Mattel to Launch First FAST Channels

Mattel has partnered with Samsung to launch its first-ever 24/7 FAST channels—Barbie and Friends, Hot Wheels Action and Mattel Jr.

The three channels are set to debut on Samsung TV Plus later this year with an array of content inspired by brands such as American Girl, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, classic Monster High, Thomas & Friends and more.

Barbie and Friends features programs with Barbie and her best friends. Hot Wheels Action includes races through the world of Hot Wheels, battles with He-Man and Skeleton and adventures with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Mattel Jr., meanwhile, offers young viewers programs with Kipper the dog, Pingu the penguin and all of Fisher-Price’s characters.

The channels will be free to access from Samsung smart TVs, Galaxy devices and on the Samsung TV Plus website.

“We always aim to engage our fans in new ways with their favorite Mattel characters and storylines,” said Michelle Mendelovitz, global head of Mattel Television Studios. “We are pleased to partner with Samsung TV Plus to advance Mattel’s content strategy and provide audiences with a premium viewing experience.”

“With the global appeal of Mattel’s brand portfolio and our expanding content offering, we are thrilled to partner with Samsung TV Plus to establish our first-ever FAST channels,” commented Jason Horowitz, senior VP and global head of marketing and media at Mattel. “In launching these channels, we gain the opportunity to deepen our relationship with existing Mattel fans and connect with all-new audiences.”

“Mattel choosing to launch its first FAST channels with Samsung TV Plus is a testament to the service and audiences we have built,” added Sarah Nelson Uberto, head of business development and partnerships at Samsung TV Plus. “Barbie and Friends, Hot Wheels Action and Mattel Jr. add even more choice to Samsung TV Plus’s stable of family-friendly, brand-safe content we know both viewers and advertisers will love.”