Barbie

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.

Inspired by a risque doll from Germany, the co-founder of Mattel forever revolutionizes the doll industry for young girls.

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.

G.I. Joe

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

Star Trek

Plagued by years of brand mismanagement and product inconsistency, a popular space franchise must overcome its past in a competitive toy market.

Transformers

Combining ingenious Japanese toys with a creative backstory written by Marvel Comics, Hasbro introduced a line that changed the toy landscape forever.

LEGO

From humble beginnings in the Danish countryside, this maker of interlocking plastic bricks has become the largest toy manufacturer in the world.

Hello Kitty

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

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.

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.

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.

Professional Wrestling

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

The Toys That Made Us

The minds behind history's most iconic toy franchises discuss the rise -- and sometimes fall -- of their billion-dollar creations.

The Toys That Made Us

2017 History