Barney’s World will be shown on Cartoon Network’s pre-school block, Cartoonito, as well as Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform, Max.
Warner Bros. Discovery has announced it has picked up the new CG-animated series, Barney’s World. The series, announced earlier this year as part of Mattel’s Barney franchise relaunch, will revamp the iconic character for modern audiences. Co-produced by Mattel Television and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, Barney’s World will debut globally in 2024.
With all the heart and comfort of the original iconic dinosaur, Barney’s World is modernized with dynamic characters and music-filled storylines that highlight themes of love, community and encouragement. Set in a local playground, Barney is joined by dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three kid best friends, who all have silly and imaginative adventures together, helping kids explore pre-school emotions and showing them how to love themselves and others.
Barney’s World perfectly exemplifies our ‘best in animation’ approach,” said Michael Ouweleen, president, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang. “It strikes the right nostalgia chord for today’s parents and introduces this iconic dinosaur to a new generation of pre-schoolers.”
Fred Soulie, senior vice president and general manager, Mattel Television, commented: “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 reimagine this famed brand and bring a fresh and modern version of Barney to a global audience of families.”
Barney’s World will be executive produced by Fred Soulie and Christopher Keenan for Mattel Television and by Colin Bohm, Doug Murphy and Pam Westman for Nelvana.
Mattel outlined plans to relaunch Barney franchise earlier this year, with a comprehensive revitalisation of the brand spanning 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 said to be in development.
