Bluey episode 'Ghost Basket' ends with shock cliffhanger: 'Wasn’t prepared for that'

Bluey is undoubtedly one of those rare kids' TV shows that adults also adore. Bluey, Bingo, Chilli and Bandit have captured the hearts and imaginations of families everywhere with the series being praised for its relatable storylines and the way it can help prepare kids for some pretty big transitions.

So popular is the show that there are several social media groups for adult fans to discuss different episodes and debate the various easter eggs scattered throughout the series.

With Bluey about to go on an extended hiatus before returning for its fourth season, viewers were shocked to see that the recent episode 'Ghost Basket' ended with a huge surprise twist that hints that the Heeler family look set to leave their beloved Queenslander home.

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As the series three episode drew to a close, the camera panned to a 'For Sale' sign that was out the front of the house that, according to series creator Joe Brumm, has 'become a sort of fifth Heeler character'.

For sale sign sparks wild fan theories

While viewers will have to wait until Sunday, April 14 to find out exactly what lies ahead for the popular pooch family, many fans have been speculating about what it could mean - and sharing how emotional the reveal of the sign made them.

"That was a more shocking ending than the Red Wedding," one fan hilariously said in reference to the divisive Game of Thrones finale.

Another fan offered up a very involved theory as to why the Heeler family might be selling. "I cried at the end," they began. "My husband's theory is Chilli is pregnant so they need a bigger house - but *what if* it’s because Brandy was finally successful with IVF and she doesn't have a partner to have the baby with so they are moving closer to Brandy- possibly into the same house - to help her with the baby - have the kids all close together (people have theories from the trailer of the long episode saying Brandy looks like she has a belly)."

"Wasn’t prepared for that!!," another person exclaimed on Instagram. "My kids both looked at me straight away to see my reaction."

"Don’t you DARE sell that house," another person warned. "We all grew up with Bluey and Bingo in that house."

Bluey's house listed online for sale

Another person was more business-minded about the situation writing, "Currently pooling money to buy the house, who wants in?"

For interested parties, Domain is currently advertising the iconic property, complete with a description that reads: "A quaint, animated family home nestled in an undisclosed Brisbane location, that could be in Red Hill or The Gap (we'll never tell), with mid-century design aesthetics offset by whimsical touches. The quintessential Queenslander, radiating heritage charm, complete with upwards of 100 hidden small long dogs to be found."

Of course, the ad also gets into the specifics of the house (while poking gentle fun at the layout) stating that it boasts "3 bedrooms, 4 (ish) bathrooms, work from home spaces, lovely period floorboards and mysterious hallways that don't logically seem to join spaces together but always feel cohesive and purposeful. Perfect for endless play and games with the family."

End of an era

Over on X (formerly Twitter), emotions were also running high with one depleted fan writing, "Who do I talk to about being sad? Is sad the right word? Let me rephrase…who do I talk to in regard to being way too emotionally invested in some cartoon dogs selling their house?"

"The new Bluey episode has me emotional??? They’re selling the house???????," another enquired.

"IT'S CONFIRMED!!!! BLUEY'S OFFICIALLY MOVING HOUSE!!!!," someone else text shouted. "Just finished watching the worldwide premiere of "Ghost Basket", and saw this panned-out image at the end! SOOOO sad!! End of an era!"

An extended break

While some fans expressed concern that the 'For Sale' sign and impending 28-minute-long episode signals the end of Bluey for good (the show, not the dog - that would be dark), others jumped in to console them and remind their fellow viewers that the break will be a temporary one.

In a 2023 interview with The Courier Mail, Bluey producer Daley Peterson explained why the team were going to take a bit of a hiatus between seasons 3 and 4.

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“We are just going to get our heads on a bit, it’s been four or five years and we’ve made 154 episodes, it is kind of unprecedented to do that back-to-back,” he said. “It was very intense … we are just coming to the end of season three and trying to think about what’s the best way to make it better.”

He continued, "We have all secretly agreed with each other that we wouldn’t keep making Bluey if it wasn’t as good as the one that came before, so we want to make sure we keep doing that."

To find out what's next for the Heeler family, be sure to watch the 28-minute Bluey special episode 'The Sign' at 8am on Sunday, April 14, on ABC Kids and ABC iView.

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