Cave Kids (TV series)


 * This article is about the TV series. For the unrelated comic book series by Gold Key Comics, see Cave Kids (comic).

Cave Kids: Pebbles & Bamm-Bamm, or simply Cave Kids, is an American animated educational television series produced by Hanna-Barbera for Cartoon Network. It ran in the fall of 1996, airing eight episodes. It is a spin-off of The Flintstones, and the seventh incarnation of the Flintstones franchise. Unlike previous series (even The Flintstone Kids), it is targeted towards preschoolers, considered an untapped audience by Turner, for Cartoon Network's edutainment block at the time.

Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm use their big imaginations to play in fantasy-like scenarios, where they solve dilemmas they are currently facing in the real-world. They are usually joined by their lone babysitter Dino, Pebbles's pet. Fred and Wilma, and Barney and Betty, are never seen nor mentioned throughout, leaving several unanswered questions about the babies' safety, such as trying to give Dino a bath and walking out in the middle of the night without adult supervision.

The series may have been inspired by the popularity of Nickelodeon's Rugrats, although the babies in the latter could fully communicate with each other, therefore not needing to imagine themselves older to talk or even to walk for that matter, and at least included the parents to give the illusion that they were being properly watched over.

Development
Interest in a series revolving around Pebbles, Bamm-Bamm, and Dino came from a line of licensed products which sold well, and due to the 1994 live-action film failing to reach the audience under 8 years old, so Turner decided to focus their attention on Flintstones series directed towards infants and preschoolers. Alternatively advertised as Cave Kid Adventures, the series was produced as an eight episode run, perhaps to see how good of an idea they really thought they had. To capitalize on the series, licensed merchandise was made, including bath products and books for 1997. The concept and illustrations are credited to Bill Hicks and Gail Harrison, respectively. Marija Miletic Dial produced and directed every episode, although for the latter credit, although she is only credit as a producer and art director. Although Turner publicized the series, by the time it aired, Turner had already merged with Time Warner, with the credits reflecting that.

Unique to this series, Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm wore a different outfit each episode.

Cast

 * Aria Noelle Curzon as Pebbles Flintstone. Curzon is the talking and singing voice of Pebbles when she imagines herself to be a preschooler, while also providing the voice of baby Pebbles, when she tries to talk. When not making much of an effort to talk, the character's cooing and laughter is supplied by Taylor Gunther.
 * Christine Cavanaugh as Bamm-Bamm Rubble. E.G. Daily provides the singing voice of Bamm-Bamm in the song sequences at the end of each episode.
 * Frank Welker as Dino