Thomas & Friends will be part of Nick Jr.’s timetable from March when the Mattel animated series moves from its longtime home on PBS to the preschool net.
Nickelodeon has brought on board the series, based on the much-loved Reverend Awdry Thomas the Tank Engine books, and will also be the exclusive consumer products agent for Thomas & Friends in the U.S. The deal spells an end to Thomas’ long relationship with PBS, which showed spin-off series Shining Time Station as far back as the late 1980s and Thomas & Friends from 2004.
Mattel took ownership of the Thomas & Friends brand when it acquired Hit Entertainment in 2011 and has given the TV property a major overhaul for its upcoming 22nd season, Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!, which debuts in the fall.
The new look and storylines were developed in association with the United Nations, incorporating several of its development goals and introducing new international characters and locations beyond Thomas’ home island of Sodor. Within Thomas’ Steam Team, Henry and Edward are making way for Rebecca and Nia, the first African engine, in the overhauled show, which also amps up the comedy, pacing, and adds musical elements.
There is also a Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! The Movie, a curtain-raiser to the series, which will be on Nick Jr. ahead of the series.
Season 21 of the traditional Thomas & Friends will bow weekdays on Nick Jr. in the U.S. in March. The Viacom-owned channel also gets various specials as part of its deal with Mattel and will run content on its NickJr.com site and the Nick Jr. App.
