Barney is back and with a whole new look. The Mattel Entertainment company announced the relaunch of the Barney franchise with fresh content alongside toys and merchandise - due to debut both in the US and internationally in 2024. 

The show, set to be produced by Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, intends to reintroduce the beloved dinosaur to a group of preschool kids by focusing on lessons of “love, community, and encouragement” through music and songs - just like the old days. 

Barney will not only come back in the form of a TV series, but Mattel disclosed that the dinosaur would be the star of a film, a YouTube series, song collections and kids' merchandise such as books and clothes. 

However, adults like those who grew up watching the big purple dinosaur, won't be excluded. Products such as accessories, clothing, and collectibles are also in the making. 

Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer and global head of consumer products at Mattel, stated: “Barney’s message of love and kindness has stood the test of time,” adding: “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, products, and experiences.”

General manager of Mattel TV, Fred Soulie, expressed that the new project was important to "reflect the world that kids today live in so that the series can deliver meaningful lessons about navigating it." 

Soulie concluded: “With our modern take on Barney, we hope to inspire the next generation to listen, care, and dream big. We think that parents, many of whom will fondly remember the original Barney from their own childhoods, will love the show, too.”