Some years ago, I found it very cool that the Cartoon Network brought back the original animated openings. (from what I understand, the classic theme song was not used until a later time in the show's original run.) When was the syndicated opening that everyone knows inserted as the intro in the shows original run? Is it true that Cartoon Network also adds two minutes of footage that was cut in syndication? On average, how much is still cut out of the episodes on Cartoon Network? This wonderful series IMO is the greatest animated series of all time!

Jack

The original opening theme was called "Rise and Shine", and it played over the credits of "The Flintstones" first two seasons. The more familiar theme "Meet The Flintstones" was used from the third season on, and when the shows went into syndication in the late '60's, the newer theme was tacked onto the first two season's episodes (you usually can tell; the opening theme on the 1960-62 episodes is shortened; the post 1962 episodes the theme is played in its entirety.)

When Cartoon Network decided to replay these cartoons in prime time, they restored the original openings to the 60-62 episodes, as well as footage cut for syndication. I'm not 100% sure, but all the classic H-B shows on CN have their missing footage restored.

Hope this answers your questions.