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.

Most notable is PBS hiring Natalie to write for "Barney and Friends" in the 1990s. Experts on a fan-curated "Barney" Wiki page compiled a list of songs Natalie wrote for the show.

Author, television writer and producer Sheryl Leach was the creator of Barney & Friends, alongside Kathy Parker and Dennis DeShazer.

The docuseries “I Love You, You Hate Me” explores the strange backlash to “Barney & Friends.” Bob West, who once voiced the character, found himself at the center of the storm.

Official credit for creating the “Barney” as a TV show is split among Kathy Parker, Dennis DeShazer and Leach — but as “I Love You” makes clear, it was Leach who came up with the concept ...