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Entertainment • Animation

Scooby-Doo

Scooby-Doo is an American media franchise that began with the animated television series *Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!* in 1969.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Scooby-Doo is an American media franchise that began with the animated television series *Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!* in 1969. It follows Scooby-Doo, a talking Great Dane, and a group of teenage mystery-solvers who investigate seemingly supernatural cases. The franchise has been widely broadcast and distributed in Canada and remains familiar to Canadian audiences.

Origin

Scooby-Doo originated with *Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!*, created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears for Hanna-Barbera in 1969. The show established the basic formula used by later entries in the franchise.

Premise

The franchise centers on Scooby-Doo and four teenage companions who travel in the Mystery Machine and solve mysteries. The cases usually involve creatures or hauntings that are ultimately exposed as human deceptions.

Media franchise

Scooby-Doo expanded beyond the original series into multiple animated spin-offs, live-action films, specials, comics, and video games. It has remained active for decades under Warner Bros. and Warner Bros. Animation.

Cultural impact

Scooby-Doo became one of the best-known American children’s animation franchises and established a long-running mystery-comedy template. It is frequently referenced in popular culture and has maintained multi-generational recognition.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with *Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!* in 1969.
  • Scooby-Doo is a talking Great Dane and the franchise’s title character.
  • The core group usually includes Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby.
  • Stories typically involve mysteries that appear supernatural but are later explained.
  • The franchise has expanded into many animated series, films, specials, and other media.
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Canadian context

Scooby-Doo has been widely broadcast and distributed in Canada and remains familiar to Canadian audiences through television, streaming, films, and merchandise.

Frequently asked questions

What is Scooby-Doo?
Scooby-Doo is an American media franchise that began with a 1969 animated TV series and centers on a mystery-solving Great Dane and his teenage companions.
Who created Scooby-Doo?
The franchise was created by writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears.
When did Scooby-Doo first appear?
Scooby-Doo first appeared in *Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!* in 1969.
Who are the main characters?
The main group usually consists of Scooby-Doo, Shaggy Rogers, Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, and Velma Dinkley.
What kind of stories does Scooby-Doo use?
The stories usually feature apparent ghosts, monsters, or other supernatural threats that are later revealed to have ordinary explanations.
Is Scooby-Doo still active?
Yes. The franchise continues through modern animated productions, films, and related media.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scooby-Doo
    Supports: Franchise origin, creator names, core premise, main characters, and ownership/history.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Scooby-Doo
    Supports: Overview of the franchise, core characters, and long-running format.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scooby-Doo,_Where_Are_You!
    Supports: Debut year, creators, original series format, and Mystery Machine premise.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Scooby-Doo_media
    Supports: Scope of franchise across series, films, specials, games, comics, and other media.