Denver, the Last Dinosaur

"Denver, the Last Dinosaur" follows a cheerful dinosaur named Denver who ends up living in the modern world with a group of inventive kids, Jeremy, Mario, Wally, Heather, Casey and Shades. The children hide Denver in their everyday lives, teaching him about music, skate culture and school while he brings boundless enthusiasm and prehistoric curiosity. Each episode drops the gang into small-scale action, pranks and music-driven fun as they keep Denver out of sight from adults and fortune seekers hoping to capture him. The stories focus on teamwork and humor, keeping stakes light and lessons simple without revealing any late-series surprises.

Created by Peter Keefe and first broadcast in 1988, the animated series leans into Saturday morning energy and pop music beats. Pat Fraley provides the voice for Denver, and the show mixes action, comedy and songs aimed squarely at a young audience.

The series did not collect major industry awards, and it wasn't a regular on awards shortlists. Even so, it maintained steady viewership among kids during its run, and it became a recognizable entry in many 1980s cartoon lineups despite the lack of trophies.

Over time the show has developed a nostalgic following among people who grew up with it, and it turns up in retrospectives about 1980s youth television. Fans often recall the bright theme song, the group's camaraderie and the show's easygoing tone, and online communities keep memories alive through clips and discussions.

Contemporary critical reaction was modest, reflected in a small number of viewer ratings around 6.6 out of 10. Reviews and memories tend to praise the show's sense of fun, its emphasis on friendship and creativity, and its contrast between kid-driven optimism and adults who want to exploit Denver. For many viewers, the series is remembered more for warmth and memorable moments than for sophisticated storytelling.