Dinosaurs

Frank, funny, and full of prehistoric charm, 'Dinosaurs' is a unique television show that captures the daily lives of the Sinclair family, an ordinary family of dinosaurs living in the year 60,000,003 BC. Despite its prehistoric setting, the show cleverly uses its dinosaur cast to humorously parallel and comment on contemporary human life and social issues. With Earl Sinclair, a working-class dad, Fran Sinclair, the supportive mom, and their kids—including the wise-beyond-her-years Charlene, rebellious teenager Robbie, and the hilariously demanding Baby Sinclair—the show delights viewers with its wit and satire. The Jim Henson Company’s use of animatronics and puppetry brings the characters to life in an unforgettable way, making 'Dinosaurs' a standout family sitcom from the early 1990s.

Dinosaurs has garnered a mix of reviews over the years. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a respectable approval rating, praised for its unique blend of puppetry and animatronics. Critics from outlets like The Washington Post and Variety have highlighted the show's clever writing and satirical edge. According to The Washington Post, 'Dinosaurs' is “an ambitious take on modern living, using puppetry to present serious, albeit humorous, commentaries on society.” Variety also commends it for its “skillful blend of humor and social critique.” However, some reviews have pointed out that the show’s humor could be too on-the-nose for some viewers. Metacritic scores it as a mid-tier phenomenon, with some users suggesting that while the innovative puppetry was impressive, the show could sometimes lean heavily into clichés. IMDb rates 'Dinosaurs' at 7.5/10, reflecting a general appreciation with occasional reservations about its broader comedic strokes and repetitive themes. Despite mixed critiques, many agree that 'Dinosaurs' holds a nostalgic place for its groundbreaking use of technology and bold storytelling.