Mattel keeps Thomas & Friends on track

Thomas and Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! is the latest series in the franchise

US toyco Mattel is moving forward with the 23rd season of Thomas & Friends following a recent revamp to give the property a more contemporary feel.

The production arm of the company will produce 20×11′ episodes and 3×22′ specials, bringing the total number of episodes in the Thomas & Friends library to more than 550.

Season 22 of the long-running children’s franchise has been acquired by broadcasters in the UK, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Germany and the US.

The series now features three girl and three boy engines alongside Thomas, who explores new cultures as he leaves Sodor for the first time in the show’s history to visit countries including China, India and Australia. Season 23 will debut in 2019.

The original Thomas the Tank Engine books were written more than 70 years ago and hav also spawned 12 feature-length films, apps, toys, consumer products and live attractions.