Watch Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs was a comedy sitcom that aired on ABC from 1991 to 1994 which centered on the everyday lives of a family of anthropomorphic dinosaurs. The show was created by Michael Jacobs and Bob Young, who aimed to bring a unique take on a traditional family sitcom format by having the characters be prehistoric creatures. The show's humor was often rooted in satire, commentary on societal issues, and playful references to pop culture.

The show's main cast consisted of Earl Sinclair (Stuart Pankin), his wife Fran Sinclair (Jessica Walter), and their three children: Robbie (Jason Willinger), Charlene (Sally Struthers), and Baby Sinclair (voice of Kevin Clash). Earl, a grouchy but lovable brontosaur, worked at the Wesayso Corporation, a large corporation that was responsible for everything from manufacturing household appliances to owning a television network. Fran was the more level-headed of the two and often tried to keep Earl in line. Robbie was a rebellious and intelligent teenager who often challenged societal norms and questioned the actions of his parents and the Wesayso Corporation. Charlene was the typical self-absorbed teenage girl, who was often preoccupied with fashion and popularity. Meanwhile, Baby Sinclair was a diapered and talkative baby, who often stole the show with his catchphrase "I'm the baby, gotta love me!"

One of the unique aspects of Dinosaurs was the puppetry and costumes involved in bringing the characters to life. The actors would wear large, animatronic suits that were designed to resemble the various species of dinosaurs. The performances were both impressive and comical, with moments of physical comedy that added to the charm of the show.

Beyond the main characters, the show also had several recurring characters, including Howard Handupme (Allan Trautman), Earl’s co-worker who was always trying to get ahead at the Wesayso Corporation, and Monica DeVertebrae (Sam McMurray), Fran’s friend who worked as a TV executive. Additionally, the show featured several guest stars, including Tim Curry, Carol Kane, and Sherman Hemsley, who provided their voices for various characters.

As a sitcom, Dinosaurs tackled many of the same themes as other family-oriented shows of the time, such as the struggles of raising children, maintaining a marriage, and handling work-related stress. However, unlike other shows, Dinosaurs often used its unique setting to provide commentary on then-contemporary issues. Through the goofy charms of the cast, the show explored topics such as environmentalism, feminism, and the influence of corporations on politics.

Despite its lighthearted tone, Dinosaurs was not afraid to tackle serious issues. The show often used humor as a way of commenting on social issues of the time, and frequently addressed topics such as race, class, and politics. One of the show’s most memorable episodes, "The Greatest Story Ever Sold," parodied the classic biblical tale of Noah's Ark, while also satirizing issues such as consumerism, sensational journalism, and religious fanaticism.

Dinosaurs was also known for its catchy theme song, which was performed by the legendary rock band, The Notorious B.I.G. The song, titled "I'm the Baby (Gotta Love Me)," perfectly encapsulated the fun, playful nature of the show and is still remembered by fans to this day.

Ultimately, Dinosaurs was a unique and entertaining sitcom that offered a fresh take on the traditional genre. With its charming cast, witty writing, and clever puppetry, the show remains a beloved cult classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Dinosaurs is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (91 episodes). The series first aired on April 26, 1991.

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