Blippi is the title character of a children’s educational show on YouTube. Blippi’s curious and energetic persona has become one of the world’s most popular preschool entertainers. Blippi takes his friends on field trips and has guests visit his treehouse, and talks a lot about trucks, automobiles, dinosaurs, colors, and letters.
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But the loveable Blippi has come under fire from some parents who think that the show lacks any educational value and promotes dangerous and unhealthy values (such as running alongside a bus, making a mess and not cleaning it up, and the use of power tools).
Who Is Blippi?
Created and played by Stevin John, Blippi’s first episode was posted on Blippi’s YouTube channel on January 27, 2014. Since then, Blippi was purchased alongside other children’s programming in 2020 by Moonbug Entertainment. Based in Los Angeles, California, the TV show for children ages 2-7 is available on other social media platforms. Blippi is now dubbed in Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Hebrew, Arabic, Swedish, and Polish for children worldwide.
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New episodes air every two days or so, and there are several channels to organize themes such as full Kids TV Shows, Kid’s Songs, Sign Language for Kids, Blippi Toys, Blippi Wonders, and dubbed versions. While Blippi is available on a range of social media platforms, Blippi’s Treehouseis a spin-off series only available on Amazon Kids+.
Has Stevin John Been Replaced As Blippi?
Blippi started out as a one-man venture on YouTube aimed at creating high quality pre-school children’s programming. Stevin John noticed his nephew was watching videos for children on YouTube, but the quality was low. John created the character, made the videos, and did his own filming and editing. He was inspired by growing up in a small town with tractors, trucks, and cars, and his mother made Blippy’s costume!
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The show was a success and has since grown into a full production team, expanding platforms, the introduction of live shows, and introduction of new characters like Meekah. The show has expanded beyond the creator, and so has the title character.
Why was Clayton Grimm chosen to be the new Blippi?
With the creation of a live show and musical tour of the Blippi show, stage performer Clayton Grimm was cast to play Blippi during the tour while the original Blippi continued production on YouTube. This new Blippi was met with some backlash from fans, who were caught off-guard by the change and criticized John for a “bait and switch” move.
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Clayton Grimm has played Blippi in the live show version since 2019. Starting May 8, 2021, Grimm also began performing as an alternative Blippi on Blippi's YouTube channel. Fans have been frustrated at the transition, criticizing Grimm as “the imposter” or the new Blippi.
The spin-off series, Blippi’s Treehouse, announced a new character on October 9, 2021. The new character was introduced as Meekah, Blippi’s best friend, played by Kaitlin Becker.
Is Blippi Dangerous For Kids?
Reviews of the show are mixed. Like with Blue's Clues, some parents worry that Blippi being an adult but acting like a child is grooming behavior. While some parents worry that he throws things around and smashes things up, which might promote violence, others find value in his ability to get down to kids' level and act silly, sing, dance, and have fun while teaching something new. One parent found his energy too overstimulating for their child.
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However, it is a children's show meant for pre-schoolers and was designed to meet a need for children's YouTube videos. Blippi isn't dangerous, just goofier than an older kid's show. It's worth listening to your child's interests to determine if the show is appropriate for them.
Does the original Blippi plan to return to the show?
Also in October 2021, 34-year old Stevin John announced that he and his fiancee, Alyssa Ingham, were expecting their first child. The soon to be dad posted the announcement on Instagram. On March 9, 2022, Lochlan David John was born. Welcome, baby Blippi!
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So what happened to Blippi? Good news, actually! Blippi simply got a lot bigger than its creator! To help manage the expansion of the show, Clayton Grimm was recruited to help Stevin John portray the title character. The character is the same person, and the original Blippi has not left the show, but fans may be seeing more of Grimm’s new Blippi for the next little while.
We’ll still get to see more Blippi!
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.