TV Review: The Flintstones
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What Parents Should 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.
Parents and kids 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?
Common Sense Media Review
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.
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.
For the most part, The Flintstones is very kid friendly. Dino provides a lot of comic relief, particularly when he proves to be smarter than Fred. Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm share a relationship which is identical to the kinds of friendships real toddlers and preschoolers have. And the service animals -- like the bird that helps deliver mail or the chipmunk that shaves wood -- are fun and funny for kids.
That said, the storylines often aren't very relatable to a younger audience. For example, one episode features Fred writing a nasty letter to his boss because Fred didn't get a raise -- when all along the boss is just late sending out the raises. Of course, Wilma is left to coyly clean up the mess after Fred's temper tantrum. None of this is inappropriate for kids -- on the contrary, they'll definitely find something to laugh at -- but it's illustrative of the fact that the series' themes are, in general, designed for adults.
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.
When watching The Flintstones, expect a creatively depicted society in which family members' relationships and animals' antics are cleverly funny and endearing. Just remember to keep an ear out for derogatory language.
Fans should be sure to check out fellow classic cartoon The Jetsons, as well as the live-action Flintstones movie.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
