Created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears for Hanna-Barbera Productions, Scooby Doo broke the mold of the animation industry, primarily focusing on the mystery genre. The show’s format was simple but effective. The gang would roll into a new town or creepy location in their colorful van, the Mystery Machine, and stumble onto a spooky mystery. There was always a ghost, monster or other supernatural threat scaring people off, and always a rational explanation behind it.
In the end, the villain would be unmasked, usually muttering some version of “you meddling kids” as they were taken away. While the setup became a familiar pattern, it was the character dynamics and playful humor that kept audiences coming back.
Scooby Doo, who are you?
The central character, Scooby Doo, is a talking Great Dane who loves snacks almost as much as he loves his cowardly but good-hearted human companion, Shaggy. Their friendship forms the core of the show, generating most of the series’ comic relief as they regularly find themselves in hair-raising situations only to stumble upon crucial clues.
Fred, Daphne and Velma are the rational minds of the group, often piecing together the mystery through deductive reasoning and careful investigation. Each character brings a unique dynamic to the team, making the show an entertaining watch for both children and adults.
Scooby Doo’s unique formula
Scooby Doo introduced the world to the blend of comedy, mystery, and adventure that would become the hallmark of the franchise. It created a unique formula that other shows in the franchise have followed: the gang travels to a location where a mystery unfolds, they find clues, face comedic mishaps, and eventually unveil the villain disguised as a supernatural entity.
Over the years, the Scooby Doo franchise has seen numerous spin-offs, reboots, movies and merchandise — and even crossovers with other famous characters. However, the heart and soul of Scooby Doo remains anchored in that original series that started back in 1969.
Scooby Doo theme song
What were the ‘The New Scooby Doo Movies’?
These team-ups gave the show a new layer of pop culture relevance while keeping the core structure intact. Kids got a kick out of seeing their favorite characters interact with real-life stars, and the mix of comedy and mystery stayed strong.
The New Scooby-Doo Movies season 1 intro
The New Scooby-Doo Movies — with a total of 24 episodes — ran for two seasons. The first season had 16 episodes and ran from September to December in 1972. The second season, with 8 episodes, aired from September to October in 1973.
For those special weeks, every Saturday morning was a bit more exciting. Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too!) would tune in to catch the latest thrilling installment, making Saturday morning cartoons a an extra-special weekly ritual. The anticipation was half the fun — who would show up in this week’s episode? Batman? The Harlem Globetrotters? The surprises kept viewers on their toes.
The New Scooby-Doo Movies brought an innovative twist to the animated series, pushing boundaries and delighting fans. It was a spectacle to see Scooby-Doo and the gang crack cases alongside an eclectic mix of guest stars. Below, see some of the celebrities who guest-starred in the New Scooby Doo Movies.
Guest stars on the ‘New Scooby Doo Movies’
Don Knotts
Playing a character much like his Andy Griffith/Mayberry persona
Harlem Globetrotters basketball team
Sonny & Cher
The New Scooby Doo Movies title credits – guest starring Sonny and Cher
The Three Stooges
Batman & Robin
The Addams Family
The New Scooby Doo Movies title credits – guest starring The Addams Family (including John Astin as Gomez Addams)
