Takeaway” Teaches Children: This episode highlights the importance of patience and adaptability. It shows that unexpected delays can be opportunities for creativity and bonding, encouraging children to make the best of any situation.

Calypso – Season 1, Episode 17

Bluey Calypso Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Bluey and her friends throw themselves into various games at school. Strolling the room, teacher Calypso gently nudges the kids into each other’s orbit, and soon make-believe mother Indy is moving into Rusty’s new house while waitressing at Bluey’s fish and chip shop!

Everything’s going like clockwork until an extra-large delivery causes Indy to almost step on Honey’s gnome village! Thankfully, Calypso is ten steps ahead, dispatching the Terriers to defend the village and save the day. Balance is restored. Only Pretzel remains, but his new game of catching fish gives Calypso an idea.

What “Calypso” Teaches Children: The episode emphasizes the value of gentle guidance and the power of imagination. It demonstrates how a nurturing environment allows children to explore roles, collaborate, and develop social skills through play.

Grannies – Season 1, Episode 28

Bluey The Grannies Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Bluey and Bingo love a good game of ‘Grannies’ as they hobble around on canes and cause general mischief. But when Bingo does the floss dance, Bluey insists that it’s not something Grannies do.

Unable to agree, they video call Nana, who gives it her best shot. But she can’t do it. Bluey revels in her victory a little too much, and a sad Bingo quits their game.

When Mum tells Bluey she has to choose between being right or keeping Bingo happy, Bluey finds a third option – teaching Nana how to floss! Under Bluey’s instruction, Nana becomes a flossing expert, and Bingo is soon back in the game.

Grannies is also among the favorite Bluey books we have in our collection at home. It’s hard not to love Bluey and Bingo as Rita and Janet.

What “Grannies” Teaches Children: This episode showcases the joy of imaginative play and the importance of resolving disagreements. It encourages children to seek information, communicate effectively, and understand different perspectives.

Copycat – Season 1, Episode 38

Bluey Copycat Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Bluey’s having fun copying everything Dad says and does, including Olympic walking, but the game takes a serious turn when she finds a hurt budgie by the side of the path.

Dad and Bluey bundle it into a shoebox and head to the vet. But despite their best efforts, the budgie dies.

To deal with her feelings, Bluey enlists Bingo, and they re-enact her morning by racing Budgie Bingo to Mum’s vet for some emergency help.

When Bingo makes a miraculous recovery, Bluey is upset that the game hasn’t gone as planned, but she takes solace in knowing that some things are just out of her hands.

What “Copycat” Teaches Children: The episode introduces themes of empathy and responsibility. It teaches children about caring for others, dealing with loss, and the significance of supporting each other during difficult times.

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Camping – Season 1, Episode 43

Bluey Camping Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: While on a camping holiday in the bush, Bluey makes a new friend, Jean-Luc, a French-speaking boy.

They may not understand the same language, but that doesn’t stop them from spending their days laughing, playing, planting seeds, and hunting for a wild Daddy pig.

But one morning, Bluey is heartbroken to discover that Jean-Luc and his family have packed up and gone home.

That night, Mum tells Bluey that special people come in and out of our lives, and she must always cherish the good times.

Years later, a teenage Bluey sits beneath the tree grown from their seeds and sees Jean-Luc again.

My 2-year-old and 7-year-old daughters love this episode in book form and I love the poignant messages that it delivers to them.

What “Camping” Teaches Children: This episode highlights the universality of play and friendship, showing that shared activities can overcome language barriers. It also touches on the bittersweet nature of transient relationships.

The Beach – Season 1, Episode 50

Bluey The Beach Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: When Mum walks along the beach, Bluey runs to catch up with her, keen to share a shell she has found.

Pretending to be a mermaid who has finally got her legs for the day, she embarks on a precious solo adventure, following Mum’s footprints along the shoreline.

Along the way, she encounters a surfer, some pesky seagulls, a cast of crabs, a washed-up jellyfish, and a rather large and nervous pelican.

Having experienced what it’s like to be alone for the first time, Bluey reunites with Mum, and they listen to the shell before walking back down the beach together.

We own the Bluey Beach house, and my daughters play with it constantly, often on their own, which actually drives home this episode’s teachings.

What “The Beach” Teaches Children: The episode encourages independence and exploration. It shows children the rewards of stepping out of their comfort zones and the pride of overcoming challenges.

Dance Mode – Season 2, Episode 3

Bluey Dance Mode Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: After Dad eats Bingo’s last chip without asking, Bingo is given the power to play ‘Dance Mode’ as payback.

Bingo has three chances to make Mum and Dad dance. They MUST bust a move whenever they hear music, wherever they are.

But the game is too tempting, and the rest of the family keeps taking Bingo’s Dance Mode turns for her. Dad even bribes her with Dollarbucks for her last one, and Bluey convinces her to spend money on a toy she doesn’t really want.

Poor Bingo is now sadder than ever. Realizing their mistake, the family knows what they must do to make it up to her, no matter how embarrassing.

What “Dance Mode” Teaches Children: This episode illustrates the importance of fairness and fun in family dynamics. It demonstrates how playful interactions can strengthen bonds and create joyful memories.

Bus – Season 2, Episode 15

Bluey Bus Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Bus Driver Dad drives Mum, a very shy passenger, to the museum. It’s looking like it will be a smooth journey until the Grannies climb on board!

Mum confides in Janet and Rita that she is secretly in love with the bus driver but is too scared to tell him, and the Grannies make it their mission to give the passenger enough time to confess her love.

Despite bringing the Bus to a halt at every stop, Mum still doesn’t have enough courage to express her feelings. But when Rita’s pet snake gets loose and chaos breaks out on the bus, Mum realizes it is now or never.

What “Bus” Teaches Children: The episode teaches the value of assertiveness and communication. It encourages children to express their needs clearly and understand the roles of others in shared activities.

Hammerbarn – Season 2, Episode 17

Bluey Hammerbarn Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Dad is jealous of Lucky’s Dad’s new pizza oven, so he takes the family on a trip to Hammerbarn to get one.

As the Heelers go on a shop-up around the aisles, Bluey and Bingo get seduced by all the new things and create their mini-homes in the shopping cart with Mum’s purchases.

When Bingo gets ‘better’ items on her side of the shopping cart, Bluey gets jealous, and a squabble between the girls ends in a broken garden gnome.

As they reach the check-out, the girls watch in horror as their ‘homes’ are dismantled, but Mum reminds them that nothing lasts forever and to be thankful for what they’ve got.

What “Hammerbarn” Teaches Children: This episode addresses feelings of jealousy and the importance of contentment. It shows children how to appreciate what they have and find joy in their experiences without comparing themselves to others.

The Show – Season 2, Episode 19

Bluey The Show Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: It’s Mother’s Day! But when Bingo drops Mum’s breakfast in bed, she’s convinced she’s ruined her big day. Thinking fast, Bluey proposes they put on a play for Mum, showing how she and Dad first fell in love.

With Bingo as Mum and Bluey as Dad, they show how their parents first met at a party, got married, and got pregnant (with a bouncy balloon belly).

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But when the baby balloon pops, Bingo’s devastated that she’s undoubtedly ruined everything!

But with a bit of encouragement from Bluey, Bingo picks herself up and tries again, replacing the balloon baby with a nappy-clad Dad! Mum applauds, delighted.

What “The Show” Teaches Children: The episode teaches resilience and adaptability. It helps children understand that plans may change and the importance of managing disappointment constructively.

Flatpack – Season 2, Episode 24

Bluey Flatpack Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Mum and Dad struggle to build new flat-pack furniture while Bluey and Bingo transform the empty packaging into their own game.

The girls start as fish in a bubble-wrap sea and quickly change into lizards discovering a cardboard land. 

Each time another box is thrown into the backyard, the girls add it to the construction of their brand-new world.

As Mum and Dad see Bluey and Bingo evolve from cave drawings to building an entire cardboard city of the future, they are inspired to stop squabbling and finish the job. Now, they can all relax and celebrate what they have achieved.

What “Flatpack” Teaches Children: This episode highlights creativity and resourcefulness. It encourages children to see possibilities in everyday objects and the fun that can be had with a little imagination.

Sleepytime – Season 2, Episode 26

Bluey Sleepytime Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: At bedtime, Bingo is determined to have a big girl sleep and wake up in her own bed. Mum tells her to try her best, but she will always be there if she needs her. When Bingo finally falls asleep, her dream transports her into outer space! 

Luckily, Floppy is there, too, and the pair set off on an epic intergalactic adventure together.

Meanwhile, sleep-deprived Mum and Dad try to navigate Bingo and Bluey’s non-stop bed-hopping.

As Bingo travels further into space in her dream, Mum gently guides her back to bed in real life. And when the sun finally comes up, Bingo finds herself in her own bed.

Sleepytime is yet another episode turned book that my 2-year-old loves. Sadly, it does not make her want to sleep on her own, but a dad can try, right?

What “Sleepytime” Teaches Children: This episode explores themes of independence and growth. It reassures children about the love and support of family even as they learn to navigate life independently.

Rug Island – Season 2, Episode 36

Bluey Rug Island Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Before going to work, Dad washes ashore on Rug Island, a magical land where everything’s made from colored felt pens.

Bluey and Bingo show him the island’s ways of fishing, foraging, and fire building. Just as Dad is settling in, their isolation is disturbed by a football from next door. 

Faced with returning the ball or continuing the game, Dad embraces his inner kid and defends their ‘white chocolate egg’ from the interloper, earning his place as officially ‘not a grown-up.’ As Dad finally leaves Rug Island for work, Bingo gives him a pen of his own gift that means everything

What “Rug Island” Teaches Children: This episode celebrates the power of unstructured play and imagination. It also subtly introduces the concept of balancing responsibilities with fun.

Sticky Gecko – Season 2, Episode 41

Bluey Sticky Gecko Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Mum struggles to get Bluey and Bingo out the door in time for a playdate with Judo. But Bluey can’t find her hat, Bingo needs to brush her teeth, and they all can’t go until they’ve finished their game-waiting for a sticky rubber gecko to drop from the ceiling.

When Mum steps on a pin, it’s the last straw, and she threatens to cancel the date altogether! But when Bluey tries to find out why Mum is so upset, they realize they both feel nervous about the playdate. Now finally understanding each other, they manage to make it out the door–but not before Mum’s instincts kick in!

I’ve read this book to my 2-year-old at least 50 times. Even I still find it adorable and completely relatable as a parent.

What “Sticky Gecko” Teaches Children: This episode emphasizes the importance of cooperation and time management while also showing that ordinary tasks can be turned into playful experiences.

Baby Race – Season 2, Episode 50

Bluey Baby Race Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Bluey is convinced that she is better at the monkey bars than Judo, so Mum tells the girls about when Bluey was a baby and learning how to do everything for the first time.

Baby Bluey was the first to learn to roll over, but Baby Judo beat her when it came to crawling. 

Now the race was on to see who was going to walk first! But while Bluey was busy bum-shuffling and crawling backward, Judo took her first steps.

Mum was a bit defeated that Judo beat Bluey, but Coco’s Mum reminded her that she was doing great and that Mum and Bluey were just running their own races.

This is again another favorite episode and book combo in my house. It’s also a great teachable moment not just for children but also for mom and dad.

What “Baby Race” Teaches Children: This episode teaches parents and children alike about patience and individuality. It reinforces the idea that everyone achieves milestones in their own time.

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Whale Watching – Season 3, Episode 9

Bluey Whale Watching Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: After staying up late, Mum and Dad are lazing around in the lounge room. The kids, however, want to play Whale Watching. 

Bluey is the captain and promises Bingo ‘the best tour ever or your money back’! Jumping aboard their boat (Dad), Bluey convinces him there are rough seas ahead, setting them up for a bumpy ride.

When they finally spot the whale (Mum), she’s too tired to move, and Bluey is forced to return Bingo’s money.

It’s not until they watch a whale documentary that suddenly, the whale breaches and lands in the boat.

The kids must abandon the ship but find welcome refuge on a nearby island.

My daughter unironically manages to ask for this story to be read to her whenever I’m completely exhausted. I think she knows exactly what she’s doing.

What “Whale Watching” Teaches Children: This episode teaches empathy and understanding, showing that parents sometimes need rest, and playtime can involve compromise.

Rain – Season 3, Episode 18

Bluey Rain Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: During a summer downpour, Bluey’s determined to dam the water in the front yard. Whenever Bluey runs inside to get dam supplies, Mum tries to stop her because she’s muddying up the clean house!

When Bluey can’t dam the water on her own, she’s happy to see that Mum’s had a change of heart and is by her side helping her build the dam.

With Mum’s help, it looks like Bluey’s dam’s going to work until the rain stops! Bluey doesn’t know if her dam worked, but she’s consoled by a double rainbow forming above.

Just as Bluey’s about to go inside, another storm appears, and it starts to rain again…

What “Rain” Teaches Children: This episode encourages persistence and ingenuity, demonstrating how children can find joy and creativity in simple things, even when faced with limitations.

Unicorse – Season 3, Episode 7

Bluey Unicorse Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: Bluey is having trouble getting to sleep and declares she would rather change the world so no one has to sleep anymore.

Mum reluctantly decides to read her one last book before bed, but Dad has the bad idea of inviting Unicorse to join in.

Unicorse is the most annoying hand puppet in the world, constantly interrupting while Mum tries to read the story.

She almost gives up completely, but Bluey insists that she can keep Unicorse under control.

She quickly learns that trying to change others (or the world) isn’t very easy and it might be better to change your own reactions.

I’ve read the book version of this episode so many times that I hear my own voice when thinking about Unicorse. I also own a Unicorse T-shirt that reads, “Aaaand…why should I care?” which I use to annoy 13 year old with at every chance possible.

What “Unicorse” Teaches Children: This episode highlights emotional regulation and patience, teaching children how to handle challenging situations and personalities.

Fairytale – Season 3, Episode 26

Bluey Fairytale Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: After Dad reads Hansel and Gretel to the kids, Bingo asks if fairy tales are true. They’re not, but Dad proposes a real-life fairy tale about growing up with his brother Stripe.

Set in a wild place called the 80s, Dad reveals he used to tease Stripe because he couldn’t do a proper bike skid.

On holiday, Bandit got caught in a ‘jinx’, meaning he couldn’t speak until someone said his name.

To teach him a lesson, everyone refused to say ‘Bandit’ for the whole day! It wasn’t until a certain Chilli – dressed as a Princess – appeared and said ‘Bandit’ that he was free. Not that Mum remembers it that way.

What “Fairytale” Teaches Children: The episode celebrates the value of family traditions and the enduring connections formed through shared experiences.

The Sign – Season 3, Episode 49

Bluey The Sign Episode
Photo Credit: Bluey

Synopsis: The Heeler home is up for sale, leaving Bluey unhappy. But Bluey is comforted when Calypso tells her a proverb about a farmer who trusts that everything will turn out how it’s meant to be.

The next day, as the Heeler family prepares for Frisky’s wedding, it’s revealed that Rad plans to move out west after the wedding. This news causes Frisky to run away. Bluey must now experience her own farmer’s proverb. When Frisky and Rad reconcile, they get married and decide to stay.

A few days later, Bingo becomes upset about moving, and Bluey comforts her by retelling the farmer’s proverb. However, in a surprising twist, the house sale falls through!

This is the only Bluey episode that has made me cry. I take that back; this is the only cartoon series episode that has ever made me cry. Don’t lie, you cried too the first time you watched it, or you will when you get around to it.

What “The Sign” Teaches Children: This episode addresses change, uncertainty, and trust themes. It teaches children how to adapt to life’s transitions and embrace the idea that not everything is within their control. Introducing the farmer’s proverb also reinforces the importance of patience and believing that things will work out as they’re meant to.