Barney & Friends centers on positive messages for children, focusing on friendship and learning. The casting and character emphasis reflect inclusivity, but it feels organic for a 1990s children’s program. There’s no noticeable identity-driven narrative at the expense of story or character development, even a purple dinosaur seems perfectly sensible here.

Themes like friendship, caring, and respect for family are frequently highlighted, with occasional gentle nods to traditional values. Masculinity and femininity aren’t really subverted; Barney is nonthreatening, but that’s probably the point for a preschool show. No real attack on tradition detected.

It’s all sunshine and kindness in Barney’s world. While alternative perspectives aren’t discussed, it’s hard to accuse a show for toddlers of stifling debate. No caricatured villains, unless you count the occasional messy playroom.