Mattel Television
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Predecessor | Mattel Playground Productions |
| Founded | March 31, 2016 |
| Defunct | June 2, 2025 |
| Fate | Merged with Mattel Films to form Mattel Studios |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Adam Bonnett (head from 2019), Michelle Mendelovitz (head from 2023) |
| Parent | Mattel |
Mattel Television, which operated under the name Mattel Television Studios between 2023 and 2025 and was previously known as Mattel Creations, served as the television production arm of the American toy and entertainment corporation Mattel from March 31, 2016, until June 2, 2025.
This unit emerged as the successor to Mattel Playground Productions and underwent a rebranding in 2019 coinciding with the recruitment of Adam Bonnett, a former executive from Disney Branded Television. The division redirected its efforts toward creating streaming content for platforms such as YouTube and Netflix, while still maintaining its involvement in conventional television programming.
On June 2, 2025, Mattel merged this television segment with its film division, Mattel Films, forming Mattel Studios. Robbie Brenner, who led Mattel Films, was appointed to oversee this newly combined entity. The integration was intended to consolidate Mattel’s media production activities under a single brand, reviving the Mattel Studios name that had been used sporadically in media credits from 2011 to 2013.
Background
Prior to launching Mattel Creations, Mattel collaborated with DHX Media (now known as WildBrain) starting December 16, 2015, to jointly produce and distribute both new and existing content based on properties including Polly Pocket, Little People, and HIT Entertainment franchises such as Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam. At the 2015 MIPCOM event, HIT Entertainment—owned by Mattel at the time—revealed a partnership with 9 Story Media Group aimed at rebooting Barney & Friends and Angelina Ballerina for distribution in 2017; however, no further updates on this initiative were provided.
History
Mattel initiated Mattel Creations on March 31, 2016, to centralize its entertainment operations by consolidating Mattel Playground Productions, HIT Entertainment, and the creative team behind American Girl located in Middleton, Wisconsin. Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, then serving as chief content officer, was appointed to lead this division. Concurrently, Christopher Keenan—president of HIT Entertainment—was promoted to senior vice president responsible for overseeing development and production.
On October 16, 2016, Mattel Creations entered into a seven-year exclusive global SVOD licensing agreement with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for the distribution rights to the Barbie film collection, which included titles like Barbie: Star Light Adventure and Barbie: Video Game Hero.
In February 2018, Catherine Balsam-Schwaber left her position to head Craftsy; subsequently, Richard L. Dickson, Mattel’s co-president and COO, took over supervision of the division. By February 2019, Adam Bonnett—formerly an executive at Disney—was appointed to lead the reorganized Mattel Television, effectively succeeding Mattel Creations. Shortly thereafter, Mattel Television unveiled a lineup of twenty-two animated and live-action projects. Frederic Soulie, previously affiliated with Saban Brands, was brought on as senior vice president and general manager tasked with expanding content distribution and business development under the leadership of Dickson and CEO Ynon Kreiz.
On February 23, 2021, Mattel Television relaunched the Monster High franchise through an animated series alongside a live-action musical film that debuted on Nickelodeon and Paramount+ on October 6, 2022. After the Universal agreement concluded in August 2021, Mattel collaborated with Mill Creek Entertainment and NCircle Entertainment for DVD, Blu-ray, and digital releases of newer Netflix-originated content across the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Following the September 2021 premiere of Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams on Netflix, Mattel appointed Philip "Phil" Breman—a former NBCUniversal executive—as vice president responsible for developing live-action scripted and unscripted series. Leveraging Barbie's popularity, Mattel Television launched a musical streaming series titled Barbie: It Takes Two, comprising 26 episodes that premiered in April 2022 in the United States with subsequent international launches.
On October 21, 2022, Mattel extended its Netflix partnership to encompass pre-2017 Barbie films previously licensed by Universal and introduced an interactive special called Barbie: Epic Road Trip. Shortly afterward, a sequel to the live-action Monster High movie was announced in collaboration with Nickelodeon and Paramount+, entering production in February 2023 and premiering in October of that year.
In February 2023, Mattel disclosed its content slate for fiscal years 2023–24 and 2024–25 featuring revivals of both Fireman Sam and an updated version of Barney. In March 2023, NBC approved a car makeover competition show centered around Hot Wheels, titled Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge.
Netflix revealed the animated series Hot Wheels Let's Race on September 28, 2023; it premiered on March 4, 2024. Michelle Mendelovitz was named head of the division in November 2023. In August 2024, Mattel Television Studios renewed Hot Wheels: Let's Race! for a second season scheduled to debut on September 9, 2024.
On October 21, 2024, Mattel Television Studios announced a co-development agreement with Aardman Animations for a new installment within the Pingu franchise.
The consolidation of Mattel Television with Mattel Films into Mattel Studios occurred on June 2, 2025. Robbie Brenner was promoted to lead this unified organization. This restructuring revived the "Mattel Studios" brand that had been sporadically used from 2011 through 2013 in media productions such as Monster High, Ever After High, and Polly Pocket. Ongoing projects from both divisions were transitioned under Mattel Studios management.
Filmography
Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures[lower-alpha 1]- REDIRECT Template:Date table sorting
| Under Mattel Creations | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Release date(s) | Format | Co-producer | Distributor(s) | Remarks | ||||
| Thomas & Friends: The Great Race | Animated feature | Arc Productions | |||||||
| Barbie: Star Light Adventure | Animated feature | Marked the final production by Arc Productions prior to its bankruptcy and subsequent rebranding as Jam Filled Entertainment’s Toronto division. | |||||||
| Barbie Dreamtopia | Animated web series | Originated as YouTube shorts and specials evolving into a web series; expanded globally with spin-offs and television broadcasts. | |||||||
| Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef | Animated feature | WildBrain Studios | Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (home video) | Duration: 61 minutes | |||||
| WellieWishers | Animated television series | Submarine Studios | Consists of 2 seasons totaling 26 episodes; part of the American Girl brand. | ||||||
| Barbie & Her Sisters in A Puppy Chase | Animated feature | Mainframe Studios | Completed by Rainmaker Entertainment following Arc Productions’ closure. | ||||||
| Barbie: Video Game Hero |
Last Barbie film broadcast on U.S. children’s television networks. | ||||||||
| Monster High: Electrified |
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (home video) |
Duration: 64 minutes | |||||||
| 'The Toy Box' | ' – ' | 'Reality television series' | 'Spanned 2 seasons' | ||||||
| 'Monster High: Adventures of the Ghoul Squad' | ' – ' | 'Animated web series' | 'YouTube' | '12 episodes, each approximately 11 minutes long' | |||||
| 'Barbie Dolphin Magic' | '
|
'Animated feature' | 'Mainframe Studios' | 'Television: YTV (Canada), Pop (UK/Ireland); Streaming: Netflix worldwide' | 'The only Barbie film exclusive to Netflix that was also released on DVD and digital formats by Universal.' | ||||
| 'Thomas & Friends' | '
|
'Animated television series' | 'Jam Filled Entertainment' | 'Channel 5, Netflix (season 24)' | 'Continuation of the franchise legacy from prior production companies.' | ||||
| 'Pingu in the City' | '
|
'Animated television series' | 'Sony Creative Products, Polygon Pictures' | 'NHK Educational TV' | 'Produced across 2 seasons' | ||||
| 'Minecraft Mini Series' | '
|
'Animated series' | 'Mojang Studios, Microsoft Studios, Atomic Cartoons' | 'YouTube' | 'Short episodes inspired by Minecraft.' | ||||
| 'Fireman Sam' | '
|
'Animated television series' | 'WildBrain Studios / Island of Misfits' | 'Cartoonito UK & Ireland, Channel 5' | 'Includes 3 new seasons plus previous 10 seasons; distribution handled by WildBrain.' | ||||
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Streaming animated TV series Mainframe Studios Netflix; Television: YTV (Canada), 9Go! (Australia), Canal Panda (Portugal) Comprises 5 seasons with a total of 52 episodes
Polly Pocket
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– present
Animated TV series WildBrain Studios Family Channel (Canada), Universal Kids, Netflix
Under Mattel Television Barbie: Princess Adventure ' Streaming animated films Mainframe Studios Netflix Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday ' Features Chelsea Roberts in a lead role since Barbie: Dreamtopia Mainframe Studios Netflix Masters of the Universe: Revelation – Streaming animated series Powerhouse Animation Studios Netflix Two-part limited reboot of the classic franchise. Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams ' Streaming animated film Mainframe Studios Received limited theatrical release in the UK before debuting on Netflix. Highlighted diverse Barbie characters as part of Mattel's inclusivity initiative. Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go – Rebooted animated television series Nelvana Cartoon Network US, Treehouse TV Canada He-Man and the Masters of the Universe – Streaming animated series House of Cool, CGCG Inc. Netflix A reimagined take on the original 1983 series. Barbie: It Takes Two ' Mainframe Studios Netflix; Television broadcasts on 9Go! Australia, Pop UK/Ireland, YTV Canada, Canal Panda Portugal Sequel to Big City, Big Dreams, expanding Barbie's global media presence. Deepa & Anoop – Animated musical streaming series based on original intellectual property created by Bollywood animator Munjal Shroff. Kickstart Entertainment Netflix Two seasons focusing on culturally diverse preschool content. Barbie: Mermaid Power ' Streaming animated film Mainframe Studios Netflix; also received theatrical screenings in Europe and the Middle East. Second Barbie film featuring dual Barbie characters emphasizing diversity. Pictionary – Reality game show co-produced with Fox First Run and CBS Media Ventures. Syndicated broadcast distribution. Monster High: The Movie ' Live-action musical film produced jointly with Nickelodeon Productions and Brightlight Pictures. Broadcast via Nickelodeon and Paramount+ streaming platforms. Concurrent with live-action film, Monster High animated TV series produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio for Nickelodeon network. Barbie: Epic Road Trip ' Interactive animated special created by Mainframe Studios for Netflix worldwide release. First interactive production within Barbie’s media franchise. Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure ' Streaming animated film featuring Skipper Roberts in an expanded lead role. Produced by Mainframe Studios; available on Netflix and international broadcasters. Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge – August 8, 2023 Reality competition show produced by Endemol Shine North America for NBC network. Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge – September 2023 Reality television series produced by Mission Control Media airing on HGTV. Polly Pocket: Sparkle Cove Adventure ' Streaming animated special from WildBrain Studios available on Netflix. A magical adventure running 66 minutes that concluded Summer 2023 programming. Barbie: A Touch of Magic – Streaming animated series developed by Mainframe Studios for Netflix and networks including Pop UK/Ireland and Australia's 9Now platform. Monster High 2 ' Sequel live-action musical film co-produced with Brightlight Pictures and Nickelodeon Productions for Nickelodeon and Paramount+ platforms. Production commenced February 2023 with ongoing social media promotion. Masters of the Universe: Revolution – present' Sequel streaming animated series from Powerhouse Animation Studios continuing the Masters franchise reboot on Netflix. Hot Wheels Let's Race March 4, 2024 – March 3, 2025 Produced by Sprite Animation Studios and OLM Digital Available via Netflix streaming Preschool-targeted animated series enhancing Hot Wheels brand exposure in digital markets. Scrabble’’ revival game show October 3, 2024 – present Co-produced by Hasbro Entertainment alongside Lionsgate Alternative Television Broadcast on The CW Marks the first joint television production between Hasbro and Mattel. Barney's World’’ October 14, 2024 – present Animated television production by Nelvana Airs across Treehouse TV Canada, Cartoonito US; Max streaming for season one; Netflix from season two onward.
Mattel Studios/Mattel Entertainment
| Title | Original run | Format | Network/Distribution | Co-production partners | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little People | 1999–2007 | Television series | Direct-to-video |
|
|
| Barbie | 2001–2014 | Film collection |
|
|
From 2010 to 2014 productions were branded under "Barbie Entertainment". |
| Hot Wheels: World Race | 2003 | Miniseries format | Cartoon Network | Mainframe Entertainment | |
| Rescue Heroes: The Movie | Film format | Direct-to-video release | Nelvana | ||
|
Miniseries format| rowspan="4"|Direct-to-video| Benjamin Productions| |
{- ! Title !! Original run !! Network !! Co-production partners !! Notes |-
! Thomas & Friends !!1984–2021!!
- Children's ITV (series 1–3)
- Cartoon Network (series 4–5)
- Nick Jr. (series 6–11)
- PBS Kids (series 6–20)
- Channel 5 (series 12–24)
!!
- Clearwater Features (series 1–2)
- Nitrogen Studios (series 12–16)
- Arc Productions (series 17–19)
- Jam Filled Toronto (series 20–24)
!! Continued from The Britt Allcroft Company/Gullane Entertainment; finalized under Mattel Creations/Television |- ! Fireman Sam !!
- 1987–1994
- 2005–present
!!
- (series 1–4)
- CBeebies (series 5)
- Cartoonito (series 6 – present)
- Channel 5 (series 8 – present)
!!
- Bumper Films (1987–1994)
- Siriol Productions (2003–2008)
- HRTv (2008–2010)
- Xing Xing Management Group (2008–2017)
- Island of Misfits (2017–2020)
- WildBrain Studios (2020–present)
!! Brand acquired by Gullane Entertainment in 2001; later transitioned to HIT Entertainment ownership |- ! Pingu !!
- 1990–2000
- 2003–2006
!!
!!
- The Pygos Group
- TrickfilmsStudio
||
|- ! Captain Zed and the Zee Zone !!1991!! Children's ITV !! {{ubl | Tony Collingwood Productions Limited | [[DIC Entertainment]|DIC Enterprises]] | [[STV Studios]|Scottish Television Enterprises]}} ||
|- ! Where's Wally? !!1991!!
- CBS (U.S.)
- Children's ITV (U.K.)
!!
- The Waldo Film Company
- DIC Enterprises
|| |- ! Barney & Friends !!1992–2010!! PBS Kids || Continued from The Lyons Group/Lyrick Studios |- ! The Wind in the Willows !!1995!!
- ITV (TV network)
- The Family Channel
!! TVC London || Television movie |- ! Professor Bubble !!1996–1997!! ITV || || |- ! Percy the Park Keeper !!1996–1999!! ITV || Grand Slamm Children's Films || |- ! The Enchanted World of Brambly Hedge !!1996–2000!! BBC One ||
- Cosgrove Hall Films (season one)
- HOT Animation (season two)
|| |- ! \The Willows in Winter !!1996!! Template:Ubl ITV The Family Channel || TVC London || Television movie |- ! The Phoenix and the Carpet !!1997!! BBC || || |- ! \Animal Ark !!1997–1998!! ITV || Template:Ubl HTV Zenith North Harvest Entertainment || |- ! Kipper !!1997–2000!! ITV || Grand Slamm Children's Films || |- ! Big Sister, Little Brother !!1997!! Template:Ubl SVT Fox Family Channel || Template:Ubl Wegelius TV TMO Film GmbH || |- ! The Three Friends and Jerry !!1998–1999!! Template:Ubl SVT Nickelodeon || Template:Ubl Happy Life TMO-Loonland || |- ! Anthony Ant !!1999!! Template:Ubl HBO Family YTV || Funbag Animation Studios || |- ! Bob the Builder !!1999–2011!! Template:Ubl CBBC CBeebies || Template:Ubl HOT Animation SD Entertainment (seasons17–18) || |- ! Fly Tales !!1999!! Template:Ubl France 3 WDR Télétoon+ Teletoon || Template:Ubl Futurikon Motion International || |- ! Ted Sieger's Wildlife !!1999!! ZDF || Hahn Film || |- ! Faeries !!1999!! Template:Ubl ITV Starz! || Template:Ubl Cartwn Cymru United Productions || |- ! Sheeep !!2000–2001!! CBBC || Grand Slamm Children's Films || |- ! The Magic Key !!2000–2001!! BBC Two || Collingwood O'Hare Entertainment Limited || |- ! Untalkative Bunny !!2001–2003!! Teletoon ||Template:Ubl Dynomight Cartoons Big Al Productions|| |- ! Oswald!!2001–2003!! Nickelodeon || Nickelodeon Animation Studio || |- ! Angelina Ballerina!!2001–2006!! ITV || Grand Slamm Children's Films || |- ! Rubbadubbers!!2003-2005!!Template:Ubl BBC Two CBeebies || HOT Animation || |- ! Wobbly Land!!2007!! Nick Jr. || Brown Bag Films || |- ! Frances!!2008!! PBS Kids Sprout || The Jim Henson Company || |- ! Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps!!2009-2010!! PBS Kids || SD Entertainment || |- ! \Rainbow Magic: Return to Rainspell Island!!2010!! Direct-to-video || The Answer Studio || |- ! Mike the Knight!!2011-2017!!Template:Ubl Treehouse TV (Canada) CBeebies(UK) || Nelvana ||
|- ! Bob the Builder!!2015-2018!!Channel 5||(seasons1-3)|| Completed under Mattel Creations | }
Lyrick Studios (1997–2001/02)
| Title | Original run | Network | Co-production with | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barney and the Backyard Gang | 1988–1991 | Direct-to-video | Served as the precursor to Barney & Friends | |
| Wishbone | 1995–1997 | PBS Kids | Big Feats! Entertainment | |
| Kids for Character | 1996 | Direct-to-video | Special presentation | |
| Kids for Character: Choices Count | 1997 | |||
| Wishbone's Dog Days of the West | 1998 | PBS Kids | Big Feats! Entertainment |
Gullane Entertainment (1989–2002)
| Title | Original run | Network | Co-production with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shining Time Station | 1989–1993; 1995 | Catalyst Entertainment (seasons 2 and 3) | |
| Mr. Conductor's Thomas Tales | 1996 | PBS | |
| It's a Mystery | ITV (CITV) |
| |
| Captain Pugwash | 1974–1975 | BBC One | BBC Television |
| The Adventures of Captain Pugwash | 1998–2000 | ITV (CITV) | John Cary Films |
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