Thomas & Friends

What started as a series of books by Reverend Wilbert Awdry in 1945 grew into one of the most enduring children's franchises in history. The stories began on the fictional Island of Sodor, featuring steam engines with distinct personalities who taught young readers about work and responsibility. In 1984, producer Britt Allcroft brought these tales to life with Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, using model animation to create a world that captivated audiences for decades. The show ran for 24 seasons, becoming a staple of preschool television and establishing a massive global fanbase.

Mattel took over the brand in 2012 after purchasing HIT Entertainment for $376 million. This acquisition allowed the franchise to expand its toy lines and merchandise reach significantly. The company modernized the look of the series in 2017 with Big World! Big Adventures!, switching from stop-motion to CGI. By 2021, they launched a complete reboot titled All Engines Go, which featured faster pacing and a diverse cast designed for younger viewers aged 2 to 5. Although this version concluded in 2025, the brand continues to thrive with new content arriving in late 2026.

Recent developments include the announcement of Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories, a new animated series set to premiere alongside special episodes. Mattel Films is also currently developing a second theatrical movie to keep the momentum going beyond television screens. The franchise remains active across streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, ensuring that the engines continue to deliver their message of teamwork and integrity to new generations. [edit]