The Preston Perspective: Comparing Three Classic Scooby-Doo Shows
Welcome back to The Preston Perspective! Today, we’re diving into the world of Scooby-Doo with a fun comparison of three iconic series: Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013), What’s New Scooby-Doo? (2002-2006), and the legendary Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1978). We’re gonna break down what makes each show unique, from the voices we know and love to the different vibes and storylines they brought to the table. Let’s start with the most recent one on our list. I loved Scooby-Doo growing up and still love to watch a movie or episode here and there. I had Scooby-Doo toys, blankets, pillows, and clothes growing up. I think one of the reasons I love All You Can Eat Buffets is because I always admired how much Scooby and Shaggy could eat and wanted to eat just like them!
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Alright, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated – this show ran from 2010 to 2013 and gave us a modern, serialized take on the classic formula. We still have Frank Welker as both Fred and Scooby, which is like a warm comfort blanket of nostalgia. But here’s a twist – Matthew Lillard is now the voice of Shaggy! Lillard, after playing Shaggy in the live-action movies (which I enjoyed way more than the made-for-TV high school versions, by the way), brings that perfect blend of goofiness and heart to the animated series. Miny Cohn and Grey Griffin are back as Velma and Daphne who we also hear voice these characters in What’s New Scooby Doo.
This show takes place in a new town called Crystal Cove-The Most Haunted Place on Earth instead of the gang living in their typical local of Coolsville.
The thing I like about Mystery Incorporated is how it takes the classic "monster of the week" formula and flips it on its head. It dives deep into the lore of the gang and gives us ongoing storylines, darker mysteries, and even romantic tension between some of the characters! It was a bold move for a Scooby-Doo show, but it worked. Which I have always been curious about Velma and Shaggy and this show does it in a bit of a weird way. In the first 11 episodes, Velma keeps trying to change Shaggy, gets jealous of Scooby and is even a bit of a kill joy. More than usual. Morgan and I recently rewatched this show together to unwind or even play while we both work. Morgan said and I quote “I like this show, the plot thickens with each episode.” There is a classic mystery in each episode but there is a bigger mystery going on in the background with new clues surfacing in each episode. The opening and closing theme are fun with the use of synth. Gives it a bit of this sci-fi feel and the theme during end credits almost have a Doctor Who feel to it. There are moments and episodes that get a bit dark and lean into some supernatural stuff surrounding the “curse” of Crystal Cove. So just a heads up there parents.
The animation style was sharper, more polished, and the humor had a bit of an edge, appealing not just to kids but to longtime fans like me who grew up with the earlier versions. This animation gave a nod back to the classic Scooby Doo where are you with how they animated the eyes and their classic outfits. Fred is still rocking his ascot and Velma her turtleneck. However, I also enjoyed the animation of What’s New Scooby-Doo.
What’s New Scooby-Doo? Jumping back a little to What’s New Scooby-Doo? (2002-2006), this one’s more in line with the classic structure we all know: the gang finds a spooky mystery, they investigate, there’s a chase scene with some silly antics, and finally, the mask comes off – "It’s Old Man Jenkins!" Classic.
Frank Welker continues as Fred and Scooby, and we’ve got Casey Kasem as the voice of Shaggy who appeared in the classic show from the 70s– a voice that defines that character for so many of us. Mindy Cohn and Grey Griffin are fantastic as Velma and Daphne, respectively, making the whole gang feel just right. The animation in this series got a bit of a facelift compared to the older shows, but it still holds that familiar, cozy style. I enjoy the new outfits and animation style of this series. You also get this feel that they have graduated highschool by now with traveling all over including different countries it is more of like they are young adults continuing what started in high school into a crime solving business.
What’s New Scooby-Doo? is fun because it stayed true to the Scooby-Doo formula while modernizing it for a new generation. The gang appears more grown out of high school in this show and the opens the chance for them to travel all over the world. Their outfits are updated and it is just all around a fun and wholesome series. The mysteries are more varied, and we got episodes with new settings, from haunted theme parks to snow-covered mountains, even touching on tech-savvy villains. It felt like an evolution, without losing the charm of the original. Plus, those chase scenes had some catchy pop-punk songs – a total early 2000s vibe. The opening theme song rocks! Probably because it is performed by Simple Plan. I even find myself just singing or humming it randomly.
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!]Now let’s go back to where it all began: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! from 1969 to 1978. I grew up watching reruns of this show, and I still remember popping in my VHS tapes of Scooby-Doo Cyber Chase, and Alien Invaders – yes, I was a true Scooby fan. Watching more movies like Zombie Island and Return to Zombie Island, Where’s my Mummy, the Goblin King, Reluctant Werewolf, Ghoul School and even the more obscure videos like Arabian Nights.
Scooby Doo Where Are You laid the foundation for everything Scooby-Doo became.
Here’s where we first got Casey Kasem as Shaggy, and Frank Welker as Fred. The animation is, let’s say, “vintage,” but that’s part of the charm. There’s something timeless about the way the gang piles into the Mystery Machine, stumbles into a spooky situation, and Velma inevitably loses her glasses – it’s formulaic, but in the best way.
The voice cast changed a bit throughout its 9-year run, especially for Velma and Daphne, but no matter what, it stayed a fan favorite. You could argue the simplicity of the animation and the predictable format is what kept it so engaging. I loved watching those villains – people in rubber suits, getting unmasked. Probably what formed my love for crime shows today and still enjoying a good Who Done It. The mystery-solving was fun, the humor was campy, and it didn’t need any complex story arcs to keep us coming back.
Personal Take So, if I had to rank these three… it’s hard because they each bring something different. If you want a show that dives deeper into character development and offers a darker, more serialized story, Mystery Incorporated is the way to go. For a fresh but familiar spin on the classic, What’s New Scooby-Doo? hits all the right notes. (One of my personal favorites) And if you’re feeling nostalgic and want to see where it all began, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! is essential viewing.
These are my top 3 Scooby shows. I also enjoyed Scooby Doo Guess Who, in each episode the gang teams up with a celebrity, Scooby and Scrappy Doo had a good fun run where Scooby’s nephew joins the gang, and the best honorable mention has to go to a Pup named Scooby where the gang are kids still solving crimes.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these shows – they all embody that mix of mystery, humor, and just the right amount of spooky fun that makes Scooby-Doo timeless. Which one’s your favorite?
That’s it for today’s episode of The Preston Perspective! Whether you’re into the new Scooby-Doo mysteries or the old-school classics, there’s something for everyone in these shows. Thanks for reading
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