Mattel announced Monday, February 13, 2023, that the popular friendly, and cringe- worthy purple dinosaur Barney is returning to TV and toy shelves next year. Switching from live-a action to animation, he now has great big eyes.

The show “Barney and Friends” features the titular violet T-Rex, first aired on PBS in the United States from 1992 until 2010. Mattel stated on February 13, 2023, that unlike the original show, will be animated. No longer a beleaguered actor dressed in a dinosaur costume marching and singing to young kids. 

According to Paul R. La Monica of CNN, “Mattel told CNN that it has no specific news to announce yet about whether the relaunched Barney will be on PBS, but added that the company has “confirmed streaming and broadcast partners that we’ll be announcing later in the year.” PBS was not immediately available for comment.” 

Mattel said the new franchise will include TV, film and Alphabet (Googl owned) YouTube content, as well as music and merchandise. Which includes toys, clothing and books. Mattel Studios is working with Nelvana, a studio owed by a Canadian media company, Corus Entertainment (CJREF) to co-produce the upcoming series. 

CNN stated that Fred Soulie, a manger of Mattel Television, said “In creating the new series, it was important to us that we properly reflect the world that kids today live in so that the series can deliver meaningful lessons about navigating it,” He then added, “With our modern take on Barney, we hope to inspire the next generation to listen, care, and dream big,”

According to CNN, “Mattel’s television unit, which has also recently brought back its Monster High and Masters of the Universe franchises, is hoping to cash in once again on young and middle-aged adults yearning for the days of their childhood.” Mattel is hoping bringing back Barney for anyone who grew up watching the original Barney show and enjoyed it, hoping they’ll want to buy the merchandise. The company said in the news that “apparel and accessories for adult fans, featuring classic Barney, are also in development.”

CNN stated that Josh Silverman, a chief franchise officer and head of consumer products at Mattel said, “We will tap into the nostalgia of the generations who grew up with Barney, now parents themselves, and introduce the iconic purple dinosaur to a new generation of kids and families around the world across content.”