The Toys That Made Us

10 Best Episodes of 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.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 08, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Toys That Made Us - S3E3

#12 - My Little Pony (Season 3 - Episode 3)

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.

The episode was rated 6.84 from 79 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S3E4

#11 - Professional Wrestling (Season 3 - Episode 4)

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

The episode was rated 7.09 from 86 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S2E4

#10 - Hello Kitty (Season 2 - Episode 4)

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

The episode was rated 7.38 from 112 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S1E2

#9 - Barbie (Season 1 - Episode 2)

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Inspired by a risquΓ© doll from Germany, the co-founder of Mattel toys forever revolutionized the doll industry for young girls.

The episode was rated 7.59 from 163 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S2E1

#8 - Star Trek (Season 2 - Episode 1)

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

The episode was rated 7.63 from 112 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S1E1

#7 - Star Wars (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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A small toy company in Cincinnati takes on its biggest licensing project ever, giving birth to the most profitable toy franchise in history.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 259 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S1E4

#6 - G.I. Joe (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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

The episode was rated 7.68 from 161 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S3E2

#5 - Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Season 3 - Episode 2)

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Inspired by Japan's Super Sentai series, composer Haim Saban's groundbreaking vision has since morphed into a decades-long TV and toy dynasty.

The episode was rated 7.69 from 87 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S2E3

#4 - LEGO (Season 2 - Episode 3)

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

The episode was rated 7.88 from 131 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S1E3

#3 - He-Man (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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Creators responsible for reviving a toy company's struggling action figure line discuss the epic rise and fall of their billion-dollar empire.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 170 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S2E2

#2 - Transformers (Season 2 - Episode 2)

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

The episode was rated 7.93 from 134 votes.

The Toys That Made Us - S3E1

#1 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Season 3 - Episode 1)

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Two relatively unknown comic book artists stumble upon an idea that will give rise to Turtlemania, sending the toy industry into shell shock.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 102 votes.

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