On Friday, December 22, there's a new Netflix Original Series making its debut that's a perfect binge for the holiday break. THE TOYS THAT MADE US is an all-new look at some of the most iconic toy lines of all-time, and they're rolling out the first season with some heavy hitters. While it's not embeddable (yet), a full trailer just launched on Netflix (see it here), and in honor of the release of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, a special sneak-preview of the Star Wars episode was released as well (see that below). In fact, amid all that vintage Kenner glory, you just might see a shot of yours-truly when the episode streams this Friday. I provided them with something that may be in there, but that's just a tiny piece of the overall puzzle. From Hasbro's G.I. Joe & Transformers to Mattel's Barbie and He-Man and The Masters of the Universe, there's a lot of history about to be told, with additional season one episodes set to focus on Hello Kitty, Star Trek and LEGO.
For the casual to the hardcore collector, THE TOYS THAT MADE US is an international journey through parts of our history and culture shaped by popular toys. Here, the minds behind history's most iconic toy franchises discuss the rise -- and sometimes fall -- of their billion-dollar creations.
Look for more on this series very soon. Check out Netflix for more.
James Zahn is not a journalist, nor a blogger, though he may be credited as such by others, or even accept the title... depending on the circumstance. Instead, he considers himself largely to be an "entertainment and lifestyle writer," bringing 25+ years of experience in the entertainment and publishing industries into the family realm as THE ROCK FATHER™.
As a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur, James now finds himself raising a pair young girls - The Rock Daughters™ - along with his wife from their Illinois home.
He is a member of The Toy Insider Parent Advisory Board, has contributed to The Toy Book and writes a regular Star Wars column - Transmissions from a Galaxy Far, Far Away for The Pop Insider. He also regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.
Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global.
James and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, WGN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, BusinessWire, Babble, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.
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