Series synopsis
The Toys That Made Us is an American documentary television series that premiered on Netflix on December 22, 2017. It ended on November 15, 2019. It was created by Brian Volk-Weiss. It stars Donald Ian Black.
The minds behind history's most iconic toy franchises discuss the rise -- and sometimes fall -- of their billion-dollar creations.
Premise
The minds behind history's most iconic toy franchises discuss the rise -- and sometimes fall -- of their billion-dollar creations.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Donald Ian Black as Self - Narrator (voice)
Guest cast
- Josh Odsess-Rubin as Bob Budianski
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 12 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 4 | December 22, 2017 | December 22, 2017 |
| Season 2 | 4 | May 25, 2018 | May 25, 2018 |
| Season 3 | 4 | November 15, 2019 | November 15, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Star Wars A small toy company in Cincinnati takes on its biggest licensing project ever, giving birth to the most profitable toy franchise in history. |
December 22, 2017 |
| 2 |
Barbie Inspired by a risqué doll from Germany, the co-founder of Mattel toys forever revolutionized the doll industry for young girls. |
December 22, 2017 |
| 3 |
He-Man Creators responsible for reviving a toy company's struggling action figure line discuss the epic rise and fall of their billion-dollar empire. |
December 22, 2017 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Star Trek Plagued by years of brand mismanagement and product inconsistency, a popular space franchise must overcome its past in a competitive toy market. |
May 25, 2018 |
| 2 |
Transformers Combining ingenious Japanese toys with a creative backstory written by Marvel Comics, Hasbro introduced a line that changed the toy landscape forever. |
May 25, 2018 |
| 3 |
LEGO From humble beginnings in the Danish countryside, this maker of interlocking plastic bricks has become the largest toy manufacturer in the world. |
May 25, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Two relatively unknown comic book artists stumble upon an idea that will give rise to Turtlemania, sending the toy industry into shell shock. |
November 15, 2019 |
| 2 |
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Inspired by Japan's Super Sentai series, composer Haim Saban's groundbreaking vision has since morphed into a decades-long TV and toy dynasty. |
November 15, 2019 |
| 3 |
My Little Pony 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. |
November 15, 2019 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Netflix |
|---|---|
| First aired | December 22, 2017 |
| Last aired | November 15, 2019 |
| Status | ended |