Greenlights live-action ‘Scooby-Doo’ series with eight episodes

Netflix has officially ordered a live-action Scooby-Doo series, which will consist of eight episodes. The project, originally reported to be in development in April 2024, will explore how the famous members of Mystery Inc. first joined forces with their beloved Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, reports Variety.
The show’s script and storyline were first developed with a commitment from he OTT platform, and now the project is moving forward into full production. Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg have been named as the writers and showrunners, and they will also serve as executive producers. They will be working alongside André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner under their production company, Midnight Radio. Additionally, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman will serve as executive producers through Berlanti Productions. Since Warner Bros. Television holds the rights to Hanna-Barbera’s characters, they will be producing the series. Berlanti Productions currently operates under an overall deal with WBTV.
Netflix’s vice president of scripted series, Peter Friedlander, shared his enthusiasm for the project. He stated that Mystery Inc. is making a comeback, and Netflix is thrilled to bring Scooby-Doo to television as a live-action series for the first time. Friedlander emphasized how deeply the franchise has influenced pop culture and noted its universal themes of friendship, which have resonated with generations of fans. He added that Netflix, along with the talented teams at Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio, is eager to create thrilling new adventures for longtime fans while introducing Scooby-Doo to a fresh audience.
The official description of the show reveals that the story will take place during the characters' last summer at camp. Old friends Shaggy and Daphne will find themselves caught up in a chilling mystery that revolves around a lonely Great Dane puppy, who may have witnessed a supernatural murder. They will be joined by Velma, a logical and scientific-minded local, and Freddy, a mysterious yet charming newcomer. Together, they will attempt to unravel the case, which slowly draws them into a terrifying nightmare that threatens to expose all of their deepest secrets.
Greg Berlanti, one of the executive producers, reflected on his early experiences in Hollywood, where one of his first jobs involved working with legendary animators Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera as they signed animation cells. He expressed his gratitude toward Netflix, Warner Bros., and the creative team at Midnight Radio for their dedication in bringing this new version of Scooby-Doo to life.
This is not the first time Scooby-Doo has been adapted into a live-action format. The franchise previously saw success with the 2002 Scooby-Doo film, which starred Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini, with Neil Fanning providing the voice for Scooby-Doo. The movie performed well at the box office, earning over $250 million worldwide. A sequel, Scooby-Doo: Monsters Unleashed, was released in 2004, grossing over $180 million. There were also live-action TV films, including Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, which explored the origins of Mystery Inc.
With this new series, Netflix hopes to bring a modern, exciting take on the beloved franchise while staying true to the essence of the original Scooby-Doo stories.