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My name is Bradley Gammel, and I'm an avid gamer and lover of cinema. My academic background features an English degree from Oklahoma State, and I am attending Pittsburgh State University as an MBA student.
Fans of the ’90s purple dinosaur-centric children’s television program, Barney & Friends, rejoiced at the beginning of 2023 as a series revival was announced in February. Now, Barney’s parent company Mattel is pairing up with Warner Bros’ Discovery to bring the newly announced series to life. The new CG-animated series, Barney’s World, will see everyone’s favorite dinosaur in a cartoon as part of Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito and streaming on Max in 2024.
The news of the Barney revival joins in the latest trend of bringing back ’80s and ’90s properties. Modern audiences can stream Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai when Max launches on May 23rd. Max is the combination of HBO Max and Discovery+. The addition of Barney’s World is fitting because the new streaming service needs content fit for all ages. However, switching from PBS to a major network and service seems odd for the educational dinosaur.
PBS and Cartoonito
PBS has brought fans many educational programs throughout its history. Some of the many shows on PBS include Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood (1968-2001) and Reading Rainbow (1983-2008), Bill Nye the Science Guy (1993-99), Teletubbies (1998-2008), and many more noteworthy series. PBS offers an array of animated series and encourages education and childhood development. Hence, it makes sense that Warner Bros. Discovery is adding Barney to its preschool lineup on Cartoonito. Cartoonito is described by Warner Bros. Discovery below:
Cartoonito is the preschool block on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. Inspired by Positive Psychology and 21st Century Learning, Cartoonito is based on the proprietary preschool educational framework of Humancentric Learning, which aims to support every child’s humanness by celebrating their unique selves and encouraging them to treat others with compassion, respect, and fairness. Cartoonito offers modern programming that leans into Warner Bros. Discovery’s iconic IP that stems from Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios. This includes “Batwheels” and “Bugs Bunny Builders” along with new series and specials from Sesame Workshop such as “Sesame Street Mecha Builders,” and “Sesame Street The Nutcracker.”
Warner Bros Discovery
The description is fitting for a home for the beloved character of Barney. However, the switch highlights our culture’s pivotal shift towards cutting cords in an era where streaming sites merge, combine libraries, or become packaged together to see how much longer cable and broadcasting last.
Barney’s World and What We Know So Far
Barney’s World will release in 2024 and will feature the title character in animation. No more are the days of a man dressed as a purple dinosaur with friends and child actors. The animated series executive producers are Fred Soulie and Christopher Keenan for Mattel Television.
With all the heart and comfort of the original iconic dinosaur, “Barney’s World” is modernized with dynamic characters and music-filled storylines that highlight themes of love, community, and encouragement. 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.
Warner Bros. Discovery
Fred Soulie, the senior vice president and general manager for Mattel Television, said, “Having grown up watching the original series, many of today’s parents have fond memories of laughing, singing, and learning with Barney and his friends. We are proud to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery to reimagine this famed brand and bring a fresh and modern version of Barney to a global audience of families.”
The global release for Barney’s World is currently set for 2024 alongside several new programs. More news will come in the upcoming months. For all the Barney-related information and everything pop culture, follow The Cinema Spot on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
My name is Bradley Gammel, and I'm an avid gamer and lover of cinema. My academic background features an English degree from Oklahoma State, and I am attending Pittsburgh State University as an MBA student.
This article was edited by John Tangalin.