The Toys That Made Us
The minds behind history's most iconic toy franchises discuss the rise -- and sometimes fall -- of their billion-dollar creations.
Seasons
1. Star Wars
Air Date: 2017-12-22
A small toy company in Cincinnati takes on its biggest licensing project ever, giving birth to the most profitable toy franchise in history.
2. Barbie
Air Date: 2017-12-22
Inspired by a risqué doll from Germany, the co-founder of Mattel toys forever revolutionized the doll industry for young girls.
3. He-Man
Air Date: 2017-12-22
Creators responsible for reviving a toy company's struggling action figure line discuss the epic rise and fall of their billion-dollar empire.
4. G.I. Joe
Air Date: 2017-12-22
Credited with coining the term "action figure" more than 50 years ago, a group of toy marketers reimagined a new genre of dolls for boys.
1. Star Trek
Air Date: 2018-05-25
Plagued by years of brand mismanagement and product inconsistency, a popular space franchise must overcome its past in a competitive toy market.
2. Transformers
Air Date: 2018-05-25
Combining ingenious Japanese toys with a creative backstory written by Marvel Comics, Hasbro introduced a line that changed the toy landscape forever.
3. LEGO
Air Date: 2018-05-25
From humble beginners in the Danish countryside, this maker of interlocking plastic bricks has become the largest toy manufacturer in the world.
4. Hello Kitty
Air Date: 2018-05-25
With the motto "small gift, big smile" as its business philosophy, Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji turned a "kawaii" kitty into a global phenomenon.
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Air Date: 2019-11-15
Two relatively unknown comic book artists stumble upon an idea that will give rise to Turtlemania, sending the toy industry into shell shock.
2. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Air Date: 2019-11-15
Inspired by Japan's Super Sentai series, composer Haim Saban's groundbreaking vision has since morphed into a decades-long TV and toy dynasty.
3. My Little Pony
Air Date: 2019-11-15
Bringing immense joy to children, and now bronies, these half-pint hoofers have redefined the modern doll in an era dominated by Barbies and Berries.
4. Professional Wrestling
Air Date: 2019-11-15
From WrestleMania to retail mania: The creators responsible for wrestling's choke hold on toy store shelves reflect on their triumphs and setbacks.
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Rating
7.5/10
Release Date
2017-12-22
Episodes
12 (3 seasons)
Status
Ended
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
The Nacelle Company