Cavemen
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Cavemen
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| Episodes: | 13 |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Country: | United States |
| Seasons: | 1 |
| Seasons Breakdown: | (1) 13 |
| Category: | Genetics |
| Colour: | Yes |
| Format: | Series |
| Company: | ABC STUDIOS |
| Creator: | Joe Lawson |
| Run Time (mins): | 22 |
| Language: | English |
| Type of Show: | Live Action |
| Status: | Ended |
| Broadcaster: | |
Summary
In the series, cavemen were not replaced by modern humans but instead became integrated into human civilization as a distinct sub-group within society. Depicted as a small yet widespread minority population, cavemen are shown to have existed alongside Homo sapiens throughout recorded history. The opening sequence illustrates their presence across various historical eras and events, including ancient Egypt, the American Revolution, the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, and the modern space programme.
Within the fictional setting, cavemen function as an ethnic and cultural minority in contemporary society and are frequently subjected to prejudice and discrimination by modern humans. Cavemen themselves sometimes use derogatory terms such as “Smoothies,” referring to the comparatively hairless appearance of Homo sapiens, and “Sapes,” derived from the species name Homo sapiens. Although the cavemen identify themselves as Cro-Magnons, their physical characteristics more closely resemble those traditionally associated with Neanderthals, including pronounced brow ridges and greater amounts of body hair. While the term “Cro-Magnon” historically refers to early anatomically modern humans discovered at an archaeological site in France rather than a separate species, the series clearly portrays its cavemen as analogous to Homo neanderthalensis.
Physically, cavemen differ from modern humans primarily in appearance rather than behaviour or ability. Male cavemen are depicted as heavily built and extremely hairy, typically wearing long hair and thick beards, while female cavemen exhibit similar anatomical features, including pronounced brow ridges and increased body hair. Some cavemen attempt to assimilate more fully into mainstream society by shaving their body hair, leading other cavemen to refer to them disparagingly as “shavers.”
Much of the series’ humour is derived from the contrast between the cavemen’s prehistoric appearance and their thoroughly modern lifestyles. Rather than being portrayed as primitive or unintelligent, the cavemen are shown as fully integrated members of contemporary urban society, occupying white-collar professions and engaging in ordinary social lives. At the same time, they continue to face discrimination and racial slurs such as “Magger,” a derogatory pun based on the term “Cro-Magnon.”
The series centres on three cavemen roommates—Joel, his brother Andy, and their cynical and self-absorbed companion Nick—who share a condominium while navigating the challenges of modern life and social prejudice.
Cast
Joel Claybrook BILL ENGLISH, Nick NICK KROLL, Andy SAM HUNTINGTON, Kate KAITLIN DOUBLEDAY, Thorne STEPHANIE LEMELIN, Maurice JEFFREY DANIEL PHILLIPS, Leslie JULIE WHITE, Caveman Patron MATT JORDON, Nathan EVAN SHAFRAN, Glen J.P. MANOUX, Diane STEPHANIE COURTNEY, Heather KIM DIRECTOR, Mr. Hogan CARLOS JACOTT, Lead dancer DARREN DOWLER, Jamie DASH MIHOK.
Source: Cavemen (TV series) - Wikipedia