Mattel, Inc. announced today its relaunch of the Barney franchise. The comprehensive revitalization of the brand will span television, film and YouTube content as well as music and a full range of kids’ products including toys, books, clothing and more. Apparel and accessories for adult fans, featuring classic Barney, are also in development.
“Barney’s message of love and kindness has stood the test of time,” said Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer & Global Head of Consumer Products at Mattel. “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 across content, products and
experiences.”
Mattel will relaunch Barney for a new generation with a brand-new animated series, set to debut globally in 2024. Created for preschool kids, the series will feature the ubiquitous purple dinosaur and friends, introducing new audiences to the world of Barney through music-filled adventures centered on love, community and encouragement.
The series will be produced by Corus Entertainment’s kids’ content studio Nelvana, and executive produced by Fred Soulie and Christopher Keenan for Mattel Television and by Colin Bohm and Pam Westman for Nelvana.
“In creating the new series, it was important to us that we properly reflect the world that kids today live in so that the series can deliver meaningful lessons about navigating it,” said Soulie, Mattel Television SVP & General Manager. “With our modern take on Barney, we hope to inspire the next generation to listen, care and dream big. We think that parents, many of whom will fondly remember the original Barney from their own childhoods, will love the show, too.”
Barney is the latest in Mattel’s catalog of legacy franchises to enjoy a refresh, following the recent return of Monster High and the relaunch of the 1980s classic Masters of the Universe, both with new content and consumer products programs.
Barney’s fans can keep up with news about the relaunch by following @Mattel on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more at mattel.com.
