The Flintstones (Boomerang)

common sense media says

Still a classic, but times have changed.


parents & educators say
  • 40% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Honeymooners-inspired cartoon is an innovative, entertaining animated classic intended to be enjoyed by the entire family. Although all of the characters are good people, the show's language is somewhat dated, which causes characters (especially Fred) to sometimes sound derogatory and stereotypical. Male and female roles are traditional, though Wilma knows how to think for herself.

Positive messages: There's lots of silly antics, but the focus is on family and friendship.
Positive role models: Characters are politically incorrect and stereotypical by today's standards, and Fred's occasional sneaky ways and hot temper can set poor examples.
Violence & scariness: Barney watches a boxing match on TV; some cartoon pratfalls, but nothing graphic.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Fred often speaks to other characters in a dismissive, derogatory fashion.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Flintstones

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about family values. Do Fred and Wilma have equal roles in their family? What are the similarities and differences between your family and the Flinstones? How have family roles evolved since the show debuted? How might the series be different if it was premiering now instead of in the '60s? For young viewers, parents can ask questions about the "appliances" Fred and the gang use in their everyday lives -- where do you think animators got their ideas for the funny, animal-powered inventions?

What's the story?

What's the story?

THE FLINTSTONES -- which holds the distinction of being the first prime-time animated series -- takes place in prehistoric Bedrock and comically explores what Stone Age life might have been like with a few "modern" conveniences. Premiering in 1960 and still yabba-dabba doo-ing on DVD and on TV in reruns, this classic stars Alan Reed as working-class "regular guy" Fred Flintstone, Jean Vander Pyl as his wife Wilma and daughter Pebbles, Bea Benaderet as next door neighbor Betty Rubble, Don Messick as Bamm-Bamm Rubble, and Mel Blanc as Fred's best friend Barney Rubble, Dino, and all of the other working animals.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Playing out like an animated version of The Honeymooners, The Flinstones will amuse adults with its slick one-liners regarding marriage, making a living, and fulfilling the American dream. And kids will enjoy Fred and Barney's action-packed antics, as well as the service/pet prehistoric animals.

Parents do need to know that Fred doesn't deal with stress well; his hot temper can set bad behavioral examples. Also, since the series debuted in the '60s, political correctness is nowhere to be found -- both Fred and Barney can be stereotypical and sexist, spewing one liners such as "whoever said a man's house is his castle was probably a woman." Other terms, like "slave labor," are both dated and offensive.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Boomerang
Cast: Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Boomerang

This review was written by Deirdre Sheppard
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 40% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

dancing girl
kid, 12 years old
 
I like this cartoon. It's funny and kids will love it.

SHAUNISANERD
kid, 9 years old
 

aljolsonfan
kid, 9 years old
 

jolson123
parent
 

MarioMii
teen, 15 years old
 
Don't get locked out
My friend really loves this cartoon. I learned at the end scene that when Fred was setting his bottles right at the front door, his pet went in, then he got locked out calling for Wilma, but it didn't work. I learned if I was going to set stuff up in the yard, don't do it at night.

MaryMiSC
parent of 7 and 9 year old
 
It's not the fact that it's just plain not funny anymore...
It's that the role models seriously bite.

Kold Duff
kid, 10 years old
 
Ages 5 and up and no one under welcome without an Parent
This is good but I think it now as a Chewed up Gum or Chum

Wordboy03
kid, 9 years old
 
Classic from ABC-TV
I like the show because it shows cavemen lives and funny things and my little sister is 4 and its a family classic.

 
The first episode I laughed alot.
This show is perfect. I like this show because it is very funny. My funniest characters are Dino, Pebbles, and Bamm Bamm. They just Crack me up. In most episodes, Pebbles and Bamm Bamm, Dino and Hoppy are always up to something. I wish that there are more episodes than 166 episodes. My Funniest episode I seen was Dino and Juliet. Fred and Barney are always getting into fights. This is my favorite show. This Show includes funny jokes ( Mostly like Barney.)

starwars reviewer
kid, 13 years old
 
I really loved this show, before I found out that they supported Winston.
That's right, our favorites Fred and Barney once sand the jingle "Winston tastes good like a (click click) cigarette should!". Yes, it shattered my view on childhood as well. Still, this show is very entertaining, for the younger and older crowds.

moviega
kid, 9 years old
 

Frylock
teen, 14 years old
 
A good classic for the whole family.
Good family fun and a classic. The only adult thing is Fred's quick tempered personality.

mpearmai
kid, 12 years old
 
I love this show
Me and my parents love The Flintstones. It is totally a family classic. I also like their movie "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" alot.

TacoWiz
teen, 16 years old
 
A classic animated sitcom.
While the animation is severely limited, the show still manages to be visually appealing, which is more than I can say of Hanna-Barbera's shows from a decade later. If you're a cartoon fan, regardless of your age, you will enjoy this show. I recommend the first two seasons, before Pebbles was born. It jumped the shark around then. Parents might need to know that Fred uses language like "chump" and "knuckle head", but deep down he cares about his wife and his friends.

rebma97
teen, 14 years old
 
This is a really good show. It's set during a long time ago, becuase they have stuff like dinosuaors. The Flinstones is about four characters; Fred, his wife Wilma, Fred's friend Barney, and Barney's wife Betty (who doesn't appear on the show as much). They live their everyday lives but it's set a long time ago, so they don't have some stuff that we do. Some things to watch out for include violence. It's not that bad, but Fred does have a bad temper and often is violent when angry (for example, if Barney did something to tick him off, he'd be trying to fight him or something) Also, since the series is oudated like mentioned early, they're are some steretypes; the men are usually shown as a higher sex than woman (although Wilma isn't, but Betty is). But if you talk to your kids about the stereotypes and how it was normal back then, you and your family will enjoy this show.

Thecoyote
teen, 14 years old
 
Yabba-Dabba-Do!!!
A wholesome H.B. classic. Fred's very fuNNy.

Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
 
I love the Flintstones!
Good show but Fred is a bad role model to Barney!

Diaryofawimpykid
kid, 13 years old
 
Great show!
Nice show. You'll laugh! But the sound quaility is alitle off, but this was made in what, the 60's? Great Show though!

Charlie The Cat
parent of 5 , 6 , 7 , 10 , 10 , and 17 year old
 
All My Kids Can See This

Ylndgomez
teen, 16 years old
 
I LOVE THE FLINTSTONES.
I LOVE THE FLINTSTONES. I LOVE FRED FLINTSTONE I LOVE BARNEY RUBBLE I LOVE WILMA FLINTSTONE I LOVE BETTY RUBBLE I LOVE DINO.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age