The Toys That Made Us

Dec 22, 2017

A small toy company in Cincinnati takes on its biggest licensing project ever, giving birth to the most profitable toy franchise in history.

Dec 22, 2017

Inspired by a risqué doll from Germany, the co-founder of Mattel toys forever revolutionized the doll industry for young girls.

Dec 22, 2017

Creators responsible for reviving a toy company's struggling action figure line discuss the epic rise and fall of their billion-dollar empire.

Dec 22, 2017

Credited with coining the term "action figure" more than 50 years ago, a group of toy marketers reimagined a new genre of dolls for boys.

May 25, 2018

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

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

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

With the motto "small gift, big smile" as its business philosophy, Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji turned a "kawaii" kitty into a global phenomenon.

Nov 15, 2019

Two relatively unknown comic book artists stumble upon an idea that will give rise to Turtlemania, sending the toy industry into shell shock.

Nov 15, 2019

Inspired by Japan's Super Sentai series, composer Haim Saban's groundbreaking vision has since morphed into a decades-long TV and toy dynasty.

Nov 15, 2019

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.

Nov 15, 2019

From WrestleMania to retail mania: The creators responsible for wrestling's choke hold on toy store shelves reflect on their triumphs and setbacks.