Barney and Friends. The Show

Barney and Friends is an American television show for children, also known as Barney the Friendly Dinosaur. The show was first aired in 1992 and due to its success it continued until 2009 and it might still be continued. This show is aimed at children between 1 and 8 years old. The main character is an anthropomorphic Tyrannosaurus who goes by the name of Barney. He also has many friends and there are also other characters such as story tellers, who are usually adults.

Barney was created back in 1987 by Sheryl leach from Dallas. She had her own son in mind as target audience when she created the show format. She felt that children within this age range need something entertaining and educational at the same time, something that would appeal to them and guide them without it being too obvious. That is the way the show was created. Several other characters are quite important besides Barney. They are his friends and the children gradually become acquainted to their food preferences, likes and dislikes. These characters go through different adventures and sing songs.

Each episode goes by the template format: the opening sequence contains the theme song and clips from various episodes. Then children are depicted in the middle of one activity or another, usually relevant as far as the episode subject is concerned. Then they imagine something and Barney comes to life. The plush toy transforms itself into the real life Barney and the episode story begins. The main sequence is where the episode plot happens. Several other characters are quite important besides Barney. They are his friends and the children gradually become acquainted to their food preferences, likes and dislikes. These characters go through different adventures and sing songs. Then Barney sings “I love You” and goes back to being a toy, but not forever, just until the next episode.