‘Bluey’ Banned Episode Gets Released on YouTube

Just as we were beginning to recover from the emotionally charged, 28-minute season three finale of Bluey and its subsequent surprise episode, there is a never-before-seen episode in America that is now streaming on the Bluey YouTube channel. 

Titled “Dad Baby,” this seven-minute-long episode from season two is the only one out of the entire series that is not streaming on Disney+ in America, despite previously airing in Australia and the U.K. There has been no official reason given as to why Disney decided not to stream it to American audiences. However, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in June 2023, show creator Joe Brumm shed a little bit of light as to why the episode may have been “banned” from the streaming channel in the United States. 

Brumm explained in part that the writers and creators occasionally question the appropriateness of certain topics for preschool-aged children. “You’ve gotta be really careful in preschool. There are two categories [of things that won’t fly]. There’s things that are going to get a kid hurt, and I rarely have an argument for that. The other one is more about taste—it’s what’s appropriate and what’s offensive.”

He also said in some cases, “behaviors and concepts get dulled down,” because of that sensitivity, but he decides not to rewrite certain things because they are “too funny.” 

“What are you going to do, not make ‘Dad Baby’? I love it,” Brumm added.

Having given birth twice, I found “Dad Baby” to be unbelievably relatable and really funny. The hilarious but graphic depiction of childbirth and gender stereotypes in this episode may have been the reason why Disney felt hesitant to include it in the streaming episodes. 

But it wasn’t a big deal watching it with my young children. A warning: there are some spoilers ahead.

What Is ‘Dad Baby’ About?

The episode begins with Bingo discovering Bandit’s old “papoose”—a baby carrier that he and Chilli used to use to carry her around in the park. Bluey convinces him to put it on and pretend he is pregnant with Bingo. 

“You’re pregnant with baby Bingo so you have to act pregnant!” Bluey commands her dad, while Chilli relishes the fact that he is clueless about how to navigate real pregnancy.

We see him struggle while carrying around Bingo, complaining of pain in his back and feet, the inability to bend over, and constant hunger. “You’re eating for two people now,” Bluey tells him. Bandit admits he’s craving “Dim Sims,” which Bingo happily steals from him when he tries to eat.

“How’s it going pregnant man?” teases Chilli as Bandit tries to rest for a moment. “Don’t know what all the fuss is about,” he lies. She then cautions him about baby kicks, to which Bingo starts kicking him in the stomach and groin. It seems to be the last straw for Bandit who attempts to take off the sling, but instead Bluey instructs him to have a water birth in their backyard kiddie pool.

Bandit enlists the help of Lucky’s dad to help in the delivery. “Well, how hard can this be? I’ll just grab a leg!” he says as Bandit screams in pain from Bingo ripping onto his belly hair, refusing to come out of the sling. “She’s not budging; we might have to go through the sunroof,” he tells Bandit, alluding to a C-section. He tries to abandon Bandit in his time of need because the cricket game is on, but Bandit grabs his hand and says, “Sing to me, Pat!”

After a few tries and painful pulls, Bandit screams, “Get this thing outta me!” as Bingo giggles, ripping out more tufts of his hair.

Bingo is finally “born” and Bandit cradles her like a newborn baby. “Give her a name,” Bluey tells her dad. “I’m gonna call you Chilli,” he says smiling, looking down at her. 

Chilli applauds her husband and says, “Well done, honey! She’s beautiful!” to which he lies again and says, “I don’t know what all the fuss is about!”

“My turn!” says Bluey, which shocks Bandit as the episode closes. The ending scene took me back to the recent “Surprise” Bluey episode that aired at the end of the third season, in which we were introduced to an older Bluey and her child. 

Watching ‘Bluey’ With My Kids

I laughed out loud several times during this episode, because of how real the depiction of childbirth was. But just like any other Bluey episode, the nuances are very subtle. And given that they both have yet to learn about real childbirth, both my 6- and 10-year-old sons did not understand the actual reason why I was laughing during the episode.

“Dad Baby” is just another example of why Bluey is so successful. It skillfully blends real, relatable themes for parents with entertaining content for kids. In past episodes, creators navigated other complex topics like divorce and infertility with grace and humor. And while those topics struck an emotional chord with parents, those types of poignant moments mostly tend to go over the heads of many younger viewers. 

Occasionally, the episodes spark honest and meaningful conversations with our kids, which I personally welcome. Admittedly, my 10-year-old questioned me about pregnancy loss after viewing the season three episode, “Onesies.” In the episode, viewers realize that Chilli’s sister Brandy has struggled with starting her own family. (But in the most recent “Surprise” episode, it is revealed that she is pregnant!) 

He even joined in on the fan speculation that Bluey may be a “rainbow baby.” The show’s approach to these types of sensitive topics helped him explore his curiosity in a safe place, and also gain compassion and empathy for those who are experiencing it in real life. 

What’s Next for ‘Bluey’?

Bluey wrapped up its third season in April, with the extended “The Sign” episode, followed by the appropriately-titled “Surprise.” 

Fans breathed a sigh of relief knowing that the Heelers were staying put in their home, despite Bandit being offered a new job in a different city and putting the house briefly up for sale. “Surprise” packed a large one at the end of the episode, time-skipping into the future, giving fans that glimpse of Bluey as a mom. 

Show creators have not given any more details as to what is in store for a fourth season, but promise there will be one. Producer Sam Moor confirmed to BBC Radio, “No it is not the end for Bluey. I’m sure we have many more surprises in store for you.”

It’s unclear, given the ending of “Surprise,” if the new season will take place in the future. But with the success of the episodes so far, it’ll be well worth the wait to find out!