Inspiration aside, The Flintstones became television’s first hit animated series. There was lovable but somewhat dim-witted Fred, tough but loyal Wilma and their daughter later on, Pebbles. Their neighbors, Barney and Betty and son, Bamm-Bamm, were always ready to get involved in the next half hour adventure. And we can never forget that sweet dinosaur pet, Dino.

Why did the Flintstones hit it so big? This series had staying power. It began its first season in 1960 and ran for six seasons but that was far from the end of them. All the characters ended up in a film in 1966 called A Man Called Flintstone. A spin-off program followed that starring Pebbles and Bamm Bamm. There have been countless appearances after that which meant we have never really had to live without our prehistoric pals.

In addition to the television series, various specials and feature films, The Flintstones continue to show up in the comics. It all began shortly after the T.V. series in 1961 from Dell Comics. The fun never did stop as other publishers such as Gold Key, Charlton, Marvel, Harvey and Archie picked them up. Some publishers even put out two or more series at the same time. We all still sit down and watch it with our kids but maybe it’s really for us. Join the group of loyal fans and wear a Flintstones t-shirt.