Barney's World

***Barney's World*** is an upcoming computer animated preschool television series that's set to premiere on Cartoonito, a preschool programming block on Cartoon Network, and stream on Max, a Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service, in 2024. Produced by Mattel Television and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, the series serves as a relaunch to the Barney franchise, which spawned its first television series *Barney & Friends* (after Season 4 [1997] or Season 11 [2007]) which was based on its predecessor *Barney & The Backyard Gang*. Unlike the previous two series, which were live-action, this will be the first Barney series to be animated.

Set in a local playground, Barney is joined by dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three kid best friends. Throughout silly and imaginative adventures together, Barney helps kids explore big preschool emotions and shows them how to love themselves and others. The series is set to highlight themes of love, community, and encouragement.

## Production

### Development

During Mattel's 2021 Virtual Analyst Day Presentation, Barney was included to be a "new series in development" by Mattel Television. On February 13, 2023, Mattel announced that it would relaunch the Barney franchise with an animated series set to debut in 2024. Announced to be co-produced by Mattel Television and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana the series is announced to be executive produced by Fred Soulie and Christopher Keenan for Mattel Television and by Colin Bohm, Doug Murphy and Pam Westman for Nelvana. The relaunch is set to introduce audiences to the world of Barney through music-filled adventures centered on love, community, and encouragement.

The title of the series, now called *Barney's World*, was officially revealed on May 9, 2023.

## Release

Upon the initial announcement, Mattel confirmed that the relaunch will be available for streaming, and broadcast partners were to be announced later in 2023. On May 9, 2023, it was officially revealed that the series would air on Cartoonito and stream on Max. Executive Producer Pam Westman confirmed that the series would air on the Treehouse TV network in Canada.

## Reception

Upon the initial announcement of the animated series, the initial first look at the redesigned Barney drew criticism. Notable criticisms came from David Joyner, the original body of Barney on *Barney & Friends*, Jessica Zucha, who portrayed Tina on *Barney & The Backyard Gang* and *Barney & Friends*, and Dianna De La Garza, the mother of Demi Lovato, who portrayed Angela on *Barney & Friends*, with the latter two disapproving the change.

## Other Media

### Merchandise

With the initial announcement of the relaunch, it's also set to bring forth a full range of kids’ products including toys, books, clothing, and more in 2025. Merchandise for the series was first shown off at Licensing Expo 2023 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 13-15, 2023.

## Trivia

### People

#### Interest

* Bob West, the original voice of Barney, expressed interest in wanting to return as the voice Barney for the relaunch. However, West later confirmed on his April 16th 2023 livestream, that he will not be returning as the voice of Barney for the relaunch, but has expressed interest in doing something for the show.
* Bob Singleton the musical
* David Bernard Wolf the former musical director of the franchise, expressed interest in wanting to compose the music for the relaunch.

#### Involvement

* Directly following the initial announcement of the series, various individuals confirmed themselves publicly to be involved with the relaunch, including Adam Mezgec (music supervisor) and Laura Nikolic (Supervising Music Producer).

## References

1. ↑ Barney’s World is Debuting on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network and Max in 2024 May 9, 2023 Retrieved May 16, 2023
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Mattel’s Beloved Purple Dinosaur Barney Finds New Home at Cartoonito on Cartoon Network and Max May 9, 2023 Retrieved May 9, 2023
3. ↑ 2021 Mattel (Virtual) Analyst Day Presentation | Barbie, Monster High, Polly Pocket | Dolls Category
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Mattel Announces Barney Franchise Relaunch February 13, 2023 Retrieved February 13, 2023
5. ↑ Barney the purple dinosaur is back and he has a new look February 13, 2023 Retrieved February 13, 2023
6. ↑ Pam Westman via LinkedIn on Treehouse May 10, 20230 Retrieved May 11, 2023
7. ↑ Barney the Dinosaur Is Back and People Aren't Happy – But Not for the Reason You Think February 21, 2023 Retrieved March 22, 2023
8. ↑ Barney The Dinosaur's Glow Up Is Causing A Stir On Twitter February 16, 2023 Retrieved March 22, 2023
9. ↑ 'Barney's New Look Slammed by Fans Ahead of Franchise Reboot February 14, 2023 Retrieved March 22, 2023
10. ↑ 'That face is unsettling as hell': Barney fans SLAM the purple dinosaur's new look after getting a CGI makeover from Mattel February 14, 2023 Retrieved March 22, 2023
11. ↑ 'I'M NOT HAPPY' Original Barney actor David Joyner slams reboot’s new look with biting verdict on ‘mischievous’ 3D character February 20, 2023 Retrieved March 22, 2023
12. ↑ My opinion, I'm sad to be honest,... - Jessica Marie Zucha | Facebook February 18, 2023 Retrieved May 20, 2023
13. ↑ Barney No Love for The Purple Dinosaur ... New Look Slammed by Internet!!! February 13, 2023 Retrieved March 22, 2023
14. ↑ Barney reboot: Mattel gives its purple dinosaur an animated makeover February 13, 2023 Retrieved February 13, 2023
15. ↑ Barney Voice Actor Hopes to Return for New Animated Series February 19, 2023 Retrieved February 19, 2023