Netflix has officially greenlit a live-action Scooby-Doo series, marking the first time the beloved cartoon will be adapted in such a format. The streaming giant has ordered eight episodes of the series, which is set to delve into the origins of Mystery Inc. and the formation of the iconic team that includes Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, Freddy, and their trusted Great Dane, Scooby-Doo.
First announced in April 2024, the show received a script-to-series commitment, and now it’s officially moving forward. The series, which is expected to explore the dynamic behind the Mystery Inc. team’s formation, has already generated considerable buzz among Scooby-Doo fans.
Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg will serve as writers and showrunners for the series, continuing their creative partnership under their Midnight Radio banner. Along with André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner, they will executive produce. On the production side, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman will also executive produce the series through Berlanti Productions. Warner Bros. Television will handle production, with Berlanti Productions holding an overall deal at WBTV, which controls the rights to Hanna-Barbera’s iconic characters.
The show’s executive team is confident that Scooby-Doo will resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. “Mystery, Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time,” said Peter Friedlander, Vice President of Scripted Series for Netflix. “The beloved franchise has had an impact on pop culture that is undeniable — it’s rich with universal themes of friendship that generations of fans have long embraced. Together with creative powerhouses Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio, we’re committed to delighting longtime fans and opening up a world of groovy adventures for a new era of meddling kids.”
The official logline for the new Scooby-Doo series teases a modern reimagining of the franchise, which has spanned decades and generations. The series will focus on the characters as teenagers during their final summer at camp. The storyline follows Shaggy and Daphne as they become embroiled in a mysterious and supernatural murder, triggered by a lonely Great Dane puppy who may have witnessed the crime. The plot thickens as they team up with Velma, a pragmatic and scientific local, and Freddy, a new and charming addition to the group. Together, they set out to unravel the mystery that is slowly pulling them into a nightmare, all while exposing their deepest secrets.
“One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cells,” said Berlanti, reflecting on his long-standing connection to the franchise. “Josh and Scott and everyone at Midnight Radio have crafted a story that captures their amazing spirits and their genius creation. We are grateful to them and everyone at Warners and Netflix for the partnership in helping bring this iteration of Scooby-Doo to life!”
This new series isn’t the first time that Scooby-Doo has been adapted for the screen. The 2002 live-action film, simply titled Scooby-Doo, was a major hit, grossing over $250 million worldwide. Starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini, the film followed the gang as they investigated a spooky mystery on a spooky island. The film’s success led to a sequel, Scooby-Doo: Monsters Unleashed, in 2004, which also performed well at the box office, earning over $180 million globally.
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The Scooby-Doo live-action films continued in 2009 with the made-for-TV movie Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, followed by its sequel in 2010. While these films marked a popular moment in the franchise’s history, the live-action TV series represents a new direction, aiming to bring the characters to life in a more grounded and contemporary way.
Beyond live-action adaptations, Scooby-Doo has continued to thrive in the animated world. The franchise first debuted in 1969 with Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, a cartoon that quickly became a cultural touchstone. Since then, various animated series and films have been produced, including Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated and Scoob!—a 2020 animated film that was initially planned for a theatrical release but later ended up being released digitally due to the pandemic. However, Scoob! Holiday Haunt, a follow-up animated film, was scrapped by Max, previously known as HBO Max, in a controversial cost-cutting move.
Additionally, the animated series Velma, starring Mindy Kaling as the titular character, premiered on Max before being canceled after just two seasons. Despite its mixed reception, Velma continues to be a point of discussion for fans as they anticipate future iterations of the franchise.
Netflix’s commitment to adapting animated series into live-action projects aligns with the platform’s broader strategy to tap into beloved intellectual properties. The streamer has found success with live-action versions of One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender, both of which have been well-received and are already set to return for second seasons. Other notable adaptations include Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, and Fullmetal Alchemist—all of which sought to bring popular anime to a wider audience.
As for the upcoming Scooby-Doo live-action series, the project has generated excitement among both long-time fans of the franchise and new viewers. With talented creators like Appelbaum, Rosenberg, and Berlanti behind the project, expectations are high that the series will capture the magic and adventure of the original show while introducing the characters to a new era of fans.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with our longstanding partners at Berlanti Productions and with Midnight Radio to bring the legendary Scooby-Doo franchise to a live-action series for the first time,” said Clancy Collins White, President of Creative Affairs for Warner Bros. Television. “It’s no mystery why audiences continue to love these iconic characters after more than half a century. We’re excited for a new generation to discover Mystery Inc. And we’re grateful to our partners at Netflix for the opportunity.”
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The new Scooby-Doo series will likely attract a diverse audience, from those who grew up watching the original animated series to those who are excited to see the characters reimagined in a live-action format. As Netflix continues to expand its roster of live-action adaptations, this new Scooby-Doo series will be one to watch.
