New Thomas & Friends Episodes from Mattel

Mattel has greenlit 104 11-minute episodes and two one-hour specials for the Thomas & Friends series over two seasons.

Mattel has partnered with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio to co-produce the series starting with season 25, which will premiere beginning in fall 2021. It will introduce a new creative approach to the show, contemporizing the series for today’s families.

Starting with season 25, the series will be animated in 2D. It will also build upon creative elements that have resonated with Thomas & Friends fans over the years by featuring comedic, playful stories and lessons told from Thomas’s point of view.

“Thomas & Friends enduring legacy and focus on the importance on friendship continue to resonate with global audiences, and we look forward to unveiling our new content to consumers next year,” said Fred Soulie, senior VP and general manager of Mattel Television. “Nelvana is the ideal production partner for the series, understanding the importance of staying true to Thomas’ ethos and heritage while bringing the franchise to life creatively in new ways for today’s kids.”

“As the exclusive broadcast partner and licensing agent of the treasured Thomas brand in Canada, we are delighted to deepen our relationship with Mattel by becoming their production partner on the reimagined 2D series, which will introduce Thomas to a new generation of young audiences,” said Pam Westman, president of Nelvana. “With stunning animation and fresh new stories, the 2D series allows us to play up the humor in the show while honoring the legacy of the world’s most-adored blue tank engine.”