That’s virtually every sitcom and children’s cartoon, the father is a bumbling idiot. Talk about “toxic masculinity” …

On the other had, I wonder if that is why I gravitated towards King of the Hill in my early years. Generally a positive male role model, competent, trying to do the right thing by his family and community.

That's one thing that makes Bluey so special. The dad isn't perfect, but he's a really good father and husband.

Also the emphasis on community. How Lucky's dad just rolls with it and joins in the game when Bandit steals his sandwich or football.

KotH is almost unique in that the dad isn't the dumbest character. It's hard to name many other shows like this. Bob's Burgers, I guess, but that's about it.

The Middle is another good one.

The other thing is that there is zero conflict in Peppa Pig - any bad thing that happens is resolved immediately. Peppa always gets what she wants. Bluey is far more realistic: the parents can't just wave a wand to make Bluey and Bingo's problems go away, and it leads to a life lesson.

For example, in the "Copycat" episode Bluey finds an injured bird and she and her dad take it to the vet. It dies anyway. But it's a valuable lesson for Bluey: she learns that some things are out of her and her parents' control and by the end of the episode she comes to accept it. They would never do an episode like that on Peppa Pig.

(I currently have a Bluey-obsessed toddler).

It sounds like an Australian Arthur (which is a nice thing to have)

So long, Spanky.

Granddad Dog's conflict with Grandpa Pig never goes away though.

The makers of Peppa Pig made another program aimed at slightly older children called Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom that was much much better than Peppa Pig. It was much funnier and the characters were so much better and more likeable.

We tried to watch Ben and Holly and it just wasn't entertaining at all. We like Peppa way better.

> Daddy Pig is fat, useless, convinced he's an expert in everything but failing every time.

I mean the guy is one of the world's top experts on concrete, that's hardly "useless"

and the "dad is the wacky one and mum handles organising" is a pretty common trope in other shows, such as... Bluey :)

The difference, IMO, is that Bandit is constructively wacky. He's generally competent, unlike other shows where only the mother is competent.

It's honestly refreshing seeing the two parents in Bluey, because neither are being degraded and they have a good relationship and exhibit good teamwork.