'Barney’s World' Comes To Max And Cartoon Network Next Month, Gives A Billy
Stomping back in from your imagination, the big purple dinosaur returns
Oh you’re gonna love this. It was May 2023 that it was announced that beloved hate sink Barney the dinosaur was finally getting his reboot after more than a decade away. 2024 is a world that features Marvel, DC, and Star Wars entering the preschool space within the decade while Blue’s Clues, Dora the Explorer, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and more since have been getting reboots of their own, but is ruled by the likes of Cocomelon and more positively Bluey. Returning via an animated series called Barney’s World, Mattel has announced said reboot will premiere Monday, October 14 on Max followed by a linear premiere on Cartoon Network starting Friday, October 18.
Barney’s World is set on a playground, and yes, Baby Bop and Billy, formerly known as BJ are back, but not Riff. The new humans are David, Mel, and Vivie, who will explore big preschool emotions, and be shown how to love themselves, others, and their communities. This time around, Barney is voiced by Jonathan Langdon of Trap, Zombies, and Run the Burbs. The singing and dancing dinosaur is described as a “great listener” who “helps his friends work through challenges in a way that is caring to themselves and others”. Baby Bop, now voiced by Bryn McAuley, is a charming and opinionated advocate for all feelings, no matter the size. Jonathan Tan’s Billy is an energized lover of action and loud sounds with a strong sense of self awareness. He encourages letting feelings be heard and self-care.
As for their new human friends, Jayd Deroché’s David is an empathetic, self-aware, and caring middle child with an older brother and younger sister. He loves giving big hugs and has an infectious laugh. Diana Tsoy’s Mel is multiracially Korean and Mexican, therefore fluent in English, Korean, and Spanish, actively sharing her culture with her friends, but also competitive, and always up for a challenge. Ella Paciocco’s Vivie is wildly creative and loves to paint and perform. She’s Italian and lives with her Nonna, enjoy cooking, sharing family traditions, and loving their friends and family.
“The goal of Mattel Television Studios is to develop and distribute episodic and long-form content that expands Mattel’s characters and storylines across linear and streaming platforms worldwide,” said Josh Silverman, the Chief Franchise Officer at Mattel. “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.”
“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,” added Vanessa Brookman, who is General Manager in Kids, Global Streaming and International Networks at Warner Bros. Discovery. “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.”
Barney’s World is co-produced by Mattel Television Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana. It is executive produced by Michelle Mendelovitz and Josh Silverman for Mattel and by Athena Georgaklis, Doug Murphy, Mellany Welsh, and Pam Westman for Nelvana. Featuring both original music and returning franchise standards, its international rollouts include on Cartoonito in EMEA and APAC, and Discovery Kids in Latin America. With a first season of 52 11-minute episodes, some will be made available on YouTube, including the first episode, where it will get an early release on October 11 in specific countries. While American Cartoon Network has rather deemphasized its preschool programming, to the point that the Cartoonito branding wasn’t used in reference to it, it’s still there, held on by Batwheels and Bugs Bunny Builders, with other Cartoon Network properties getting preschool-aimed spinoffs coming too. Watch the Barney’s World trailer below.
Source: Press release