"Barney & Friends" is a children's television series that features a friendly purple dinosaur named Barney. The show is designed for preschoolers and focuses on teaching social skills, basic academic concepts, and values through songs, dance, and storytelling. It first aired in 1992 and quickly became popular among young audiences. The series includes a cast of children and other characters, such as Baby Bop and BJ, who join Barney in various adventures. Each episode typically revolves around a specific theme, encouraging creativity and imagination while promoting positive messages about friendship and cooperation.