PRESS RELEASES
March 8, 2022

BBC Studios Continues Its Expansion in Brazil

Names Lotus Global as Licensing Agent for International Sensation Bluey

Toys, From Global Master Toy Partner Moose, Distributed Locally by Candide, Set to Launch in Q3

New York, NY – March 8, 2022 – BBC Studios, distributor and licensor for international preschool sensation Bluey, has appointed Lotus Global as licensing agent in Brazil. As part of a strategy focused on extending the reach of the hit series, Lotus Global will take the series beyond the screen to reach fans with consumer products and build brand loyalty.

Celso Rafael, Managing Director at Lotus Global, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with BBC Studios on such a prestigious show, and help to boost international success even further by bringing Bluey into the hearts of South American families through fun and inspiring products.”

Murilo Hinojosa, Director of Licensing, Latin America, BBC Studios said: “We are confident that Lotus Global’s field experience and expertise will be crucial in assisting our commitment to expansion in Brazil. With this new partner on board, children will experience the joy of playing with a range of high-quality products allowing them to go on their own adventures inspired by our lovely Bluey.”

The Bluey toys produced by global master toy licensee Moose Toys will be distributed locally by Candide and are expected to launch in Q3 2022. Apparel, accessories, editorial and party items will follow to market in time for Christmas.

This appointment reinforces the commitment that BBC Studios has in the South American country. In January of this year, the free to air television channel TV Cultura premiered the first season of Bluey in Brazil, through the morning slot Quintal da Cultura. This marks the return of productions distributed by BBC Studios to TV Cultura’s children’s programming, which has already broadcast Charlie and Lola, Andy’s Wild Adventures and Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures.

In addition to broadcast television, the adventures of the blue heeler and her family are available on a wide range of platforms, such as the paid channel Disney Junior and the Disney+ streaming servicer, where the second season is already available. To complement the experience, there is also content on social media, through the Facebook channel launched in January this year and the official YouTube channel which debuted this month.

Bluey is a multi-award-winning children’s series that has taken Australia and the U.S. by storm and is now available in more than 60 markets, charming audiences across the globe. Loved by parents and children for its heartfelt portrayal of family life and celebration of play, the series follows Bluey, a 6-year-old Blue Heeler dog, who loves to play and turns everyday family life into extraordinary adventures that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family, friends and community into her world of fun.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018 and is fast becoming a global hit, achieving outstanding ratings and attracting a multitude of best-in-class partners. In its home market, Australia, Bluey is the #1 children’s show across all age groups (since 2019). With Season already airing in Australia, the show has performed 2.3x above timeslot average audience (total audience) and the new episodes achieved 14 of the top 20 broadcasts on free-to-air TV in 2021.1

In the U.S., Bluey was Disney Junior’s #1 ratings driver with kids 2-5 last year.2 It also ranked as the #1 most-watched TV series in 2Q21 and a top three show every quarter in 2021.3 In addition, Bluey owned two of the top 10 cable telecasts of the year with kids 2-5.4

The series has enjoyed critical success internationally, winning an International Emmy Award in the Preschool category in 2020 and 2021. Most recently, Bluey has earned four 2021 Kidscreen Awards (Best Animated Series, Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Music), a 2021 Rockie Award (Best Animation Program for Pre-school Viewers), a 2021 ARIA Award for Best Children’s Album, and a nomination for Best Animated Series at the 27th Critics’ Choice Awards.

Bluey is produced by Ludo Studio for ABC Kids (Australia) and co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios. The series is distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia. BBC Studios has a global broadcast deal with Disney for Bluey.

1 Source: OzTam Metro TV Panel, 2am-2am, Total People, Consolidated 28, Jan – Dec 2021.

2 Source: NMR Live+7 data (12/28/20-12/26/21), excludes specials, movies, and shorts. Based on 52+ tlcs.

3 Source: NMR Live+7 data ranked on time spent viewing across all TV networks aired on (12/28/20-12/26/21, by Nielsen qtr dates)

4 Source: NMR Live+7 data (12/28/20-12/26/21). Excludes sports.