DVD Corner

The New Fred And Barney Show- The Complete Series Blu-ray Review

Yabba Dabba Don’t.

Originally airing on NBC, 1979’s “The New Fred And Barney Show” is a spin-off of the classic 1960’s animated series “The Flinstones.” The series (which ran 2 seasons and 17 episodes total) features the entire cast of characters including Fred, Barney, Pebbles, Bamn-Bamn, Wilma, Betty, and Dino, but this Hanna-Barbera series primarily focuses on Fred and Barney adventures/shenanigans involving Fred attempting to live life as an old fashioned caveman, car C.B.’s, a band, a robot butler, stolen cash, a cursed coin, Fred working out, Fred and Barney getting side gigs, and a new Flinstone pet (a houndasaur). 

On top of the various adventures, the series features a fair amount of “spooky” elements including a witch, a night in a haunted castle for an inheritance “House On Haunted Hill” style, vampires, a magician, werewolves, Frank Frankenstone, a genie, and a pterodactyl.

There’s no question that the original “The Flinstones” series is one of the all-time great animated television series. “The New Fred And Barney Show” (complete with laugh track) attempts to cash in on that nostalgia, but it feels like a poor imitation filled with drab adventures in which Fred and Barney land in hot water. Additionally, not only are the stories lacking in the laugh department, but it frequently feels like the series is trying to be more like “Scooby-Doo” with all of the creature/supernatural elements. Even as a horror fan, that element feels entirely forced here not to mention goofy. See Count Rockula and his wife Poopsie for reference (yes, you read that right). 

If you’re a “The Flinstones” completist or treasure all of the series the characters appeared in, “The New Fred And Barney Show” might speak to you. Otherwise, you’re better off just watching the original. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? The Warner Archive restoration is on point as per usual. There are instances where the print is a little washed out and faded (likely due to available sources), but for the most part the colors look incredibly rich in hi-def.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a clean 2.0 track.

No extras.

January 28, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Hanna-Barbera, The Flinstones, The New Fred And Barney Show- The Complete Series Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive