The Jetsons

About The Jetsons

"The Jetsons" is a beloved American animated sitcom created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The show, produced by Hanna-Barbera and first aired as a prime-time television program on the ABC network from 1962 to 1963, paints a picture of a whimsical, utopian future reflected through the lives of the Jetson family. The family includes George Jetson, his wife Jane, their children Judy and Elroy, Rosie the Robot maid, and Astro the pet dog. The show's humor is based on the culture clash between the futuristic setting and the issues faced by a modern-day family.

Making / Production

The Jetsons was Hanna-Barbera's space-age counterpart to The Flintstones. It was produced using traditional animation methods. The show was revived in the 1980s and ran from 1985 to 1987 with newer episodes. A large part of the original show's charm came from its catchy theme song, which has since been covered and sampled by numerous performers and artists.

Actors

• George O'Hanlon played George Jetson, the well-meaning yet often naive family patriarch, providing a blend of warm fatherly care and comedic mishaps.
• Penny Singleton played Jane Jetson, the intelligent and patient wife who often has to bail George out of trouble. Her portrayal gave depth to this futuristic housewife.
• Janet Waldo voiced Judy Jetson, the teenage daughter, brilliantly capturing the drama and excitement of adolescence.
• Daws Butler voiced Elroy Jetson, the smart and plucky six-year-old son, adding both cuteness and wit to the character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "The Jetsons" was the first television series to be broadcast in color on ABC.
• The high-tech Jetsons world had video phones, robotic appliances, and other inventions that weren't available in the 1960s but are part of our world today.
• The show had three seasons. The first season was produced in 1962-1963, and the latter two were produced over 20 years later, from 1985 to 1987.

Awards

Despite its cultural impact and enduring popularity, "The Jetsons" did not receive any major awards during its initial run or subsequent reboots.

Quotes

• "Jane, stop this crazy thing!" - George Jetson
• "His boy, Elroy!" - The Jetsons Theme
• "Rosie, you're the greatest!" - George Jetson

Music, Soundtrack

• The theme song, written by Hoyt Curtin, William Hanna, and Joseph Barbera, is one of the most memorable aspects of the show, and its melody and lyrics—"Meet George Jetson… His boy, Elroy..."—are instantly recognizable by fans of all generations.
• The show's background music, also composed by Hoyt Curtin, beautifully complements the futuristic setting.
• The 1980s revival included new music, but kept the catchy original theme song intact.