[Up-tempo Orchestral March with Heavy Brass]
The Dinosaurs theme is a boisterous, triumphant instrumental track dominated by horns and percussion.
The music accompanies a montage of the Sinclair family—Earl, Fran, Robbie, Charlene, and Baby—going about their “modern” prehistoric lives. It captures the slapstick energy of the Jim Henson Creature Shop puppets while maintaining the vibe of a classic 1950s-style family sitcom.
The track typically concludes with the sounds of chaos or a domestic scene, perfectly setting the stage for the show’s satirical take on suburban life.
Official Theme Video
Behind the Music: The Sinclair Legacy
The Dinosaurs theme song was composed by Bruce Broughton, a veteran film and television composer known for his sweeping orchestral scores. Premiering on April 26, 1991, on ABC, the show was a groundbreaking collaboration between Michael Jacobs Productions and The Jim Henson Company.
The theme’s brassy, sitcom-style march was intentional; the show was essentially a parody of family comedies like The Honeymooners and All in the Family, but with anthropomorphic dinosaurs. The music creates a sense of grandiosity that contrasts hilariously with Earl Sinclair’s blue-collar struggles at the Wesayso Corporation. Spanning 65 episodes, the music remained a constant as the show tackled complex social issues through the lens of a prehistoric family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the puppets for Dinosaurs?
The characters were designed by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, utilizing advanced animatronics for the time.
What is Baby Sinclair’s famous catchphrase?
Baby Sinclair is best known for yelling “Not the mama!” while hitting Earl with a frying pan.
Where does the show take place?
The show is set on the continent of Pangaea in the year 60,000,003 BC.
