Thomas & Friends Digital Shorts to Debut on YouTube

TORONTO: Mattel’s HIT Entertainment is set to develop a new short-form digital series based on Thomas & Friends, to launch this year on YouTube.

The 52×3-minute videos feature the iconic character Thomas the Tank Engine as he has adventures in destinations like London, Paris and New York. The new Thomas & Friends shorts will debut weekly episodes in March on the brand’s official YouTube channel, as well as on the recently released YouTube Kids app. The content launch continues a year of celebration as the brand marks its 70th anniversary this year.

“Thomas & Friends and our entire portfolio of brands engage millions of children and families with exciting adventures, and our imaginative new short-form content continues that strong storytelling tradition,” said Sid Mathur, the VP of HIT Entertainment, The Americas. “From airing thousands of hours of content with the best broadcasters for children around the world to launching content on exciting emerging platforms like the YouTube Kids app, we are thrilled to join with best-in-class partners to provide families with trusted and captivating entertainment in multiple formats and on all platforms where they are engaging with content.”

“Exploration and experimentation are at the heart of our playful new Thomas & Friends content,” said Christopher Keenan, the VP of content and executive producer at HIT Entertainment. “With its global adventures and new production methods, along with classic songs and stories, the new YouTube videos enrich the world of Thomas & Friends and expand on what’s most loved by kids and families about their favorite number one engine, Thomas.”