Homer Simpson Up for a Long Run

The Simpsons is set to become the longest running prime-time show in US television history, after Fox ordered another two seasons.

Currently in its 20th season, the show was first broadcast in 1989. The 22nd season is scheduled for 2010. The previous record was that of Western drama series, Gunsmoke. By the end of the scheduled run, a total of 493 episodes will have been made.

Sky 1 will broadcast a premiere of an episode of The Simpsons in Great Britain for the first time, on 17th March. A St. Patrick's Day special called: In the Name of the Grandfather.

Independent Toy Shops Doing Well

The London Evening Standard published an interesting article yesterday, about how independent toys shops have been enjoying an increase in sales since the last weeks of Woolworth's closing down sale.

Woolworths demise is joy for toy shops

Long may such good fortune last!

Turned Fifty? Make Your Catwalk Debut

Barbie celebrates her 50th birthday in March and Mattel's PR machine is at full steam. No publication I've opened recently has seen itself too serious to mark this golden jubilee.

Whilst the world's largest annual toy fair takes place in New York, the same city is also host to New York Fashion Week and for the first time a Barbie fashion show has been put on involving lots of well known designers and fashion houses.

The famous doll has somewhat fallen out of favour with the current generation of little girls. So, cue some heavy marketing to the generation that loved Barbie.

As with most of the big fashion shows, the outfits on display won't be found in many wardrobes but if Mattel gets their marketing pitch right then there will be plenty of opportunities for other outfits and accessories designed for the mass market. A 1980s revival is certainly a fashionable trend that could be capitalised on and I personally can't help thinking that a certain late 1950s look is height of style and elegance.

Disney already have a successful line of Bridal dresses, based on its classic animations.



If you doubt me in thinking that Mattel is taking marketing Barbie to adults as a serious endeavor, then take a look at Mattel's House of Barbie, opening in Shanghai. This 38,000 square foot store will even include a trendy bar with resident DJ, where Barbies can get chatting to prospective Kens.