Beloved Aussie cartoon Bluey tops the American streaming charts to become one of the most-watched shows – after after facing backlash for controversial ‘fat-shaming’ episode
Beloved Aussie cartoon Bluey has topped streaming charts in the U.S.
In April, the children’s show was the most streamed acquired series in America, according to a Nielsen report – with viewers watching a whopping 737 million minutes of the program.
Bluey also topped the most streamed series chart, placing sixth behind popular reality TV program Love is Blind and Netflix hit, Beef.
The good news comes after the ABC agreed to re-cut a controversial episode of the cartoon following pressure from viewers.
The beloved animated series about a family of dogs landed in hot water with fans last month over a ‘fat-shaming’ scene.
Beloved Aussie cartoon Bluey has topped streaming charts in the U.S. In April, the children’s show was the most streamed acquired series in America, according to a Nielsen report – with viewers watching a whopping 737 million minutes of the program
The offending moment, only seconds long, was altered by the show’s producers Ludo Studios, with the support of the national broadcaster reported TV Blackbox.
The controversy centered around the episode Exercise, in which Bluey’s dad Bandit decided he needed to get fit after complaining about his expanding stomach.
Some parents were left disappointed by what they saw as ‘toxic’ messaging.
Bluey also topped the most streamed series chart, placing sixth behind popular reality TV program Love is Blind and Netflix hit, Beef
Critics of the scene said it created anxiety over body image rather than the health benefits of exercise.
Meanwhile, an ABC spokesperson said: ‘The new version provides families with the opportunity to manage important conversations in their own way.
‘As the home of Bluey, the ABC supports the decision to re-edit the program and we have updated the episode on our platforms.’
The good news comes after the ABC agreed to re-cut a controversial episode of the cartoon following pressure from viewers. The beloved animated series about a family of dogs landed in hot water with fans last month over a ‘fat-shaming’ scene
Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo came out to defend the show against the viewer backlash.
Speaking up about the divisive issue on the breakfast show Karl, 48, told critics to ‘give it a rest’.
‘Can you believe this, I think that is just fantastic. I mean, it is a bit of Australiana,’ he said.
‘It plays out in households across Australia and all of these influencers are coming out now going, “Oh, Bluey is fat-shaming, it’s disgusting.” Give it a rest!’
Karl went on to say the episode spreads ‘a really good message’ before adding he’s ‘had enough of these influencers’.
Co-host Sarah, 37, agreed, saying: ‘You can’t say anything or do anything anymore.’
Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo came out to defend the show against the viewer backlash
