Meet the Flintstones

It was the perfect mix of satire, slapstick and distinct personalities -- all wrapped up in prime-time's first animated series. Produced by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, The Flintstones burst onto the screen on September 30, 1960 and has been there in one form or another ever since!

Who would have thought that a loud-mouth in a leopard tunic could create such a national phenomenon? With his faithful buddy Barney at his side, Fred Flintstone would entertain television audiences week after week with some outrageous scheme or other form of general mischief that grown men can get themselves into. Of course, Barney would follow along, and the two would ultimately have to answer to the true voice of authority -- their wives.

Living in the stone-age didn't keep the Flintstones from enjoying the best of modern conveniences. From a ram's horn telephone (a must for Wilma's gossip sessions) to a skin-topped convertable with stone wheels, the series was constantly showing today's nifty gadgets with a stone-age twist. Even something as simple as the paperboy throwing Fred his Sunday edition was a major hoot -- especially when the oversized stone tablet nailed him in the head.

Fred, in general, showed little tolerance for incompetance -- save maybe his own. He could turn from jovial to grouchy and back in an instant. But even this burly bear of a man had his soft side, and never did it show through as much as with his baby daughter Pebbles. Fred was definitely a family man at heart, and his antics appealed to all ages.

The Flintstones aired on Friday nights on ABC at 7:30 and included such sponsors as: Winston, Alka-Seltzer, One-A-Day Vitamins, and Post Cereals. Hanna-Barbera produced new 30-minute episodes for six seasons (September 30, 1960 - September 2, 1966), and then the series was rebroadcast on NBC for several seasons (January 17, 1967 - August 1969; September 6, 1969 - September 5, 1970). Since that time, the Flintstones have been the subject of three feature films and countless spin-offs and specials, not to mention years of product endorsement.

Today, the show is fondly remembered not only for its great characterization and ability to make light of everyday married life, but also for its quirky inconsistencies. The name of Fred's boss (as well as his face) changed almost as often as his car -- which was known to go from a two-seater to a four-seater at whim! Like the original series, the spin-offs have also been full of inconsistencies. One series would show the children as teenagers, while the next would have them back in diapers. There has been absolutely no consistency in the appearances of the neighboring Frankenstone family, and what's with The Flintstone Kids? Fred and Barney weren't supposed to have met their wives until they were adults! But, all of this is part of the charm of the characters' long-standing appeal.

So sit back and enjoy this fun and detailed look at one of the most revered shows in cartoon history -- if not television history; An animated classic -- The Flintstones.