Barney’s World: A nostalgic return with a modern twist
Barney, the beloved purple dinosaur from our childhood imaginations, is making a grand return to our screens this fall with the launch of the new animated series, Barney’s World. This marks Barney’s first TV show in 14 years, and it promises to be a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary storytelling.
A playground of emotions and adventures
Set in a vibrant playground, Barney’s World features Barney alongside his dino friends, Billy and Baby Bop, and their three kid best friends, David, Mel, and Vivie. Through action-packed, music-filled adventures, Barney helps the kids—and the audience—navigate big preschool emotions, teaching them the importance of self-love, empathy, and community.
The series comprises 51 episodes, each running for 11 minutes. It will debut on October 14 on Max, followed by a linear premiere on Cartoon Network starting October 18. The show will also be available on Cartoonito in EMEA and APAC regions, and Discovery Kids in LATAM. Select episodes will be available on YouTube, with the series premiere streaming early on October 11 in specific countries.
Meet the voices behind the characters
- Jonathan Langdon as Barney: A singing and dancing purple dinosaur who embodies love and is a great listener, helping his friends work through challenges with care.
- Bryn McAuley as Baby Bop: A charming and opinionated dinosaur who advocates for all feelings, no matter how big or small.
- Jonathan Tan as Billy: An energetic dino who loves action and loud sounds, encouraging kids to express their feelings and care for themselves.
- Jayd Deroché as David: An empathetic, self-aware, and caring kid who loves giving big hugs and has an infectious laugh.
- Diana Tsoy as Mel: Active, competitive, and always up for a challenge, Mel is multiracial with Korean and Mexican heritage, speaks three languages, and loves sharing her culture.
- Ella Paciocco as Vivie: Wildly creative, Vivie loves to paint and perform, living with her Nonna and enjoying cooking and sharing Italian traditions.
A collaborative production
Barney’s World is a co-production from Mattel Television Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana. The series is executive produced by Josh Silverman and Michelle Mendelovitz for Mattel, and by Athena Georgaklis, Doug Murphy, Mellany Welsh, Troy Reeb, and Pam Westman for Nelvana.
Barney’s legacy and future
Barney first debuted in 1988 with the series Barney & Friends, which aired for 14 seasons across multiple networks globally, including PBS in the U.S. The series concluded on November 2, 2010. The goal of Mattel Television Studios is to develop and distribute content that expands Mattel’s characters and storylines across linear and streaming platforms worldwide.
Josh Silverman from Mattel expressed excitement about Barney’s return, stating, “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.”
Vanessa Brookman from Warner Bros. Discovery added, “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. This new animated series aims to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, ensuring that the world’s beloved purple dinosaur continues to inspire, educate, and delight young audiences.”
Watch the teaser
Get a sneak peek of the magic to come by watching the teaser for Barney’s World.
For those who grew up with Barney, this revival is a heartwarming trip down memory lane. For new audiences, it’s an opportunity to experience the timeless charm of Barney in a fresh, modern context. Whether you’re a parent eager to share a piece of your childhood with your kids or a young viewer discovering Barney for the first time, Barney’s World promises to be a delightful and educational journey.