Press release
Mattel Television Greenlights 104 New “Thomas & Friends®” Television Episodes and 2 Specials
Mattel Television announces a new co-production partnership with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio Mattel and Nelvana to introduce new creative approach
About this update from Mattel, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\nMattel Television announces a new co-production partnership with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio\n\n\n\nMattel and Nelvana to introduce new creative approach to the “Thomas & Friends” television series starting with Season 25, which will premiere beginning in Fall 2021\n\n\n EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nMattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today that it has greenlit 104 11-minute episodes and two 60-minute specials for the “Thomas & Friends” television series over two seasons. The Company has partnered with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio, a leading international producer and distributor of children’s animated and live-action content, to co-produce the series starting with Season 25, which will premiere beginning in Fall 2021, and will introduce a new creative approach to the show, contemporizing the series for today’s families.\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201011005058/en/(Graphic: Business Wire)\n“Thomas & Friends” new creative direction builds on the long-standing success of the television series, which first launched in 1984. Starting with Season 25, the series will be animated in 2D. It will also build upon creative elements that have resonated with “Thomas & Friends” fans over the years by featuring comedic, playful stories and lessons told from Thomas’ point of view. Nelvana will help bring Thomas’ new 2D look to life, expanding upon Mattel’s existing relationship with Corus Entertainment, which serves as the Company’s Canadian licensing and broadcast partner for “Thomas & Friends.”\n\n“‘Thomas & Friends’ enduring legacy and focus on the importance on friendship continue to resonate with global audiences, and we look forward to unveiling our new content to consumers next year,” said Fred Soulie, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mattel Television. “Nelvana is the ideal production partner for the series, understanding the importance of staying true to Thomas’ ethos and heritage while bringing the franchise to life creatively in new ways for today’s kids.”\n\n“As the exclusive broadcast partner and licensing agent of the treasured Thomas brand in Canada, we are delighted to deepen our relationship with Mattel by becoming their production partner on the re-imagined 2D series, which will introduce Thomas to a new ...