For the second year running, the Australian children's cartoon Bluey has claimed the title of the most streamed television show in the United States, according to Nielsen's annual year-end data for 2025. The beloved series about a family of blue heeler dogs amassed a staggering 45.2 billion minutes of viewing time on Disney+ over the course of the year.
A Consistent Streaming Powerhouse
This impressive figure, while down from the 55.62 billion minutes recorded in 2024, solidifies Bluey's status as a cultural phenomenon. The achievement is particularly notable given the show's format; with 154 episodes, most under ten minutes in length, it demonstrates remarkable audience engagement and repeat viewing.
Securing the runner-up position for the second consecutive year was the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, which garnered 40.9 billion minutes of watch time. With a catalogue of 455 episodes, each around forty minutes, its performance highlights the enduring appeal of established 'library series' in the streaming era.
The Dominance of Library Content
The continued success of both Bluey and Grey's Anatomy reflects a broader industry trend. An analysis of Nielsen's top ten rankings reveals that nine out of the ten positions were occupied by long-running shows with extensive back catalogues. Familiar titles such as Family Guy, NCIS, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit maintained their chart presence, underscoring the value of deep content libraries for streaming platforms.
The sole original series to break into the top ten was Netflix's Stranger Things, which attracted just under 40 billion minutes of viewing. Its performance was bolstered by the release of its fifth and final season in November and December 2025. It is important to note that Nielsen's 2025 calendar concluded on 28 December, meaning the viewership for the series finale, which premiered on New Year's Eve, is not included in this annual tally.
Future of the Beloved Blue Heeler
The future of the Bluey television series remains a topic of keen interest for its global fanbase. The show's creator, Brisbane animator Joe Brumm, revealed in 2024 that he would be stepping away from the series, though he remains attached to write and direct a full-length movie adaptation scheduled for cinematic release in 2027.
The season three finale, the 28-minute special episode titled The Sign, premiered in April 2024, followed by a shorter surprise episode. To date, a formal announcement regarding a fourth season has not been made. However, producer Sam Moor provided reassurance ahead of the season three finale, stating on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, "It is not the end for Bluey. I'm sure we have many more surprises in store for you." This sentiment was echoed by a spokesperson for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), which co-commissioned the series, who confirmed there were no plans to end the show.
Beyond Bluey, the only other children's programme to feature in the 2025 top ten was the perennial favourite SpongeBob SquarePants, further emphasising the strong and consistent demand for family-friendly content in the streaming landscape.
