Barney’s back on the small screen, y’all. A year-and-a-half after Mattel announced that the purple dinosaur that parents love to hate is getting a reboot, Barney’s World is premiering on Max on October 14. The series, which is no longer live-action but animated, will air 52 episodes. Each episode is 11-minutes long. Some episodes, including the first one, will also be available on YouTube. On Oct. 18, the series will air on Cartoon Network for families who don’t have Max.

Jonathan Langdon stars as Barney, and if you haven’t already seen the images of his animated reimagining, let’s just say that Barney looks like he’s had a lot of “Hollywood work” done to his face and coloring since we last saw him. Think Manic Magic Pixie Dream Barney. It also stars Bryn McAuley and Jonathan Tan as dinosaur siblings Baby Bop and Billy (formerly known as B.J. in the live-action show). Appearing as the “kids crew” is Jayd Deroché (David), Diana Tsoy (Mel), and Ella Paciocco (Vivie).

Mattel Television Studios is relaunching the iconic purple dinosaur with an all-new animated series titled Barney’s World, which is set to premiere Oct. 14 on MAX. It’s been 14 years since the children’s television show character last appeared on screens, and on Wednesday, Sept. 4, Mattel, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the educational program will return.

“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,” Josh Silverman, Mattel’s chief franchise officer, said in a press release.

“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 setting for the new Barney’s World is a playground where Barney is joined by his dino friends Billy and Baby Bop. The trio’s three kid best friends David, Mel and Vivie are also along for the ride, per a press release.

Viewers will get to enjoy “action-packed, music-filled adventures together, as Barney helps the kids and audiences explore big preschool emotions, showing them how to love themselves, others, and their communities,” the release continues.

Mattel, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery shared introduction videos of the dinos ahead of the premiere. Baby Bop is described as a “charming and opinionated dinosaur who is an advocate for all feelings, no matter how big or small.”

Billy is known to be 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.”

And last, but certainly not least, Barney is “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.”

Though Barney’s World was developed for preschoolers, all ages are welcome to enjoy the beloved dino’s return with some even finding the show to be “nostalgic” as new generations tune in.

[From People]

My kids are well-above Barney age at this point, but is anyone out there with younger children planning on having their kids watch Barney’s World? In an age of Bluey, it will be hard for Barney’s World to compete on the emotional/educational level, but since everything old is new again, I guess Max is counting on our Millennial nostalgia to kick in. I think if anything, it will just be very visually jarring for the Millennials who grew up watching it.

I wasn’t a Barney stan growing up because I was eight years old when it first aired, but I did watch it with my younger sisters. The premise sounds pretty similar to the original series, though. “Action-packed, music-filled adventures?” Check. Encouraging kids to “express their feelings?” Check. Exploring “big preschool emotions” and showing kids how to “love themselves, others, and their communities?” Check, check, check. Hopefully, they keep the “I Love You, You Love Me” song. That’s a classic and really, the only reason that most of us will even have our kids tune into it.

Photos are screenshots from YouTube/Barney the Dinosaur