Popular Bunnings inspired Bluey episode removed from ABC iView infuriating Aussie families

Sky News AU

3 days ago

A popular Bunnings inspired Bluey episode has been removed from ABC's streaming service, iView.
The beloved Season 2 episode titled 'Hammerbarn' no longer appears on the government-funded network's streaming service in Australia.
However, the episode can be streamed on Disney+ in the US and the BBC in the UK.
The Bunnings inspired episode captures Bluey and the Heeler family visiting their local hardware store.
In recent days, since the episode was removed Bunnings have restocked a fresh line of Bluey-themed garden gnomes and other show-related merchandise.
The ABC explained to SkyNews.com.au, the network is prevented from partaking in commercial partnerships.
'As the ABC cannot align with a commercial brand or partnership, the Bluey episode 'Hammerbarn' will temporarily be unavailable on ABC iView,' an ABC spokesperson said.
'However, 'Hammerbarn' will return to ABC iView at a later date. All other episodes of Bluey seasons 1-3 remain on ABC iView for Bluey fans to enjoy.'
It's understood the campaign is a BBC Studios and Bunnings' partnership.
Aussie parents on Reddit expressed their disappointed after the episode disappeared from iView.
'You can't be serious? My 3-year-old is going to throw a fit,'' one said.
'Yeah ours is missing too, my girl is very upset,' another added.
'For what it's worth, Bunnings loves the episode,'' a third said.
Bunnings told SkyNews.com.au they are disappointed in the removal of the episode.
'We are disappointed that the broadcaster has chosen to remove the popular 'Hammerbarn' episode, particularly given Bluey fans can buy merchandise from a range of retailers and sites both in Australia and overseas,' Bunnings spokesperson Melissa O'Neill said.
'It's been great to see so many kids and their parents enjoying the Bluey experience in our stores, and it's sad to think that they can't go home and enjoy the episode.'
The development comes after Bunnings collaborated with Ludo Studios - the Brisbane based animation studios behind Bluey - to rebrand several stores across the country to Hammerbarn.
As part of the rebrand, the DIY chain will also host themed events such as kids DIY workshops and scavenger hunts.
Bunnings have sold limited-edition $19 gnomes known as 'husbands' and according to social media, many stores across Australia are now out of stock.
A limit of four gnomes per customer was imposed on the product.
SkyNews.com.au found the popularity of the product has gone to new heights with one set going for $1,000 on eBay.
'It's clear how much fans connect with the show given how quickly last year's Bluey gnomes flew off the shelves,' Justine Mills, Bunnings General Manager Marketing, said.
'We know they will be eager to build on their collections, and we're excited to see how customers respond to our new range and in-store activities.'
In 2018 Bluey was released in Australia with the show capturing the hearts of Aussie families almost instantly.
Not long after its national fame, Bluey became a global phenomenon for children around the world and in 2022 it became one of the ten most streamed programs in the United States.
The show went on to be licensed abroad by BBC Studios and broadcast by Disney+ on which it was the most-watched series in 2024.