A recent episode of Emmy-winning international preschool hit Bluey has been re-cut by producer Ludo Studio following reactions from fans and health experts raising concerns about fat shaming. The Australian toon’s commissioning patrons ABC (Australia) and BBC Studios (U.K.) announced they have put up a new version of the episode, which aired in Australia on April 16.
Titled “Exercise,” the new story centering on the lovable family of Blue and Red Heeler dogs shows dad Bandit starting a new fitness regime. The intended message about maintaining good health was overshadowed for viewers by the opening scene, which shows Bandit step on the bathroom scale, sigh “Oh, man,” and proceed to scrutinize his figure in the mirror, saying “I just need to do some exercise.” Mom Chilli follows with a “Tell me about it,” and also has a disappointed reaction to her weigh-in.
The scene was called “problematic” and “triggering” by concerned viewers flagging the way the adult characters are demonstrating negative body image. Dr. Kyla Ringrose, a pediatric dietitian, noted that while the episode wrapped with a more positive message, “watching Bandit and Chilli weigh themselves and openly hate on their bodies in front of the kids was really uncomfortable.” Others on social media criticized Ludo’s decision to re-cut the episode as “caving in.”
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ABC wrote in a statement posted Friday, May 5:
“The recent episode of Bluey, ‘Exercise,’ has been republished by the ABC following a decision by the makers of the program. 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.
BBC Studios will use this revised version for global distribution and also support this decision.”
Created by Joe Brumm and produced by Ludo Studio in Queensland, Bluey premiered on ABC Kids in October 2018, and is currently in its third 52-episode season. The series was quickly picked up in June 2019 by Disney to air on Disney Junior in the U.S. and stream globally on Disney+. In August 2020, two episodes of Bluey were pulled by ABC following a viewer complaint about the use of the term “ooga booga,” citing its “racial connotations and a problematic history for Indigenous Australians.” These episodes, “Teasing” and “Flat Pack,” were also edited by Ludo.
The “Exercise” episode has yet to debut on Disney+.
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