A new Murray State club is quickly attracting attention, but some students are surprised to learn it is about a children’s cartoon.

“Bluey” is an Australian children’s program about the family and friends of a Blue heeler puppy. Each eight-to-ten-minute episode explores a lesson targeted toward kids or parents, often through the games Bluey and her sister come up with. The endearing cartoon has gained popularity far outside Australia and is now viewed in over 60 countries. The colorful, lighthearted show is a hit with children, but why has it become so popular among teenage and young adult viewers?

The club’s roots reach back to this summer, when Schmidt began to miss home while in Murray for an honors program. Like many older “Bluey” watchers, she was introduced to the show through her younger siblings. When she showed it to skeptical classmates, she said, “Give it three episodes, and then you can judge.” 

Schmidt originally proposed the “Bluey” club as a joke, but students flocked to the idea. She was told she needed five members to start the club, and she ended up bringing 77. Since the first meeting on Aug. 17, the number has grown to over 100 members.

Many older “Bluey” viewers find the show relaxing, similar to Schmidt’s explanation. The phrase “healing one’s inner child” often comes up when talking about “Bluey” and other children’s media. It means engaging in childish activities you did not experience in your youth can help your mental health as an adult. This is a large part of why the show has become so popular.

 “We all grew up really fast,” said Nora Lucas, club treasurer. “Our generation was just thrown into adulthood. It’s nice to just be a kid.” 

The Bluey Club meets at 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Franklin Commons. The club officers plan to begin monthly interactive activities, such as trivia and scavenger hunts. All students are welcome, whether they have watched the show or not.