 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Flintstones
- Boomerang
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Still a classic, but times have changed.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
December 24, 2010
AGE
I like this cartoon. It's funny and kids will love it.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
It's not the fact that it's just plain not funny anymore...
It's that the role models seriously bite.
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AGE
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.)
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Kid, 11 years old
November 11, 2011
AGE
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
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AGE
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.
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Kid, 9 years old
January 28, 2011
AGE
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.
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| Topics: | dinosaurs, adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Boomerang |
| Cast: | Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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