‘Barney’ revived in new Max series ‘Barney’s World’
Barney is a dinosaur from our imagination who will finally return to our screens this fall with the launch of the new animated Max series “Barney’s World.”
Featuring the iconic Mattel character in his first TV show in 14 years, ‘Barney’s World’ is set in a playground, where Barney is joined by dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three best friends David, Mel and Vivie. Through collaborative action-packed, music-filled adventures, Barney helps children and audiences explore big emotions in preschool, and shows them how to love themselves, others and their community.
The new series, which consists of 51 episodes of 11 minutes each, will debut on Max on October 14, followed by a linear premiere on Cartoon Network starting on October 18. The show will also launch on Cartoonito in EMEA and APAC regions, and Discovery Children in LATAM. According to Warner Bros. Discovery and Mattel will also make “select” episodes of “Barney’s World” available on YouTube, where the series premiere will air beginning October 11 in select countries.
Stars of “Barney’s World”:
· Jonathan Langdon (“Zombies”) as Barney – Barney is a singing and dancing purple dinosaur who embodies love. He is a good listener and helps his friends overcome challenges in a way that is caring for himself and others.
· Bryn McAuley (“Hotel Transylvania: The Series”) as Baby Bop – A charming and quirky dinosaur who champions all feelings, no matter how big or small.
· Jonathan Tan (“Rubble & Crew”) as Billy – An energetic dinosaur who loves action and loud noises. With a strong sense of self-awareness, Billy encourages children to express their feelings and take care of themselves.
· Jayd Deroché (“Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures”) as David – David is an empathetic, confident and caring child. He loves to give big hugs and has an infectious laugh that he shares with his friends, older brother and younger sister.
· Diana Tsoy (“CoComelon Lane”) as Mel – Mel is active, competitive and always up for a challenge. She is multiracial with Korean and Mexican heritage, speaks three languages and enjoys sharing her culture with her friends.
· Ella Paciocco (vocal star) as Vivie – Vivie is extremely creative and loves painting and performing. She lives with her Nonna and together they love to cook, share Italian traditions and take care of their friends and family.
“Barney’s World” is a co-production of Mattel Television Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana. The film is executive produced by Josh Silverman and recently departed Mattel TV studio head Michelle Mendelovitz for Mattel and by Athena Georgaklis, Doug Murphy, Mellany Welsh, Troy Reeb and Pam Westman for Nelvana.
Barney made his debut in 1988 in the series “Barney & Friends,” which aired for fourteen seasons on multiple networks worldwide, including PBS in the US. The series ended on November 2, 2010.
“Mattel Television Studios’ purpose is to develop and distribute episodic and long-form content that expands Mattel’s characters and storylines across linear and streaming platforms worldwide,” said Mattel’s Silverman. “Barney cherishes the power of love in all of us, and we are thrilled to bring him back to fans around the world. We hope this modern revival leaves an impact on young audiences and teaches lessons that will positively impact them as they grow.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Mattel to bring a fresh, imaginative new take on Barney that resonates with today’s preschoolers and their families around the world,” said Vanessa Brookman, general manager of Warner Bros. Discovery for global streaming and international networks for kids. “This new animated series aims to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, ensuring the world’s beloved purple dinosaur continues to inspire, educate and delight young audiences.”
Watch the teaser for “Barney’s World” below.