The Flintstones

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The Flintstones was the very first animated primetime cartoon series created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Premiering on ABC in 1960, the show featured a community of caveman characters in typical sitcom situations. The central characters are construction worker Fred Flintstone, his wife Wilma, baby Pebbles, pet Dino, and neighbors Barney and Betty Rubble and their son Bamm-Bamm.

A central feature of the series was the use of animals or other natural events to simulate modern technology. For instance, the cars used by Fred and Barney are constructed of wood, stone and animal skin, and are propelled by the driver's feet through an opening in the floor. Telephones are represented by horn shaped shells on a stone base, although no further explanation is given of how they transmit conversation. At work, Fred uses a dinosaur as a quarry excavator.

The original series ran six seasons, and numerous spinoffs, including two live-action movies with John Goodman, have been produced since then.