Barney is Back! Here's an Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look at 'Barney's World'
Your favorite purple dinosaur is ready to love on a whole new generation!Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottFor those of us who grew up with Barney, we have some exciting news for you! (Especially for those of us who are now parents) After a 14-year hiatus, your favorite purple dinosaur is making his grand return to TV in a brand new series—and this time it's animated!
Parents via Mattel Television Studios' title='Image from the new show 'Barney's World' on Max'>
Parents via Mattel Television Studios
Barney’s World, launches globally on Max on October 14 and will come to Cartoon Network four days later. Families will be treated to 52 episodes that are 11 minutes each.Parents got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the highly anticipated show. Check out the cast discussing their characters and becoming part of an iconic show with side-by-side footage of the stars (in the voiceover booth) and their animated selves. It’s a great way to get your family excited about the series before it premieres.
All About 'Barney's World'Why was 2024 the right time for a Barney reboot? Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer, Mattel explains to Parents that Mattel recognized Barney’s passionate and vocal fan base—many of whom are now parents.“Our insights on and conversations with fans showed us an opportunity to expand Barney’s audience through ‘new-stalgia’—refreshing beloved characters with modern updates and culturally relevant changes," says Silverman. “Familiar brands like Barney provide comfort and happiness, especially in today’s fast-paced world. The excitement and love that Barney evokes among his fans is timeless.”The new Barney’s World is set in a playground, where Barney is joined by his old dino friends Baby Bop and Billy (formerly BJ) along with their three kid best friends David, Mel, and Vivie. Like the original, the dinos and kids have exciting, music-filled adventures while helping preschool viewers (and their parents) understand how to handle big emotions while still expressing love and kindness for themselves—and others. “Barney's core themes of love, compassion, and community remain relevant, and we’ve updated the stories to resonate with modern audiences,” explains Silverman. “Music also remains a big part of Barney, with classics like ‘Clean Up’ and ‘I Love You’ making their returns, refreshed alongside new tunes to enhance the stories in each episode.”The characters are voiced by a new crop of talent ready to reignite the magic of Barney and his friends. This includes Jonathan Langdon as Barney, Bryn McAuley as Baby Bop, and Jonathan Tan as Billy."The thing I love most about playing Barney is that Barney teaches them how to handle big and small emotions," says Langdon. "I'm a father of three girls. So I really appreciate Barney's approach to teaching children how to process [those] emotions as well as showing them."The kids hanging out with Barney, Baby Bop and Billy include Jayd Deroché as David, an empathetic, self-aware, boy who loves giving big hugs."He always puts others before himself, which is beautiful," says Deroché. "And he's got a huge imagination, which, you know, is a good thing, but sometimes that big imagination makes him nervous."Diana Tsoy plays Mel, a multiracial girl of Korean and Mexican heritage who speaks three languages and loves sharing her culture with friends."Mel is very adventurous. She's full of energy. She can be very competitive sometimes," adds Tsoy.And Ella Paciocco plays Vivie. She lives with her Nonna, and together they cook and share Italian traditions. Vivie also loves to paint, perform, and be creative. Silverman hopes that after watching together, Barney’s World sparks conversations between parents and children about kindness, self-love, and community.“The stories in the series emphasize the importance of speaking up and loving yourself as well as others. We hope families can enjoy Barney’s World together while learning valuable lessons and perhaps even encountering their new favorite sing-a-long.”Barney's Lasting ImpactGrowing up in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, dinosaurs certainly ruled. It was when we met those born out of “Dino DNA” in Jurassic Park for the very first time and when a certain purple Tyrannosaurus made his debut—and left a lasting impression. Barney, the giant, huggable dinosaur, delighted toddlers with songs and dances about love, friendship, and kindness.The obsession over Barney and all his friends was inescapable. Barney & Friends premiered on PBS in 1988 and the live-action show became must-see TV among the nursery school set. Barney and his friends Baby Bop, a green triceratops (complete with a pink bow, pink ballet slippers, and yellow security blanket), and her older brother BJ, a yellow Protoceratops, captivated young audiences with their songs, dances, and earnest life lessons about friendship and kindness.I was about 9 years old when the show became a bonafide sensation, so while I was not exactly the target audience, I still knew every word to the Barney & Friends infamous theme song, "I Love You."The series was even a launching pad for some of the biggest stars in the world today. A very young Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato both got their start singing and playing with their friend Barney.Alas, after 14 seasons on PBS, Barney & Friends ended its run with the final episode airing on November 2, 2010.The team behind Barney's World hopes fans of the original show will now bring their kids back to that positive message they loved so much when they were children."I really hope that kids are able to really receive the message of how to just share that love and joy with each other," says Langdon. "How to explore your imagination to the fullest, how to learn how to be yourself, and love yourself for who you are." For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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