The Flintstones Premiered On This Day In 1960
They're a page right out of history! And they're back on broadcast television!
Friday, September 30, 1960, was an incredible night to stay home and watch television. The Twilight Zone kicked off its second season. Rawhide kept "them doggies" rolling with its third season premiere. But in between the two, history was made.
That historic evening, Hanna-Barbera boldly took cartoons where they had never gone before — primetime. In the late 1950s, the animation studio had found early success with The Huckleberry Hound Show and The Quickdraw McGraw Show, two shows aimed at children. The Flintstones was something altogether different and bold — a cartoon aimed at adults.
Today, in a world filled with The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob's Burgers, we take the idea for granted. In 1960, it was revolutionary. Here was a sitcom with characters, plots and jokes like any other (well, in particular, much like The Honeymooners). The only difference? The episodes were drawn by talented artists.
As the show progressed over its six-hit seasons, it slowly veered more into a program aimed at the Boomer youth. Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm were introduced in seasons three and four, respectively. A catch new sing-along theme song was added in season three. Yes, "Meet the Flintstones" did not come along until then!
This cultural sensation welcomed celebrity guests like Elizabeth Montgomery and Ann-Margret. It spawned cereals, vitamins, toys and countless other collectibles. Now, on its birthday, The Flintstones is back on broadcast television!
MeTV will take you back to Bedrock Weeknights with one full hour of The Flintstones at 5P. Oh, and you can wake up with cartoons on the weekend again with two full hours every Sunday starting at 9A.
In the meantime, see if you can ace our big, big Flintstones quiz!
You'll have plenty of time to study up when watching The Flintstones six days a week!
