HEEEEEY FRIENDS! BELOVED BARNEY FRANCHISE IS BACK

Mattel and Nelvana Bring Barney to a New Generation with their Co-produced Animated Series, 'Barney's World'

The Series Premieres Monday, October 14 on Treehouse and STACKTV In Canada

Download Key Art HERE

Watch Teaser Trailer HERE

Meet BARNEY, BABY BOP, and BILLY!

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For Immediate Release

TORONTO, September 4, 2024 - Corus Entertainment's Nelvana, a world-leading international producer, distributor, and licensor of children's animated and live-action content and Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, announced today that Barney, the beloved purple dinosaur, will return to television screens after a 14-year hiatus. The new series (52 x 11 mins), co-produced by Mattel Television Studios and Nelvana, will premiere on Treehouse, Monday, October 14 at 9:40amET and will be available to stream on STACKTV. The debut season features all-new original music and updated takes on Barney classics. Select episodes of Barney's World will also be available on YouTube.

Originally launched in 1988, Barney quickly became a global sensation, captivating audiences with the friendly dinosaur and his larger-than-life personality. The series aired on top broadcasters globally, including Treehouse in Canada.

"Generations of fans have eagerly awaited the return of Barney, and we're delighted to collaborate with Mattel in co-producing 'Barney's World', said Mellany Welsh, VP and Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press. "Bringing the iconic purple dinosaur back to television, along with enticing new merchandise, is a true honour. Barney's timeless lessons of love, friendship, and community have always struck a chord, and now a new generation will learn and grow with Barney and his friends on their super-dee-duper adventures."

"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, Chief Franchise Officer, 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."

The new Barney's World is set in a playground, where Barney is joined by dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three kid best friends David, Mel, and Vivie. Through action-packed, music-filled adventures together, Barney helps the kids and audiences explore big preschool emotions, showing them how to love themselves, others, and their communities. The animation paints a dynamic, inviting and whimsical world where kids will feel a sense of belonging.

While Barney's World was developed for preschoolers, viewers of all ages will feel nostalgic singing along with Barney and his friends again. Today's parents, many of whom grew up with the lovable dinosaur, can now create memories with their own children as they experience this new take on a beloved classic.

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.

Barney's World features new loveable characters and familiar faces alike, including:

• Jonathan Langdon (ZOMBIES) as Barney - A singing and dancing purple dinosaur who embodies love, Barney is a great listener who helps his friends work through challenges in a way that is caring to themselves and others.
• Bryn McAuley (Hotel Transylvania: The Series) as Baby Bop - A charming and opinionated dinosaur who is an advocate for all feelings, no matter how big or small.
• Jonathan Tan (Rubble & Crew) as Billy - An energetic dino who loves action and loud sounds. With a strong sense of self awareness, Billy encourages kids to express their feelings and care for themselves.
• Jayd Deroché (Super Why's Comic Book Adventures) as David - An empathetic, self-aware, and caring kid, David loves giving big hugs and has an infectious laugh that he shares with his friends, older brother, and younger sister.
• Diana Tsoy (CoComelon Lane) as Mel - Mel is active, competitive, and always up for a challenge. She is multiracial from Korean and Mexican heritage, speaks three languages, and loves to share her culture with her friends.
• Ella Paciocco (Vocal Star) as Vivie - Vivie is wildly creative and loves to paint and perform. She lives with her Nonna, and together they enjoy cooking, sharing Italian traditions, and caring for their friends and family.

Nelvana is partnering with Mattel as its Canadian licensing representative for classic Barney and the new Barney's World animated series covering apparel, accessories, footwear, home, personal care, food, health and beauty aids, gifts and stationery, sporting goods, and consumer electronics. In partnership with Mattel, Nelvana aims to bring Barney merchandise to market for fans old and new.

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About Nelvana

Entertaining kids for over 50 years, Nelvana is a world-leading international producer and distributor of children's animated and live-action content. Nelvana produces a stable of award-winning and globally renowned brands that focus on comedies, preschool and action series, and ancillary consumer products programs. Nelvana's content airs on Corus Entertainment's kids channels in Canada and in over 180 countries around the world. The Nelvana library has well over 5,000 episodes of programming and has received over 70 major international program awards including Emmys® and Canadian Screen Awards. Visit the Nelvana website at nelvana.com.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.

Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. Engaging audiences since 1999, the company's portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 32 specialty television services, 38 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, digital and streaming platforms, and technology and media services. Corus is an internationally-renowned content creator and distributor through Nelvana, a world class animation studio expert in all formats and Corus Studios, a globally recognized producer of hit scripted and unscripted content. The company also owns full-service social digital agency so.da, lifestyle entertainment company Kin Canada, and children's book publishing house, Kids Can Press. Corus' roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Magnolia Network Canada, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada, YTV, Global News, Globalnews.ca, Q107, Country 105, and CFOX, along with streaming platforms STACKTV, TELETOON+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast. Corus is the domestic advertising representative and an original content partner for Pluto TV, a Paramount Company, which is the leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service. For more information visit www.corusent.com.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Corus Entertainment

Dania Junejo, Associate Publicist

Corus Entertainment

(416) 479-3195

[email protected]

Vanessa Obeng, Publicity Manager

Corus Entertainment
(416) 479-3194
[email protected]

Mattel

Casey McDonald

[email protected]

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