The Flintstones (1960–1966) User Reviews (79)

Holds up well

[VetteRanger · 8/10 · 8 June 2009]

A lot of people don't remember that The Flintstones was the first prime time cartoon series, and what a success it was.

I think the fact that it was written for prime time, with writing meant to appeal to old and young alike, is why the series holds up so well into these times. Of course, it was also based on the solid foundation of copying The Honeymooners, and that didn't hurt either.

I learned a lot of lessons from the Flintstones. I don't have misunderstandings with my friends, and I don't sneak out to do things my wife doesn't know about. LOL I also buy dogs that are too small to knock me down when I get home.

Almost every story is a little morality play with a lesson, large or small learned. Fred is obviously not a character to pattern your life after, and this is another important lesson.

Lessons aside, the shows are uniformly amusing, and the clever turns of names into stone age words, and modern conveniences into useful animals, is always clever and will bring chuckles when first you see them.

Ya bab da doo! It's the Flintstones!

[blanbrn · 8/10 · 23 September 2021]

Hey have a grand old time remember as a kid watching this some and from time to time still catch an episode of this in syndication. The cartoon "The Flintstones" was colorful plus it had a catchy theme song and most segments and things that the characters did was just downright funny and outrageous. As it was a mix of two modern day stone age families the flintstones and rubbles lead by Fred and Barney respectively. And they would try to do modern things in the stone age! The laughs and animals featured were funny as this cartoon is still remembered even as new generations discover it. So watch it and have a grand old time!

Forget the awful movie; this is the REAL "Flintstones"!

[lee_eisenberg · 8/10 · 13 August 2005]

Everyone knows "The Flintstones": Fred, Wilma and Pebbles Flintstone are a typical suburban family transposed to the Stone Age. Their neighbors are Barney, Betty and Bam-Bam Rubble. Fred and Barney work at a construction site, while Wilma and Betty stay home. Granted, almost nothing about this show was accurate (not to mention the fact that Fred's car changed shape depending on who was sitting in it), but cartoons don't need to be accurate or consistent! The point is that "The Flintstones" not only makes us laugh, but also gives us a new perspective on our own world. My favorite episode? Well, it was pretty neat that time when Fred and Barney were going bowling and they had car trouble in a creepy forest. And apparently, Elizabeth Montgomery guest-starred on an episode as a character named Samantha Stephens, although I've never seen that episode. Anyway, it's a really neat show.

I read that this show was based on "The Honeymooners". I've never seen "The Honeymooners", so I can neither verify nor refute that, and I've heard that "The Honeymooners" was actually a cruel, gross show.

None of the other Hanna-Barbera cartoons were this funny--or this smart

[moonspinner55 · 10/10 · 8 April 2001]

"The Flintstones" was so dead-on satirical in its view of a prehistoric suburban world that I don't really understand it when people tell me they liked "The Jetsons" better. There's nobody I can relate to on "The Jetsons", no character who exudes any warmth or wit. The characters here (Fred, Barney, Wilma, Betty, Dino, Pebbles, Bamm-Bamm, Mr. Slate, Mrs. Slaghoople, etc.) have expressions and personalities which are instantly recognizable to an audience. They're a very funny bunch, and they often find each other greatly amusing as well (each character has a sense of humor--and their friendships really do seem like a bond). I don't know why the Hanna-Barbera team weren't able to duplicate the quality of this show in terms of its writing and voice-casting (perhaps it was all a fluke?), but "The Flintstones" has it all: great writing and voices which bring one-dimensional drawings to life, terrific plots, fantastic music by Hoyt Curtin. Not a kiddie show...not a sitcom...not a child-pacifier. "The Flintstones" is a minor miracle.

Yabba Dabba Doo!

[mirosuionitsaki2 · 10/10 · 23 July 2007]

It's sad how I can only find this show on Boomerang now. I have to hurry up and purchase the DVD before there is no more. I remember my mother saying that they still air the show, so there is no need to by the DVD. Now what she said is incorrect.

This show was a very great show to watch, along with the Jetsons. I remember having a fake car toy that I rode and pretend I was Fred Flintstone. This show had over 50 years of making kids love it. It's not too late. The Flintstones should air for another fifty, or hundred. There is no need to cancel it.

I recommend you to watch this show before it stops airing. It used to be one of the best shows on television.

The Classic Hanna-Barbera Show

[Sargebri · 16 July 2003]

This is definitely the show that put Hanna-Barbera studios on the map. After years of producing primarily cartoons for children (Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound et ala.), this really became the first cartoon show that was geared for adults, though there still is enough to keep children interested. Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty are all people everyone can relate to even though the show is set in the stone age. And even though I feel that in most cases the introduction of cute kids ruins a show, the introduction of Pebbles and Bamm Bamm helped to show that beneath his gruff exterior Fred was a big teddy bear. However, I do agree that when Gazoo was introduced was when the show's quality began to go down hill. Thankfully, he was never included in any of the subsequent incarnations of the "modern stone age family".

Fine for what it is

[mitsubishizero · 6/10 · 18 June 2019]

I'm aware that it broke several tv boundaries but personally I think it's ok. The jokes are dated and in some cases offensive by today's standards but there're still some funny jokes that get a laugh. The characters don't need much of an introduction as they're well known. In fact you probably know them due to Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles. I don't have much to say other than if you like old cartoons give this one a go.

Best Show ever!

[thelastsurvivor2005 · 10/10 · 7 July 2007]

I don't care how much flack I'm going to get for this, but I'm 44 years old, and I STILL think this is the best TV show of all time! All through my school years it was broadcast every day on a local TV station at noon, and at noon every kid in town would run home, gobble down their lunches, and watch. I must have seen every episode at least 100 times, if not more. And long after I got out of school I continued the ritual. If anything, I appreciate it more now that I'm older. There was so much that resonated. The chemistry between Fred and Barney couldn't be beat. Best friends through thick and thin. Even tho they'd drive each other crazy at times, when the chips were down they'd walk thru fire for each other. I could give a million reasons why I love this show. This show is one of my happiest childhood memories, and I know I'll NEVER tire of it. Thank you Hanna and Barbera.

Yep. They're The Modern Stone-Age Family

[StrictlyConfidential · 6/10 · 14 April 2020]

For me - TV's "The Flintstones" is one of those 2-D animated series from the early 1960s that was only marginally entertaining, at best.

Yes. There was some very cute and clever thought put into the stone-age setting of the town of Bedrock. But, unfortunately, the unwelcome element of family soap opera crept into way too many of the episodes more often than I could honestly appreciate.

(*Trivia Note*) - "The Flintstones" was one of the most successful animated TV series to run during prime-time broadcasting.

Funny and incredibly smart

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 24 December 2009]

I grew up on shows like Scooby Doo and Tom Jerry and this is no exception. I love the Flintstones:- it is funny and incredibly smart, and at 17 I can still watch it and there is very seldom a dull moment. What makes it great? Well, the detailed and colourful animation contributes hugely. Also the theme tune, has to be one of the most catchy theme tunes on any animated TV show. Then there's the humour, the whole show is constantly funny and is guaranteed to have you chuckling away. Finally we have the characters. Fred is one zany cartoon, and Alan Reed was the perfect choice for him. Another hilarious character, perhaps even more so than Fred is Barney, who is quite goofy yet completely lovable. Who'd better to voice him than the immortal Mel Blanc? Then we have Wilma, who is a great sexy female character and wonderfully voiced by Jean Vader Pyl. Plus the voluptuous Betty, voiced to perfection by Bea Benaderet. The writing constantly is incredibly witty, sharp and smart, the story lines are outstanding and the supporting characters namely the hilarious Mr Slate and cute as a button Pearl are just as great. All in all, I loved this when I was a kid, and as a near-adult I still love it. Adults will enjoy it as well as kids. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The Flintstones

[jboothmillard · 6/10 · 26 April 2005]

When I was younger I used to like any Hanna-Barbera cartoons, this was one of them. I used to laugh at a couple of episodes of this show. It is the Stone Age, and there obviously aren't too many people on the Earth yet. There is one family that we focus on in the whole series, The Flintstones (well two families if you count The Rubbles). The Flintstones are the Dad and husband Fred, the Mum and wife Wilma, and their daughter (not seen a lot - Pebbles). There is also their best friends and neighbours The Rubbles. The Dad and husband the humorous Barney, the Mum and wife Betty, and their son (adopted) Bam Bam, a strong kid with a club. One of my favourite episodes is the one where Fred and Barney try to bring home a new piano, and Barney keeps dropping it on his foot. The opening titles are always fun to sing to. It was nominated the Emmy for Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Humor. It was number 19 on The 100 Greatest Kids' TV Shows, and it was number 11 on The 100 Greatest Cartoons. Good!

the best written comedy of all time

[lrldoit · 10/10 · 16 August 2011]

After the original series left the air in 1966, there have been a lot of inferior remakes and adulterations in other venues. Nothing compares with the original. People have compared this to the Honeymooners. Not so. The Honeymooners was a simple situation comedy. Except for the early episodes, Fred and Wilma didn't bicker much. The show was busy making subtle and not so subtle satiric points.

In one episode, they poked fun of ratings, unrealistic TV shows, placement of station breaks and people who live vicariously through television.

In, the Beauty Contest, Fred and Barney waxed nostalgic over when they were single and longed to hear a woman's voice. Later, there were many hilarious exchanges. The show didn't give you what you expected. Sometimes an overdone point was hysterically funny. Betty: I don't feel like watching television. Barney: But you HAVE to watch television, Betty. Some lines of dialogue are for the ages BARNEY: Did you ever start up a gangplank and have a sudden feeling there was no ship?

Among stellar characters, we must mention Verna Felton's portrayal of Wilma's mother. She was the worst mother-in-law in the world. (I must point out that Wilma's maiden name is Pebble. Later writers forgot that and gave her the name Slaghoople. Thus are errors perpetuated.) At turns the show could be warm, mature, serious, poignant and hysterically funny because of the subtlety with which certain things were done. Every week was an incredible adventure. I was there when it began. It was my favorite show then. It still is.

I should also mention the great Alan Reed, the quintessential everyman, incomparable Mel Blanc and real life best friends Jean Vander Pyl and Bea Benaderet playing best friends and wives Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble.

I could mention Paula Winslowe's portrayal of Greta Gravel in an episode with an important message about marriage. I'm sure you get the picture. I could go on and on, but I won't.

Boomer Humor at it's worst!

[Bad_Pizza · 1/10 · 8 April 2023]

Blow-hard. Obnoxious. Putz. These are just a few adjectives that accurately describe the protagonist of this sit-"com". The "com" being in quotations because the comedic value of this show is little to none.

The animation is just basic, and that is being kind. Looping backgrounds and characters with their heads on backwards abound. Cavemen? I think not! They are rubber-necks!

Back to the simpleton that is the main character... Fred Flintstone is the personification of all that is wrong with boomers. Loud-mouth, know-it-all and brashly strutting around proudly in his ignorance. With this being the mentality that boomers find so funny and entertaining, is it any wonder the world is in such a poor state today?

One only needs to watch a single episode to see how terrible it is. Jokes don't land, so they need to add a laugh track to point them out. Simply a cover for any imbecile that chooses to watch this drivel.

Would give 0/10 if possible. Do not watch this show or your IQ will be reduced to that of a brontosaurus burger after passing through Fred's colon.

Classic Hanna-Barbera show though it took some hits.

[dootuss · 14 November 2002]

"The Flintstones" to me is indeed one of the greatest cartoons that was produced by Hanna-Barbera. For those who aren't familiar with this show (which I'll be shocked with if there are.) The shows premise is about a blue collar, dino crane operator in Fred Flintstone, who in each episode had a wacky situation along with his wife Wilma, and his neighbors Barney and Betty Rubble. The show is basically "The Honeymooners" except it's animated. The show also had an adult style (not porno) to it, but it was light. However, there were some things that occured that affected the show...

First off, the birth of Pebbles. Don't get me wrong, I had nothing against Pebbles, or Bam-Bamm the world's strongest baby that the Rubbles adopted, I think their appearances to the show hurt it since the show was originally a adult oriented show. What I'm saying is that now with kids on the show, it wasn't as adult oriented. The show was losing ground then, but that moment can't top the moment when the Great Gazoo came in. This was when the show really lost it. All of the life that "The Flinstones" had left was sucked dry when Great Gazoo came in. He ruined the show, and finished what was left of it off, and left it for dead basically. Sadly the show left the airwaves in 1966, but Hanna-Barbera began to beat the show to the ground in the 1970's with debacles like "The Pebbles and Bam-Bamm Show" (Possibly the WORST Hanna-Barbera spinoff show ever!), and the shows where Fred and Barney met the Thing, and that blob called "The Shmoo" (Both of these shows were CRAP!!!) were just bad. However, the original show itself is still great after 40+ years.

This show overall gets a 10/10 for the Pre-Pebbles birth episodes, a 5/10 for the Post Pebbles birth episodes, and a whomping 0/10 for the awful Great Gazoo episodes (thought there weren't a lot).

great show

[renegadeviking-271-528568 · 9/10 · 12 October 2015]

The Flintstones is a show that depicts life during the Stone Age. The show focuses around one family, the Flintstones. Fred is the husband that works at a quarry, Wilma is his wife, who is a homemaker. Dino, their dinosaur pet, and Pebbles, the Flintstone baby that was added during the series. Their neighbors were the Rubbles: Barney, Fred's friend that works at the quarry with him, Betty, Wilma's friend and Barney's wife, and Bamm-Bamm, their strong son that the Rubbles adopted.

This was one of the best shows and it still is. It was really funny, especially the way they use animals as devices like vacuum cleaner, garbage disposal, etc. It had a great plot, great characters and voice actors, and it is original. This show is a classic, too. Overall, a classic superb show.This was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid, I used to watch it all the time, then later when I discovered Cartoon Network, I got to watch it more often, but now I watch it on Boomerang and on DVD.

Each season offered something special and I know of this series having so many specials and movies that I can't keep track. While the animation on the show was not too impressive, the animation on the specials and movies was great. But sometimes it is simple animation to make a great show, I don't think I would like this show as much if it had better animation in place of the animation it had when it was made, One episode that confuses me however is the episode "The Snorkasaurus Hunter" While it explains how Dino came, he was really smart in that one and spoke, I wish I knew why that changed but oh well.

I like many of the episodes that feature mainly Fred and Barney together because for me it had the most laughs.

I loved every episode, every special, and every movie of this great series from the sixties and hope some day they all come out on DVD so I can have the whole bunch. And even after all that, The Flintstones have continued to go on with their popular cereal commercials "Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles" with while about 30 seconds, some nice laughs.

I would recommend this show to many kids and many adults who love humor and a spin on a interesting vision of the past, It makes you think if the Stone Age really was modern, how life would be for you back then.

King of the World!

[lambiepie-2 · 10/10 · 5 September 2006]

The Flintstones was the cartoon to begin all cartoons. Head of Household (or so he thought) Fred Flintsone, his wife Wilma (what a woman's libber for the stone age!), their child Pebbles...and their very close neighbors and friends Barney (Fred's hanging buddy and partner in crime), Betty (Wilma's partner in crime!)and adopted son Bam-Bam (what a concept!), the dead end job with the egotistical boss (Mr. Slate...of late!)all set back in the 'stone age'...which I always thought was a personal Hanna Barbera joke due to many of Fred's views and the things that went on around his life...well, this cartoon is the grand-daddy of all cartoons.

As I remember correctly, The Flintstones was patterned after the live show "The Honeymooners". But a cartoon...can do more than human actors can! And in watching the Flintstones, it was imagination beyond belief - Stone Aged Dinosaurs tamed and used as building machinery, pelicans used to mix concrete, Fred smacking Barney so many times he should be in a hospital, cars run by foot power and also your feet as the breaks against the hard stone ground...OF COURSE THIS IS NOT REAL LIFE! It's cartoons, humor...fun. Remember that?

Loved this cartoon to death...what long lasting images, staying power and I can watch it 1,000,000 and not tire of it. Consequently, I can watch it 1,000,000 times and not develop a violent streak in my body either. (The Flintstone was also one of the first cartoons to be placed on the "violent cartoons" list...and now the smoking and drinking lists as well.) It's a piece of childhood (and now adult) fantasy...nostalgic...loads of fun and quite a look back at the foundation that runs through many cartoons today. Remember: Copying is the best form of flattery..and The Flintsones have been flattered...a lot.

A Fine Animation Series

[RECB3 · 6/10 · 9 January 2024]

This is a great animation series for all viewers to watch and enjoy. The crew did an alright job in creating this animation series. The storyline of the series might have been simple but it worked. The cast selection was alright. They brilliantly committed to the storyline all the way throughout the series. This animation series reveals to viewers a glimpse of what history was like for the world. History has the power to help everyone look and prepare for the future. If everyone works together as a team. It is a possibility that the world of today can become a better and safe place. This is a fine animation series for everyone to watch.

#28. RA and THE FLINTSTONES (1960)

[tobiaswellworth · 10/10 · 29 June 2022]

The original sitcom! It might not have been the first, but it definitely created most of the tropes associated with the genre nowadays. The Simpsons, American Dad, Family Guy, the Goldbergs, and Family Ties, among many many others, owe a lot to the Flintstones.

The science of History, not so much, however. One of the most original concepts of the show was exactly the defiance of historic facts: mankind and dinosaurs coexisting; modern scientific inventions in the remote past; etc.

A blast of a show that, hopefully, no one mistook for anything more than sheer fun!

The Flintstones BP (before Pebbles) and AB (after Pebbles)

[dizexpat · 10/10 · 13 May 2019]

There were two major turning points in "The Flintstones" six-year run. The first was the introduction of the characters of Pebbles (at the end of Season 3) and Bamm-Bamm (beginning of Season 4). The second was when the wonderful Bea Benaderet left the show at the end of Season 4. She made the character of Betty Rubble a real person and not just "the second wife". Her replacement for the last 2 seasons was not in the same league. But, getting back to the first change. Part of what made the show special was the notion of an animated sit-com with scripts geared for adults. Episodes involving suspicion of infidelity and Fred's gambling addiction show that children were not the target audience. After the introduction of the children the show changed. There were still great episodes (my favorite "A Haunted House is Not a Home" is from Season 5) but also episodes made to appeal to children. (Episodes such as "Superstone" and "Dripper" are almost unwatchable to anyone over 12.) And when you start introducing characters based on other sit-coms (The Hatrocks, The Gruesoms) it's a sign you're running out of ideas. Still, during the first 3 seasons nearly every episode was wonderful. One thing I love to listen for--when the four lead voice actors appear doing "additional voices". Alan Reed did it occassionally. The other three in nearly every episode. Trying to spot them is fun. BTW Wilma's Mother didn't have a name during her early appearances. It's only in Season 4 that we hear Betty call her "Mrs. Slaghoople". Where they got the name "Pearl" I don't know as she's never called that.

A great children's cartoon through the ages

[Angelus2 · 10/10 · 16 November 2008]

I wouldn't have thought about writing a comment for this cartoon simply because its been ages since I watched an episode, but after walking into a cousins house I noticed that my youngest cousin was watching the Flintstones and singing along to the song. So I have recollected all the wonderful memories of my childhood.

The cartoon itself is based on a citizen of Bedrock named Fred Flintstone who we follow through the endless adventures that he has with friend Barney Gumble. The show has great kid humour and considering that it was produced in 1960 it still holds up against any of the crap thats on TV today.

I loved how the writers incorporated the cave man lifestyle with modern day advances, the mammoth that operates as the shower, the cars that run by human power.....Pure genius.

To the moon Alice er uh Wilma

[QueenoftheGoons · 1/10 · 8 January 2024]

I hadn't watched the Flintstones since a VHS tape years ago. So i got the complete series dirt cheap and sat down to watch a few. I was appalled. I know Gleason did not want to be known as the man who killed Fred Flintstone but how could no one say anything about this? He should have canceled the show. This is wrong in so many ways! This gets a 1 star and that is being generous. I love Gleason, i may be a woman but my nickname is Ralph because i have Ralph Kramden's temperament. Like nearly every episode is Honeymooners related. I could know exactly how an episode will end as soon as it starts. I could not finish this. This was almost sickening.

Probably the most enduring of all cartoons!

[uds3 · 22 March 2002]

THE FLINTSTONES hold a special place in my memory, as I'm sure they do for many people the world over. The series started in Britain in 1960, the year I had my very first job - babysitting for a neighbor. I was just 15. The two kids were total brats, screaming, spoilt, mashed potato slam-dunked over the wallpaper...but I didn't care, I was watching Fred and Barney live out there lives of near-perfection in a world that was starting to move away from near perfection! "Yabba Dabba Doo" must surely be one of the most recognizable cries on earth - WHO would not know its origins from 4 to 90?

The success of this animated icon probably lies in the simplicity of the Flintstone and Rubble clans. Everyone on this planet is part Fred, Barney, Betty or Wilmer at some time in their lives. Events depicted in each and every episode were things that everyone can, did (and will continue) to identify with. They are Mr and Mrs Average and if we all lived our lives and never achieved anything more than the Flintstones we could justifiably be happy. The show supported family values, decency, togetherness, love, friendship, clean living, laughter and it was environmentally aware, socially responsible and able STILL to reach children.

The lives of everyone in the Western World would have been that much poorer had it not been for THE FLINTSTONES. I can't say as much for the two appalling movie spin-offs!

No Better Show on TV EVER!!!

[dr-allegra · 10/10 · 6 June 2021]

I watched this baby from its Birth in 1960. In a period of Amazing Sit Coms there was None Better! Excellent Voice performers including my personal All Time Favorite, Bea Benaderet/Betty Rubble from both Classic Radio and TV like Burns and Allen and The Beverly Hillbillies and of course Petticoat Junction where she was the star Kate Bradley. Watching it in 2021, it is better than any new show on tv today!!!

Special show in my heart

[Tresix · 9/10 · 30 October 2000]

Recently while I was at the library, I looked up the newspaper from the day I was born on microfilm. In the entertainment section, there was a review of a TV show about an animated "Modern Stone-Age Family". Yes, folks, I was born at roughly the same time as THE FLINTSTONES! It was a very unique show, showing how some of the modern gadgets of today (or the "today" of 1960)were actually around in caveman times (phonographs, cameras, intercoms, hot water heaters). But, let's give credit where it is due: There would really have been no FLINTSTONES if there hadn't been THE HONEYMOONERS. Both shows dealt with a big, loudmouth type with a goofy friend who were in a battle of the sexes with their wives. The loudmouth worked at a job that involved a big piece of machinery (Ralph Kramden drove a bus; Fred Flintstone operated a dino-steam shovel), was at odds with his boss, didn't get along with his mother-in-law, belonged to a lodge named after a mammal, always had a get-rich-quick scheme and liked to go bowling and shoot pool. Alan Reed, the voice of Fred Flinstone, even used to do vocal stand-in work for Jackie Gleason. Oddly enough, though the show is popular with children, I don't think it was aimed squarely at kids. In fact, I think a lot of it would go over most children's heads. One episode in particular I didn't understand as a child, but now has me kind of stunned when I think back at it: Wilma has a recipe for gravelberry pie. Fred tries to market it and gets a factory to buy him out. Later, Fred tries to raise the price of the pies and tells the factory owner to take it or leave. "I'm leaving it." the owner tells Fred, "What am I going to do with all of these pies?" Fred asks, "Well, you can take those pies and . . ." At that moment, the factory whistle goes off and drowns out what the man has to say. "Excuse me," Fred says meekly, "That whistle was making too much noise. What did you say I could do with those pies again?" Needless to say, when I got older and saw that episode, my eyebrows were raised. I shudder to think what would be done with that moment in this day and age.

Hanna Barbera at their best.

[lesleyharris30 · 10/10 · 29 May 2010]

The Flinstones is a fantastic cartoon made from the genius minds of Hanna Barbera and this is them at their very best.

Its about the Prehistoric adventures of Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble as they get up to their usual schemes and try to keep it a secret from their wives Wilma Flinstone and Betty Rubble,they also have a pet dinosaur called Dino and in later episodes of the series Fred and Wilma have a baby called Pebbles and Barney and Betty have a baby called BAM-BAM! The Flinstones is a fantastic cartoon and its without a doubt Hanna Barbera at their best.

*****5/5 STARS.