The Return of Scooby-Doo: Netflix Announces Live-Action Series
Everyone’s favorite Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, is set to make his long-awaited return to television, this time in a live-action format on Netflix. The streaming giant has officially greenlit a new series inspired by the iconic cartoon series that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades.
A Collaborative Effort by Industry Veterans
The upcoming series draws on the creative talents of Warner Bros. Television, with established industry figures Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg leading the way as showrunners. They will be joined by executive producer Greg Berlanti, known for his extensive work in television, who has been deeply involved in the project for nearly a year.
Appelbaum and Rosenberg, renowned for their work on Citadel and From, will helm the production under their Midnight Radio banner. Alongside them, Berlanti will collaborate with his team, including Sarah Schechter and Leigh London Redman, promising a fresh take on a nostalgic favorite. Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio are both under overall agreements with Warner Bros. Television.
Excitement from Netflix Executives
Peter Friedlander, Vice President of Scripted Series at Netflix, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Mystery, Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time. This beloved franchise has had an undeniable impact on pop culture, resonating with universal themes of friendship that fans have cherished through generations.”
A Rich History of Scooby-Doo
First launched in 1969 with the debut of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?, the franchise has evolved across numerous animated iterations and several feature-length films, including two popular live-action adaptations in the early 2000s. Iconic characters such as Scooby, Shaggy, and Velma continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying their place in the realm of animated entertainment.
A New Story for a New Generation
Netflix describes the live-action adaptation as a “modern reimagining” of the classic series. The narrative centers around Shaggy and Daphne, who, during their last summer at camp, become entangled in a chilling mystery involving a lonely Great Dane puppy—potentially a witness to a supernatural murder. They join forces with Velma, a logical thinker from town, and the enigmatic newcomer Freddy to unravel the clues in a haunting adventure that threatens to unveil their deepest secrets.
Insights from the Creative Team
Greg Berlanti remarked, “One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cels. Josh and Scott and everyone at Midnight Radio have crafted a story that captures their remarkable spirits and genius creation. We are grateful for their collaboration with Warner Bros. and Netflix to bring this version of Scooby-Doo to life.”
Anticipation from Warner Bros. TV
Clancy Collins White, President of Creative Affairs at Warner Bros. TV, also shared his excitement, noting, “We’re thrilled to partner with our longstanding collaborators at Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio to bring the legendary Scooby-Doo franchise to live action for the first time. It’s clear why these iconic characters have remained beloved for over fifty years, and we look forward to a new generation experiencing the adventures of Mystery Inc.”
Looking Ahead
With the series in development, fans of all ages eagerly anticipate what this live-action adventure will hold. As the creative team prepares to dive into production, the excitement around Scooby-Doo and his gang continues to grow.
For industry insiders, Appelbaum and Rosenberg are represented by WME and Sloane Offer, while Midnight Radio has similar representation through WME, Sloane Offer, and Ziffren Brittenham. Berlanti also has representation through CAA and Felker Toczek.
Stay tuned for more updates about this exciting new chapter for Scooby-Doo, as fans worldwide can look forward to revisiting this beloved franchise in a whole new light.