Viewers who tuned into the latest Bluey episode have been left questioning a particular scene from ‘Exercise’.
The most recent episode of world-wide hit show, shows Bandit and Chilli in their bathroom weighing themselves on scales when Bandit sighs, “aw man”, before grabbing a handful of his belly.
This scene then becomes the motivator for Bandit as he realises that he should exercise more. He then gets the family together so they can exercise as a group in their backyard.
@thebestofbluey New Bluey- Full Episode of Season 3 Episode 39- Exercise #newbluey #2023bluey #blueyseason3 #blueynew #blueytok #bluey #bingo #bandit #chilli #exercise #blueyexercise ♬ original sound – Bluey full episodes 💙
While the message the writers were trying to convey is fairly clear, the audience has had mixed reactions with some labelling the episode “toxic” and “fatphobic” while others believe it to be important to highlight good health.
A TikTok user took to the platform to discuss her frustration over the particular scene.
“Apparently, Bluey is totally OK with fat shaming now,” she said. “I mean, overall the message of the episode was fantastic. But the fact they added in the scales and showed both parents being sad and disappointed after seeing the number on the scales, is pretty problematic.”
@luna_and_buns1237 #CapCut @aussiegirlmargie #blueytok #blueyshow ♬ original sound – luna and lu bun James
Others took to Twitter and Facebook pages with similar issues, with one questioning the message that it’s sending to kids.
I adore @OfficialBlueyTV & the messages it sends. Except in the latest episode “Exercise”, where weight becomes a trigger for exercise. Watching Bandit stand on scale& squeeze his belly, frowning, sends a msg to kids that fat = bad & exercise = weight loss. V upsetting. #Bluey pic.twitter.com/68GAWzNeLk
— Psychocinematic Podcast (@psychocinematic) April 16, 2023
Others couldn’t believe the backlash that the episode had coped and joked that “it’s irresponsible of “Bluey” to send a message that it’s important to maintain a healthy weight, and do exercise.”
Imagine tweeting outrage at a children's cartoon, because the Dad grabs his tummy and weighs a bit more than he'd like.
— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) April 17, 2023
Apparently to some it's irresponsible of "Bluey" to send a message that it's important to maintain a healthy weight, and do exercise.
Ok then…🤦♂️ https://t.co/tpV73My4S8
“Loved it. The bit with the doctor at the end meant it was about Bandit taking care of himself, not about him not liking the way he looked,” another added.
