Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs
Lots of destruction, some laughs in Flintstones remake.
Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs
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.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs is a remake of the 1960's cartoon, The Flinstones. Life in Bedrock is full of crashes, bonks, and dinosaurs with scary teeth. Bamm Bamm and Pebbles are kids in this show who get into mischief. They go on adventures on their own, engage with dinosaurs, get in and out of jams, and remain best friends. Girls and women have better representation than in the old cartoon, though as far as diversity goes, there's not much here. Modern-day conveniences are spoofed, like "smart stones" (a play on smart phones) that have a bird who pops out and tells characters what they need to know.
Community Reviews
Greatness
Report this review
What's the Story?
In YABBA DABBA DINOSAURS, Pebbles Flinstone and her best friend, Bamm Bamm Rubble are two kids with a taste for adventure. Pebbles is the curious one, always ready to measure or take notes on a discovery she's made. Bamm Bamm is hyper-charged with the drive to beat things with his club, which he tucks into a harness like a sword. He's not malicious, but he does break a lot of stuff. They get in and out of trouble in Bedrock and their local park, The Crag. Can their parents keep their shenanigans in line? Or are they going to keep pushing boundaries?
Is It Any Good?
Dynamic, creative, sometimes funny, this remake of a classic cartoon has big shoes to fill. Sometimes the gags feel new, sometimes they feel a little obvious. But there's never a dull moment in Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs.
Kids who've never seen the classic cartoon will laugh at the stone age gizmos that have tweaks to allow them to run on pulleys or animal power. Adults might not be as charmed, the gags can feel a little too obvious. Plus, there's always the fan base who is going to wish this show was perfect. It's not-- but it's fun. And there are some moments where morals are seamlessly intertwined in the theme. It's like taking vitamins that taste like candy, and if you grew up watching the original show, you'll know what this means.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about devices that kids in this Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs use. No, they're not the modern kind, which is what makes them funny, but they are used. How much do you depend on your electronics?
Pebbles is very curious about her environment. How much does her curiosity lead her to positive outcomes in this show? How many times does her curiosity get her into trouble?
Bamm Bamm can't help himself -- he wants to destroy everything. What would happen if he exhibited a little more self-control?
Have you seen the older cartoon The Flintstones? What about it holds up today? What no longer works?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 30, 2021
- Cast: Ely Henry, Jeff Bergman, Jessica Di Cicco
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Cars and Trucks, Dinosaurs, Adventures, Bugs
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: March 15, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Flintstones
Still a classic, but times have changed.
-
The Jetsons
Fun, futuristic cartoon is still a kids' classic.
-
Bugs Bunny: Big Top Bunny
Classic, inventive cartooning.
For kids who love cartoons
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate