New Thomas & Friends Special to Stream on Netflix

Mattel has unveiled the new special Thomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountain, which is set to stream globally on Netflix.

The Netflix debut is set for April 1, with a broadcast on Canada’s Treehouse TV on April 2 and in the U.S. on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network on April 3. Tied to Autism Acceptance Month in April, this is the first Thomas & Friends special to feature Bruno the Brake Car, the franchise’s newest friend, an autistic character.

The animated special is co-produced by Mattel Television and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana.

“We are excited to bring the fun and excitement of Thomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountain to fans, as the special marks Bruno’s first appearance in a Thomas & Friends movie,” said Fred Soulie, senior VP and general manager at Mattel Television. “By further acquainting audiences with the pun-loving red brake car, we hope the special will make a positive impact on children and parents during Autism Acceptance Month.”

“It’s been full steam ahead ever since we partnered with Mattel to produce the reimagined 2D animated Thomas & Friends series, and we’ve received spectacular feedback on the fun storylines and physical comedy,” said Pam Westman, president at Nelvana. “Bruno the Brake Car is such an important character, and we’re proud of the warm reception he has received. This special allows us to emphasize the significance of this loving character, not only within this franchise but throughout children’s programming globally.”