Barney the Dinosaur has become the latest kids’ TV icon to enter the mental health crusade, offering a special surprise message in honor of Love Day, or St. Valentine’s Day. Shared to the @barneythedinosaur and @mattel channels on Instagram and TikTok, the video marks the first time the beloved purple dino has addressed the public since the last episode of Barney and Friends aired in 2010.
Following the viral “just checking in” tweet by Sesame Street muppet star Elmo, Barney notes, “I always make sure to check in on my friends” and offers a reminder of “the super-dee-duper ability we all have to love one another” and ourselves.
The pre-k TV superstar signs off with, “I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you again soon!” — a nod to the fully-CG-animated series Barney’s World coming this year to Max’s Cartoonito as part of Mattel’s relaunch of the brand, which will also deliver a live-action feature film from Daniel Kaluuya and brand-new consumer products.
