The Jetsons

1 9 6 2 - 1 9 6 3 (USA)
24 x 35 minute episodes
1 9 8 5 - 1 9 8 7 (USA)
51 x 35 minute episodes

In an attempt to recreate the success of The Flintstones, Hanna-Barbera studios reversed the formula and instead of a stone-age family gave us a futuristic space-age cartoon family. 

The Jetsons lived at Skypad Apartments (which was raised and lowered according to the weather) in the year 3000 AD. Father George Jetson worked as Digital Index Operator at the Spacely Space Age Sprockets plant. Shopaholic wife and mother, Jane, kept the apartment neat and looked after the children Judy and Elroy and their dog Astro.

While most space shows were full of scary aliens and morbid existential concerns, The Jetsons was a reassuring fantasy of the future. Their apartment was full of space 'conveniences'; a hydraulic lift which kept the apartment clear of bad weather; the pneumatic tube which delivered Elroy to school; Rosie the robot maid and the atomic powered bubble car. George worked only three hours a day, even if it was (according to George) three hours too many.

Hanna-Barbera "recycled" several of their stars; Rock and rolling teenager Judy was voiced by Janet Waldo  (alias Penelope Pitstop) and Rosie and Mrs Spacely were characterized by Jean Vander Pyl (who also gave voice to Wilma Flintstone).

Despite disappointing ratings on prime-time US TV, the series proved extremely durable in syndication.  To capitalize on this, fifty one new episodes were produced in 1985 (including a new alien household pet called Orbity!) and the series was re-syndicated.

EPISODES (1962 - 1963)

Rosie the Robot   A day with Jet Screamer The Space Car  The coming of Astro   Jetson's night out   The good little scouts   The flying suit   Rosie's boyfriend

Elroy's TV show   Uniblab   Visit from Grandpa   Astro's top secret   Elroy's pal   Test pilot   Millionaire Astro   The little man

Las Venus   Jane's driving lesson   GI Jetson   Miss Solar System   TV or not TV   Private property   Dude Planet   Elroy's mob