Filmation Associates: H-R: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: A Friend In Need

A Friend In Need Production Information

advertisement

Production Notes:

This series has been called "the first of the animated 30-minuted commercials" for a toy- specifically, Mattel's He-Man toys, action figures and games.

Many TV stations turned down the series when it came out in 1983, concerned that consumer groups would object to its commercialization of children's toys. Relaxed FCC regulations encouraged stations in many markets to purchase the series a year later.

The series became the second highest-rated children's show of the year, while the He-Man action figure became the second best-selling toy (after Barbie) in the United States.

"She-Ra: Princess of Power," another series, was spun off from "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" in 1985, while a live-action film, "Masters of the Universe," appeared in 1987.