New episodes and merchandise will be released in partnership with Mattel’s “Thomas & Friends” brand. 

NORTH AMERICA—Mattel and Nickelodeon have inked a U.S. television and consumer products partnership for the preschool property “Thomas & Friends”.

The agreement will see new seasons of “Thomas & Friends” premiere on the Nick Jr. channel, with specials set to air on the Nickelodeon network throughout the year.

Nickelodeon will also become Mattel's exclusive U.S. consumer products agent for “Thomas & Friends” across multiple merchandise categories including apparel, accessories, home goods, consumer electronics and more.

"Securing Nick Jr. as our new home for ‘Thomas & Friends’ is a huge game changer for the brand franchise, and one that, alongside our re-imagined content direction, will enable us to captivate new audiences as well as deepen engagement with our existing fans in the U.S.," says Kate Schlomann,vice president and global brand general manager, “Thomas & Friends,” Mattel. "The brand is undergoing a huge evolution to ensure that it remains relevant and competitive for today's audiences. We are taking Thomas off Sodor for the first time in our episodic series, evolving our storytelling to be more inclusive, meaningful and entertaining, which will strengthen our brand franchise. We are thrilled to have Nick Jr. as our partner as we bring the world into a child's home through the eyes of ‘Thomas & Friends.’"

The new season of animated preschool series will debut on Nick Jr. in March.