Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana and Mattel announced that nostalgic preschool character Barney will return to television screens after a 14-year hiatus in Barney’s World. The new fully-animated series (52 x 11′), co-produced by Mattel Television Studios and Nelvana, will premiere in Canada on Treehouse on Monday, October 14 at 9:40 a.m. ET and will be available to stream on STACKTV. Select episodes of Barney’s World will also be available on YouTube.
Originally launched in 1988, the original Barney quickly became a global sensation, captivating audiences with the friendly dinosaur and his larger-than-life personality. The series aired on top broadcasters globally, including Treehouse in Canada. The new show’s debut season features all-new original music as well as updated takes on Barney classics.
“Generations of fans have eagerly awaited the return of Barney, and we’re delighted to collaborate with Mattel in co-producing Barney’s World,” said Mellany Welsh, VP and Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press. “Bringing the iconic purple dinosaur back to television, along with enticing new merchandise, is a true honor. Barney’s timeless lessons of love, friendship and community have always struck a chord, and now a new generation will learn and grow with Barney and his friends on their super-dee-duper adventures.”
“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.”
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. The animation paints a dynamic, inviting and whimsical world where kids will feel a sense of belonging.
The show features new and returning characters, 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.
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.
Nelvana is partnering with Mattel as its Canadian licensing representative for classic Barney and the new Barney’s World animated series covering apparel, accessories, footwear, home, personal care, food, health and beauty aids, gifts and stationery, sporting goods, and consumer electronics. In partnership with Mattel, Nelvana aims to bring Barney merchandise to market for fans old and new.
