Beloved Barney franchise is back

Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, a world-leading international producer, distributor, and licensor of children’s animated and live-action content and Mattel, Inc., a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, announced today that Barney, the beloved purple dinosaur, will return to television screens after a 14-year hiatus.

The new series (52 x 11 mins) will premiere on Treehouse, Monday, October 14 at 9:40am ET and will be available to stream on STACKTV. The debut season features all-new original music and updated takes on Barney classics. Select episodes of Barney’s World will also be available on YouTube.

Originally launched in 1988, 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 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.

Mellany Welsh, VP and Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press, said:

Generations of fans have eagerly awaited the return of Barney, and we’re delighted to collaborate with Mattel in co-producing “Barney’s World”. Bringing the iconic purple dinosaur back to television, along with enticing new merchandise, is a true honour. 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.

Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer at Mattel, added:

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. 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.

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.

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.