Mattel announces a global relaunch of the Barney franchise
More than 30 years ago, a friendly purple dinosaur took pop culture by storm, and now Mattel has announced a global relaunch of the Barney franchise with television, film, and YouTube content, plus music, toys, books, clothing, and more.
In 2024, a new generation will be introduced to Barney with a brand-new animated preschool series featuring Barney and his friends, who embark on music-filled adventures centered on love, community, and encouragement.
“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 Mattel Television SVP and General Manager Fred Soulie. “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.”
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the world’s most substantial catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises. The relaunch of the Barney franchise is part of a company-wide strategy to reach back to heritage franchises from its portfolio, including the return of Monster High and the relaunch of the Masters of the Universe franchise, both with new content and consumer products.
“Barney’s message of love and kindness has stood the test of time,” said Mattel’s Chief Franchise Officer and Global Head of Consumer Products, Josh Silverman. “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.”
Barney fans can keep up with the latest announcements by following Mattel on Facebook and Instagram.
