barney and the backyard gang (also known as barney) is an american live action animated series that aired from august 29, 1988 to august 1, 1991. it started as a series of home videos and then in 1991, barney and friends began production. the home videos were filmed in allen, texas in the 80s to dallas, texas in the 90s. in 1991, barney and the backyard gang performed at the majestic theatre in dallas, texas. the backyard gang kids are michael, amy, lucy, tina, jason, (replaced by derek) and adam (replaced by jeffrey in one (episode).