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Parents' Guide to

The Flintstones

By Deirdre Sheppard, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Still a classic, but times have changed.

TV Boomerang Kids' Animation 1960
The Flintstones Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 13 parent reviews

Jamila F.
Jamila F. Adult
October 15, 2023
age 16+

Fred's a narcissist and everyone except Fred beats on each other

I remember hating this cartoon as a kid so I decided to start rewatching it to figure out why, and after watching the first episode, "The Flintstone Flyer," I now know why. Fred is a total narcissistic jerk and Barney just allows Fred to abuse him yet thinks he's a good friend. I remember this bothering me even as a kid. Fred beats on Barney, and threatens him with more beatings if he doesnt do what he says. The whole story is Fred being a bona fide narcissist, taking credit for Barney's invention, lying and deceiving his wife which Barney just follows along like a clueless wimp, and then the wives beat their husbands when they find out theyve been deceived. My family didnt behave this way, and even as a kid I couldn't figure out why this type of behavior was funny. I hated Looney Toons though also. I mean I HATED this cartoon as a kid, and after rewatching it as an adult, I now know why. It's detestable. It's not funny, and it's not something I think young kids should watch. No, I'm not a prude, I'm not some overzealous religious conservative, or someone who cant find slapstick funny. But Im NOT going to say a cartoon is awesome simply bc it's a classic, that other people enjoyed. It promotes narcissistic behavior, bullying, being a wimpy friend, and deception and violence between spouses. What's to laugh at? I think it was popular bc of the genuine creativity involved with the creation of Bedrock City, the inventions that blended an ancient stoneage setting with modernity, and I think thats what peoole loved and why we tuned in. I DID like that stuff about the cartoon, but I hated the story lines. So to the graphics and creative department I give 5 stars, but the script writing is a total zero.
Candice A.
Candice A. Parent of 3-year-old
September 9, 2023
age 2+
See all 13 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (13 ):
Kids say (24 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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