LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that Barney, Mattel’s iconic purple dinosaur, will return to television screens for the first time in 14 years. Barney’s World, a new animated series featuring original music and updated takes on Barney classics, will premiere Monday, October 14 on Max followed by a linear premiere on Cartoon Network starting Friday, October 18. The show also launches on Cartoonito in EMEA and APAC, and Discovery Kids in LATAM. Select episodes of Barney’s World will be available on YouTube, where the first episode will debut early on October 11 in specific countries.
The new Barney’s World is set in a playground, where Barney is joined by dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three kid best friends David, Mel, and Vivie. Through action-packed, music-filled adventures together, Barney helps the kids and audiences explore big preschool emotions, showing them how to love themselves, others, and their communities.
Originally launched in 1988, Barney quickly became a global sensation, captivating audiences with the friendly dinosaur and his larger-than-life personality. The Barney & Friends series aired on top broadcasters globally, including 14 seasons on PBS in the United States, with its final episode airing on November 2, 2010.
While Barney’s World was developed for preschoolers, viewers of all ages will feel nostalgic singing along with Barney and his friends again. Today’s parents, many of whom grew up with the lovable dinosaur, can now create memories with their own children as they experience this new take on a beloved classic.
Barney’s World premieres with 52, 11-minute episodes featuring familiar faces and new characters alike, including:
- Jonathan Langdon (ZOMBIES) as Barney – A singing and dancing purple dinosaur who embodies love, Barney is a great listener who helps his friends work through challenges in a way that is caring to themselves and others.
- Bryn McAuley (Hotel Transylvania: The Series) as Baby Bop - A charming and opinionated dinosaur who is an advocate for all feelings, no matter how big or small.
- Jonathan Tan (Rubble & Crew) as Billy – An energetic dino who loves action and loud sounds. With a strong sense of self awareness, Billy encourages kids to express their feelings and care for themselves.
- Jayd Deroché (Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures) as David – An empathetic, self-aware, and caring kid, David loves giving big hugs and has an infectious laugh that he shares with his friends, older brother, and younger sister.
- Diana Tsoy (CoComelon Lane) as Mel – Mel is active, competitive, and always up for a challenge. She is multiracial from Korean and Mexican heritage, speaks three languages, and loves to share her culture with her friends.
- Ella Paciocco (Vocal Star) as Vivie – Vivie is wildly creative and loves to paint and perform. She lives with her Nonna, and together they enjoy cooking, sharing Italian traditions, and caring for their friends and family.
“The goal of Mattel Television Studios is to develop and distribute episodic and long-form content that expands Mattel’s characters and storylines across linear and streaming platforms worldwide,” said Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer, Mattel. “Barney nurtures the power of love in all of us, and we are thrilled to bring him back to fans all around the world. We hope this modern revival leaves an impression on young audiences, imparting lessons that will positively influence them as they grow up.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Mattel to bring a fresh, imaginative new take on Barney that resonates with today’s preschoolers and their families around the world,” said Vanessa Brookman, General Manager Kids, Global Streaming and International Networks, Warner Bros. Discovery. “This new animated series aims to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, ensuring that the world’s beloved purple dinosaur continues to inspire, educate, and delight young audiences.”
Barney’s World is co-produced by Mattel Television Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana. It is executive produced by Michelle Mendelovitz and Josh Silverman for Mattel and by Athena Georgaklis, Doug Murphy, Mellany Welsh, and Pam Westman for Nelvana.
Follow Barney on social media for more exciting updates @barneythedinosaur on TikTok and Instagram, @Barney on YouTube.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
About Max
Max®, which launched May 23, 2023, is an enhanced streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery, delivering unparalleled quality content for everyone in the household. With a personalized user experience that brings unique and unexpected stories ranging from the best of unscripted to the highest quality in scripted programming to live news to sports, Max is the destination for HBO Originals, Warner Bros. films, Max Originals, the DC universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, CNN Max, Bleacher Report Sports Add-On, an expansive offering of kids and family content, and best-in-class programming across food, home, reality, lifestyle, and documentaries from leading brands like HGTV, Food Network, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, TLC, ID and more, all in one place.
About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network is one of the most loved global animated networks. Widely seen by fans all over the world as the best in animation, Cartoon Network combines a rich legacy of characters and a deep roster of creatives with unique brands of storytelling. Showcasing original content from across Cartoon Network Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, and beyond, Cartoon Network programming includes “Craig of the Creek,” “Teen Titans Go!,” “We Baby Bears,” “Tiny Toons Looniversity,” and “The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe.” Cartoon Network's content commitment appeals to the complete spectrum of kids and families including preschoolers with “Batwheels,” “Bugs Bunny Builders,” and more on Cartoonito, and blockbuster hits on the ultimate family destination, ACME Night.
About Cartoonito
Cartoonito is the Warner Bros. Discovery Kids & Family preschool block on Cartoon Network. Offering the best in original preschool content with key shows Bugs Bunny Builders, Lucas the Spider, Toad & Friends, and Interstellar Ella, Cartoonito is the place for kids and families to enjoy trusted characters and experience a whole lot of laughter. Inspired by Positive Psychology and 21st Century Learning, Cartoonito is based on the proprietary preschool educational framework of Humancentric Learning, which aims to support every child’s humanness by celebrating their unique selves and encouraging them to treat others with compassion, respect and fairness. Cartoonito will offer modern programming that leans into Warner Bros. Discovery’s Kids & Family iconic IP that stems from Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios.
