From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas and Friends is a British children's television series, first broadcast on the ITV network in September 1984. Until 2003, it was named Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. This series was shot on 35mm film. The first 12 Series were filmed at Shepperton Studios, England between 1984 and 2008, with production now in CGI at Nitrogen Studios in Canada from 2009 onward.
It is based on The Railway Series of books by the Reverend W. V. Awdry and his son Christopher Awdry. These books deal with the adventures of a group of anthropomorphised trains and road vehicles who live on the fictional Island of Sodor. The books were based on stories Awdry told to entertain his son Christopher during his recovery from measles. Many of the stories are based on events from Awdry's personal experience.
The show has featured celebrity storytellers Ringo Starr (1984–1986) for the UK and the USA, Michael Angelis (1991–present) for the UK, George Carlin (1984–1995), Alec Baldwin (1998–2002) and Michael Brandon (2003–present) for the USA, and Pierce Brosnan for the UK and the USA (Guest Narrator).
Many businesses have been eager to cash in on the worldwide popularity of the series. 'Thomas'-themed merchandise has appeared in almost every form imaginable, from books and magazines, through vast series of models, to duvet covers, cutlery, soft drinks and even spaghetti shapes.
Heritage railways have also benefited from the series. "Day out with Thomas" events, in which passengers are given the chance to ride in full-size coaches pulled by locomotives resembling Thomas or his friends, provide a considerable source of income, and attract those who might not otherwise visit the railway.
4 September 2009 was the 25th anniversary of Thomas & Friends, as the first ever episode "Thomas and Gordon" aired on 4 September 1984, on the British terrestrial channel ITV. In the 100 Greatest Kids' TV shows poll conducted by Channel 4 viewers in 2001, the show was voted at #26. ...READ MORE
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