Original Creators and Production Company
Barney the purple dinosaur was created by Sheryl Leach, Kathy Parker, and Dennis DeShazer. The character was developed in 1987 as a children's video concept to entertain Leach's son. The idea evolved into the television series Barney & Friends, which became a global franchise. The original production company behind Barney was The Lyons Group, a division of DLM, Inc., which managed the educational content and licensing. Forbes reported on the franchise's commercial history.
The Lyons Group produced the first Barney videos, titled Barney and the Backyard Gang, starting in 1988. Connecticut Public Television later joined as a co-producer for the television series. HIT Entertainment acquired the global rights to Barney in 2001 and managed the brand's expansion into merchandise, live tours, and new media formats.
Corporate Ownership and Rights Holders
HIT Entertainment, the company that owned Barney for over two decades, was acquired by Mattel in 2012. Mattel now controls the Barney intellectual property, including the character, trademarks, and content library. Under Mattel, the brand has been managed as part of its preschool and entertainment portfolio, which also includes Thomas & Friends and Hot Wheels.
The transition to Mattel marked a shift in how Barney content was distributed. Mattel launched digital platforms and new animated series to modernize the brand. The company continues to license Barney for toys, streaming, and live experiences through its global media networks.
Key Production Partners and Networks
The television series Barney & Friends was produced in association with Connecticut Public Television and later by HIT Entertainment. PBS aired the show from 1992 to 2010, making it one of the network's most recognized preschool programs. The series was filmed in Dallas, Texas, at studios that supported the large-scale production requirements.
Barney's music was composed by Bob Summers, with the theme song and original scores becoming iconic elements of the franchise. The live touring shows, Barney's Colorful World and Barney's Big Surprise, were produced by VEE Corporation, which handled the stage production logistics and creative direction for the touring productions.