Denver, the Last Dinosaur

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The title screen for the series.

Denver, the Last Dinosaur was a children's cartoon originally released in 1988 by World Events Productions (the same company responsible for Voltron). It was syndicated nationally throughout the US in 1988 and 1989. The show revolved around the adventures that Denver, a dinosaur who was released from his dino egg by a group of multiracial modern California teens—Jeremy, Mario, Shades, Wally and Casey, along with tagalong older sister Heather. The kids taught Denver the finer points of skateboarding and other Generation X pastimes while protecting him from concert promoter Morton Fizzback. The unscrupulous concert promoter was looking to cash in on Denver’s status to make a quick buck, but the kids were always one step ahead.

With lessons on conservation, ecology and friendship, Denver, the Last Dinosaur was a big hit with parents and educators. The kids at home liked it, too, making the show a hit during its initial run. Its theme song has attained a cult following ("Denver, the last Dinosaur, he's my friend and a whole lot more").

Knott's Berry Farm offered a Denver promotional tie-in with its new Kingdom of the Dinosaurs attraction, as did Ralston-Purina with its new cereal brand Dinersaurs.

However, Denver didn't last for long. The dinosaur boom that had followed The Land Before Time soon fizzled out, and Denver, the Last Dinosaur went into reruns after only one season. Knott's Berry Farm removed Kingdom of the Dinosaurs in 2004, and Dinersaurs suddenly disappeared from grocery store shelves after less than one year.