The very next year, 1992, “Barney and the Backyard Gang” hit PBS as “Barney & Friends” and found its way into the homes of millions of kids. “Barney was a one off,” Rifkin said.

Choose from Barney, BJ and/or Baby Bop charms for $5 each or spring for the $20 limited-edition 5-pack complete with classic characters and a sampling of other signature motifs, hearts, stars and ...