Netflix Orders Live-Action Scooby-Doo Origin Series

Netflix has ordered an eight-episode live-action series exploring the origins of the famous Scooby-Doo gang. The show, produced by Midnight Radio, Berlanti Productions, and Warner Bros. Television, will reveal how the Mystery Inc. team first came together.

The series is written by Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg of Midnight Radio. It follows Shaggy and Daphne during their final summer at camp as they uncover a mystery involving a lost Great Dane puppy. With the help of Velma, a logical thinker, and Freddy, the new kid in town, they investigate a supernatural murder that could reveal their deepest secrets.

Showrunners Appelbaum and Rosenberg will also serve as executive producers alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman. Warner Bros. Television is producing the series.

Peter Friedlander, Netflix’s VP of Scripted Series, expressed excitement, saying, “Mystery, Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time. The beloved franchise has had an impact on pop culture that is undeniable.”

Greg Berlanti, who has worked on multiple Warner Bros. projects, shared his enthusiasm, recalling his early days in Hollywood with animation legends Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera. “Josh and Scott and everyone at Midnight Radio have crafted a story that captures their amazing spirits and their genius creation,” he said.

The Scooby-Doo franchise began in 1969 with Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! and has remained popular for decades. It has had multiple animated series, films, and reboots, including the Velma spinoff and the Scoob! animated movie.

Clancy Collins White, President of Creative Affairs at Warner Bros. Television, emphasized the lasting appeal of Scooby-Doo: “It’s no mystery why audiences continue to love these iconic characters after more than a half-century. We’re excited for a new generation to discover Mystery Inc.“

This will be the first live-action series for the franchise, though previous live-action movies were released in 2002 and 2004. The new series aims to bring fresh adventures to a new audience while staying true to the heart of the original.

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