Barney (franchise)

Barney
Created by
Owners
Years1988–present
Films and television
Film(s)
Television series
Animated seriesBarney's World (2024–present)
Direct-to-video
Theatrical presentations
Musical(s)
Games
Video game(s)Barney's Hide & Seek Game (1993)
Miscellaneous
Theme park attraction(s)A Day in the Park with Barney (1995—2021)
OtherAnti-Barney humor
Official website
Official website

Barney is an American media franchise targeted at children aged 2–6. Centering around the titular character Barney, a purple anthropomorphic Tyrannosaurus rex who conveys educational messages through songs and small dance routines with a friendly, huggable and optimistic attitude,[3][4][5][6] the franchise consists of three series: Barney & the Backyard Gang (1988—1991), a direct-to-video series consisting of only eight episodes; Barney & Friends (1992—2010), a television series that ran on PBS Kids; and Barney's World (2024), a fully computer-animated series set to air on Cartoon Network's Cartoonito, and which is currently streaming on Max.[7] The franchise is currently distributed by 9 Story Media Group, under license from Mattel Television.

While popular with its intended audience, Barney drew severely negative reaction from the older set, who mocked the title character in popular culture through song parodies and comedy routines such as being beaten up by NBA star Charles Barkley on a Saturday Night Live episode.[8] The anti-Barney phenomenon is the basis of the 2022 Peacock documentary I Love You, You Hate Me.[9] Barney has also received immense praise from parents for being a wholesome yet engaging franchise for children that delves into common, kid-friendly topics.

  1. ^ Hofmeister, Sallie (October 20, 1994). "A Blue Year for the Purple-and-Green Dinosaur". The New York Times. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  2. ^ "Richard Leach; Bankrolled Creation of 'Barney' Dinosaur". Los Angeles Times. June 2, 2001. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  3. ^ Gorman, James (April 11, 1993). "TELEVISION VIEW; Of Dinosaurs Why Must This One Thrive?". The New York Times. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  4. ^ "Stuuuupendous!". Time. December 21, 1992. Archived from the original on August 12, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  5. ^ Cerone, Daniel (April 3, 1993). "Dinosaur Is a Star, Spreading Love With Hugs, Kisses, Songs". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  6. ^ "Barney the launching pad". Los Angeles Times. January 30, 2009. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  7. ^ Porter, Rick (February 13, 2023). "Barney the Dinosaur Gets Relaunch from Mattel". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  8. ^ Mitchell, W.J.T. (1998). "Chapter 37: Why Children Hate Dinosaurs". The Last Dinosaur Book: The Life and Times of a Cultural Icon. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0-226-53204-6.
  9. ^ "Peacock Launches First-Ever Virtual "DocFest" with Original Documentaries to Premiere Weekly" (Press release). Peacock. August 26, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2024 – via The Futon Critic.