A beloved episode of the popular children’s television series “Bluey” has been unexpectedly removed from streaming in Australia. The second season episode titled “Hammerbarn” is no longer available on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s on-demand streaming service, iview. Surprisingly, the reason behind this temporary removal stems from a partnership with the hardware store chain Bunnings Warehouse, known for selling Bluey-themed garden gnomes and other show-related merchandise.
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The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, a government-funded network, revealed that they are unable to engage in commercial partnerships like the one with Bunnings. A representative explained that the campaign featuring Bunnings and the episode “Hammerbarn” is a collaboration between Bunnings and BBC Studios, which the ABC cannot align with due to its non-commercial nature. As a result, the episode has been taken down temporarily from ABC iview until the Bunnings campaign concludes, after which it will return to the streaming platform.
While Australian fans may be missing out on this specific episode, “Hammerbarn” is still available to stream in the United States on Disney+ and in the United Kingdom on BBC iPlayer. This unexpected removal has caused a stir among Bluey enthusiasts, who eagerly await the episode’s return to the Australian streaming platform.
“Bluey” has become a global phenomenon, with the animated kids’ series being the most-streamed show in 2024. Nielsen’s report highlighted that the show, which revolves around a family of Australian Heeler dogs, accumulated an impressive 55.62 billion viewing minutes on Disney+, with a significant portion of the audience comprising children aged 2 to 11. This exceptional success has positioned Bluey ahead of other top-streamed shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Family Guy,” “Bob’s Burgers,” and “NCIS.”
In exciting news for fans, the success of “Bluey” has paved the way for major developments. The Walt Disney Company and BBC Studios announced a forthcoming feature film for the beloved series, set to premiere in 2027. Creator Joe Brumm will spearhead the production as the writer and director. Additionally, characters from Bluey are slated to join the Disney Cruise Line and the theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, further solidifying the show’s global presence.
As the anticipation for the return of “Hammerbarn” builds among Australian viewers, the temporary removal of the episode serves as a testament to the series’ widespread popularity and influence across the globe. Despite this unexpected hiccup, Bluey continues to captivate audiences with its heartwarming storytelling and endearing characters, making it a beloved favourite among viewers of all ages.
Stay tuned for updates on the reinstatement of “Hammerbarn” on ABC iview and immerse yourself in the world of Bluey as the animated series continues to enchant audiences worldwide.