Barney, the beloved purple dinosaur, is back to capture the hearts of children once again! After years of absence, Mattel has announced an exciting relaunch of Barney, the iconic character that defined many childhoods in the 90s. This new chapter will feature a modern animated series set to debut globally in 2024, along with a fresh line of toys, clothing, and accessories. The return of Barney is not just a revival; it’s a chance to introduce a new generation to the messages of friendship and family that resonated with millions.
The original "Barney & Friends" show, which premiered on PBS in April 1992, became a cultural phenomenon, teaching preschoolers valuable lessons about inclusion and imagination. With its catchy songs and colorful characters, Barney quickly became a staple in children's entertainment. As parents reflect on their own childhoods, they can now share the joy of Barney with their children, creating new memories while tapping into their own nostalgia.
Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer at Mattel, expressed the brand's commitment to blending nostalgia with modern animation techniques. He stated, “We will tap into the nostalgia of the generations who grew up with Barney, now parents themselves.” This approach aims to inspire both old fans and new viewers, fostering a sense of connection across generations. As we look forward to this new series, it promises to continue the legacy of teaching kindness, creativity, and the importance of caring for one another.
Barney, the “dinosaur from our imagination,” is bouncing back from extinction.
Mattel announced Monday its plans to relaunch Barney, the purple-and-green dinosaur that was a staple of millennial childhoods with whimsical songs about family and friendship on the popular television show “Barney & Friends.” Barney will star in a new animated series that will debut globally in 2024, along with a new slate of toys, clothing, books and other accessories.
“We will tap into the nostalgia of the generations who grew up with Barney, now parents themselves, and introduce the iconic purple dinosaur to a new generation of kids and families around the world,” Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer and global head of consumer products at Mattel, said in a statement.
But unlike the 6-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex character in costume with its toothy grin that millennials recognize from the live-action show, the new and improved Barney is an animation.
“With our modern take on Barney, we hope to inspire the next generation to listen, care, and dream big,” Fred Soulie, senior vice president and general manager of Mattel Television, said.
Created in the ‘80s by former teacher Sheryl Leach, “Barney & Friends” premiered on PBS in April 1992 for an audience of preschool and young children, teaching them lessons about inclusion, acceptance and using their imaginations. The show was often set on a playground or in a classroom and featured Barney’s cast of fuzzy friends including Baby Bop, a green Triceratops, and mostly child actors, including Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez.
Even after the half-hour show was over for the day, Barney was still everywhere to be found in children’s homes, depicted in stuffed animals, home videos, books, T-shirts, pillow cases — a product line whose sales totaled tens of millions of dollars in its first year alone.
Barney became a global phenomenon and landed the playful T. rex on the cover of People magazine’s most interesting people issue but eventually went off air in 2010.
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