Bluey Gets Disney Junior Launch, Master Toy Partner

The first two seasons of Bluey are set to premiere on Disney Junior per a deal between BBC Studios and Disney, and Moose Toys has been named the global master toy partner for the animated series.

The show is slated to premiere internationally on the kids’ network in the fall, as well as on the upcoming Disney+ streaming service in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand and Greater China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moose Toys will be the global master toy partner for all territories excluding Asia. Launching in Australia for Christmas 2019, the first range of toys will be released in the U.S. and other regions from fall/winter 2020.

Jane Gould, senior VP of consumer insights and programming strategy at 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 humor. 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.”

Created by Joe Brumm and produced by Emmy-winning Ludo Studio for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and BBC Studios, Bluey first launched on ABC in Australia last year and is currently the number one children’s series of 2019 in the country. The series follows the adventures of the titular six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy who lives with her dad, mom and 4-year-old little sister, Bingo. In every episode, Bluey uses her limitless energy to play elaborate games that unfold in unpredictable and ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun.

Financed in association with Screen Australia, Bluey is created, written, animated and post-produced in Brisbane Queensland, Australia, with funding from The Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and the Australian Government.

Charlie Aspinwall, executive producer for Ludo, 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, VP of global licensing at Moose Toys, commented: “The reception for Bluey in Australia has been phenomenal and we believe Bluey has what it takes to be a major hit in the preschool aisle around the world. Bluey’s quirky and heartwarming stories align perfectly with Moose Toys’ core values to make kids happy.”

Rikesh Desai, licensing director of consumer products at BBC Studios, added: “This is a hugely exciting deal for us, and we’re delighted to be working with Moose Toys to bring Bluey to fans across the world. Moose Toys’ Australian roots and fantastic slate make them the perfect partner in bringing this Blue Heeler pup to kids everywhere.”