Raising Barney: what parents of kids 4–7 should know
Barney & Friends, the live-action show with the purple dinosaur, is rated TV-Y on Prime Video's US pages for the series, meaning suitable for all ages. In the UK, the BBFC rated Barney DVDs U, some with the note "particularly suitable for pre-school children." Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit, lists the show for ages 2 and up and lists no violence, language or sex. A new animated series from Mattel, Barney's World, premiered on Max on October 14, 2024.
Barney & Friends at a glance
- –Official rating above age 7
Prime Video US: TV-Y; BBFC: U - –Violence in rating descriptors
No descriptors in TV-Y or BBFC U - –Scary content in rating descriptors
No descriptors in TV-Y or BBFC U - –Bad language in rating descriptors
No descriptors in TV-Y or BBFC U - –Sexual content, drugs, or alcohol in rating descriptors
No descriptors in TV-Y or BBFC U - –Rated 12 or higher in the UK or Germany
BBFC: U
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count. Rating reasons marked mild, very mild, or brief don't count.
| Type | Live-action preschool series with a purple dinosaur, on PBS from 1992 to 2010 source |
|---|---|
| US (TV rating) | TV-Y (suitable for all ages) on Prime Video's US pages for the series (seasons 7 and 8) source |
| UK (BBFC) | U (universal; suitable for all) for Barney DVDs, e.g. "particularly suitable for pre-school children" source |
| Common Sense Media | 2+ for Barney & Friends; parent reviews say 3+ |
| Barney's World | New animated series from Mattel; premiered on Max on October 14, 2024 source |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What is Barney?
Short answer: A purple dinosaur who sings, dances and plays with kids in Barney & Friends.
The live-action series ran on PBS from 1992 to 2010. Mattel, which owns the character, brought him back in Barney's World, a new animated series with original music and updated Barney classics. It premiered on Max on October 14, 2024, and on Cartoon Network on October 18, with 52 eleven-minute episodes, per Warner Bros. Discovery.
Barney: what's in it
Short answer: Barney & Friends is TV-Y in the US and U in the UK.
- US: TV-Y on Prime Video's US pages (seasons 7 and 8).
- UK (BBFC): U for Barney DVDs, no material likely to offend or harm.
- Common Sense Media: 2+; parent reviews say 3+.
Common Sense Media lists violence, language, sex and drinking as not present and notes "lots of tie-in products." It says the show promotes teamwork, cooperation and active play. We couldn't confirm a US TV rating for Barney's World.
Why young kids know Barney
Prime Video's US pages list seasons of Barney & Friends. Barney's World premiered on Max and Cartoon Network, and Warner Bros. Discovery said select episodes would also be on YouTube.
The habit kids may copy: the hug song
Barney ends with "I love you, you love me" and a group hug. Kids often want to hug everyone, even people who don't want a hug.
Try tonight: ask before a hug
Practice with a stuffed animal. Before hugging, your child asks: "Do you want a hug or a high five?" Then take turns being the one who answers. In our program, this is the lesson "Stepping In": we're here to help each other.
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FAQ
What age is Barney for?
Common Sense Media lists Barney & Friends for ages 2 and up. It's TV-Y in the US and U in the UK.
Where can I watch Barney & Friends?
Prime Video's US pages list seasons of the series.
What is Barney's World?
A new animated Barney series from Mattel that premiered on Max on October 14, 2024, with 52 eleven-minute episodes.
When did Barney & Friends air?
On PBS from 1992 to 2010.
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