The Original Saturday Morning Cartoon Architects!
A quick look back at Hanna-Barbera of my childhood.
Albert Martinez
10/4/20232 min read
The Original Saturday Morning Cartoon Architects!
Ah, the nostalgia of Saturday morning cartoons in the 70s and early 80s! It's hard to believe it's been nine years since those beloved shows disappeared from our screens. As I reminisce about those golden days, I can't help but feel a wave of fondness for the animated classics created by Hanna-Barbera.
Back then, Saturday mornings were a sacred time for kids! The excitement would build up throughout the week, knowing that the weekend meant a morning filled with our favorite animated characters. I remember my dad's words vividly: "Okay, Big Al, after breakfast, you guys watch Saturday Morning Cartoons." It was a ritual in many households, a tradition that brought families together, if only for a few hours. I remember this clearly throughout the different neighborhoods that I lived in as a youngster.
Hanna-Barbera, the brilliant minds behind shows like "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons," "Yogi Bear," and "Scooby-Doo," were the architects of some of our childhoods. "Scooby Snacks", hahaha, is a phrase a late friend of mine and I used often for many years. Anyway, back to it...They crafted stories and characters that would become, that are, and will continue to be: Timeless classics! These shows had a unique charm and a sense of humor that appealed to both kids and adults, making them truly unforgettable. My dad loved some Saturday mornings on occasion, I can even hear him laughing right now in my memory.
The adventures of Fred and Wilma Flintstone, the futuristic escapades of George and Jane Jetson, the antics of Yogi Bear and Boo Boo in Jellystone Park, and the mysteries solved by Scooby-Doo and the gang – these were the building blocks of our Saturday mornings. Each episode was a mini-adventure, a burst of laughter, and a lesson in teamwork and friendship.
And then, after the cartoons were over, it was off to the park for an hour of outdoor fun. Those Saturdays were about balance, about enjoying the best of both worlds – the fantastical realm of animation and the real-world joy of playing outside; and of course work, the chores had to be done so we could get ready for church Sunday and basically relax before Monday morning.
Today, as I look back, I can't help but feel a twinge of sadness that Saturday Morning Cartoons are no longer a part of our lives. The landscape of entertainment has changed, with streaming platforms and on-demand content taking over. But the memories of those animated mornings live on, and we can always introduce our children to the magic of Hanna-Barbera's creations.
So Here's to The Original Saturday Morning Cartoon Architects, whose imaginative worlds shaped some of our childhoods and continue to inspire generations. As we mark nine years since the end of this cherished tradition, let's hold onto those memories and share them with the new generation, keeping the spirit of Saturday morning cartoons alive in our hearts.