Warner Bros. Discovery picked up the CG-animated series “Barney's world,” featuring the new adventures of the endearing purple dinosaur and his friends, which is set to bow out on the Max streaming service and Cartoon Network in 2024.
series, announced earlier this year as part of Mattel's Barney franchise relaunchAccording to WBD, “will reimagine the iconic character for modern audiences”. The series is co-produced by Nelvana for Mattel Television and Corus Entertainment.
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Barney is the beloved children's character who captured the hearts of millions – before he became the target of internet and pop culture satire Explored in Peacock's 2022 docu-series “I Love You, You Hate Me”. The original live-action “Barney and Friends” debuted on PBS stations in 1992 and ran until 2010.
WBD and Mattel TV said “Barney's World” has been “modernized with dynamic characters and stories filled with music that highlight themes of love, community and encouragement.” Located at a local playground, Barney is joined by the dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three best kid friends. “Throughout silly and imaginative adventures, Barney helps kids explore big preschool feelings and shows them how to love themselves and others,” the companies said in announcing the series pickup.
“Barney's World” perfectly exemplifies our ‘Best in Animation' approach. It strikes the right nostalgia chord for today's parents and introduces this iconic dinosaur to a new generation of preschoolers,” said Michael Ovelein of Warner Bros. Discovery, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang. said the chairman.
Fred Soulie, SVP and GM of Mattel Television, said: “Having grown up watching the original series, many of today's parents have fond memories of laughing, singing and learning with Barney and his friends. We are proud to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery to re-imagine this iconic brand and bring a new and modern version of Barney to a global audience of families.
“Barneys World” will be executive produced by Souley and Christopher Keenan for Mattel Television and Colin Boehm, Doug Murphy and Pam Westman for Nelvana.
The show will join the lineup of Cartoonito, the preschool programming block on Cartoon Network and HBO Max (Relaunching as Max on May 23 in the US, Cartoonito's other series include “Batwheels” and “Bugs Bunny Builders”, as well as new series and specials from Sesame Workshop such as “sesame street Mecha Builders” and “Sesame Street: The Nutcracker”.
Along with the new Barney TV series, Mattel announced plans in February to expand the franchise to film and YouTube content as well as music and a range of children's products including toys, books and clothing. Apparel and accessories for adult fans featuring classic Barney are also in development.
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