Derek was a character played by Rickey Carter who debuted in the Backyard Gang video Waiting for Santa replacing Salim Grant who played Jason. He appeared in the later videos of the series, as well as in the first two seasons of Barney & Friends, and in Barney Live! In New York City.

About Derek

According to the episode, "Everyone is Special", Derek enjoys reading books and making jokes. However, he doesn't show this joking trait in the rest of series (this trait is commonly associated with Michael instead). Sometimes when Derek tells jokes, everyone would laugh while Michael finds it less funny. He is also shown to have an interest in baseball, as seen in "Be a Friend" and "Grandparents Are Grand!"; according to "Grandparents are Grand", Derek's last name is Richards.

Family

Derek's family consists of his Mother, Father, and supposedly two brothers; according to his family painting in "My Family's Just Right for Me". In addition, his Granddad Richards came for a visit in "Grandparents are Grand". He also had a pet goldfish named Angel, and dog named Fluffy.

Glasses

In the Barney and the Backyard Gang videos he appeared in, Derek didn't wear glasses. It wasn't until the Season 1 episode "My Family's Just Right for Me" that he is seen wearing them for the first time. He even acknowledges the first time he got them in "May I Help You?".

Appearances

1. Waiting for Santa (first appearance)

   

2. Campfire Sing-Along
3. Barney Goes to School
4. Barney in Concert
5. Rock with Barney
6. My Family's Just Right for Me
7. Playing It Safe
8. The Treasure of Rainbow Beard
9. Going Places!
10. Caring Means Sharing
11. Down on Barney's Farm
12. What's That Shadow?
13. Happy Birthday, Barney!
14. Alphabet Soup!
15. Our Earth, Our Home
16. Be a Friend
17. I Just Love Bugs
18. When I Grow Up…
19. 1-2-3-4-5 Senses! (cameo)
20. Hi, Neighbor!
21. A Splash Party, Please
22. A World of Music
23. Doctor Barney is Here!
24. Hola, Mexico!
25. Everyone is Special
26. Barney's Magical Musical Adventure
27. Grandparents are Grand
28. May I Help You?
29. Honk! Honk! A Goose on the Loose!
30. I Can Do That!
31. Grown-Ups for a Day!
32. Look at Me, I'm 3!
33. The Exercise Circus!
34. The Dentist Makes Me Smile
35. Stop, Look and Be Safe!
36. The Alphabet Zoo
37. Barney Live! In New York City
38. Imagination Island (final regular appearance)
39. On the Move (final appearence)