Netflix reportedly working on a Scooby-Doo show as a potential successor to Stranger Things

Netflix's announcement of a possible sequel to its classic franchise, Stranger Things, in the form of a live-action Scooby-Doo series has generated hype across fan communities.

Announced officially by the streaming giant in March 2025, the project maintains the original vision and includes fresh creative talent and new executive producers, but does so with a twist designed to attract the very same demographic that made Stranger Things a sensation. Rumors are circulating that this new and improved version of a beloved Hanna-Barbera franchise has ambitious plans to become Netflix's next cultural phenomenon.

Rumor has it, and early details suggest a hard-hitting and darker Scooby-Doo project draws clear inspiration from Stranger Things, both in tone and story direction. Netflix is making a calculated move as the sci-fi drama comes to an end, hoping to draw back its devoted audience to the campy thrills and supernatural mysteries that Mystery Inc. might once again provide.

What we know about the new Scooby-Doo show

Produced by Warner Bros. Television, in association with Berlanti Productions, the eight-episode origin story of Scooby-Doo is Netflix's first live-action serialization of the brand, as per Variety. Midnight Radio's Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, both longtime genre television showrunners, will lead the project through their production company together with executive producers Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Andre Nemec, and Jeff Pinkner, the outlet added.

According to the official synopsis, the series will depict how Shaggy, Daphne, Velma, and Fred initially come together alongside the Great Dane.

“During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely, lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”

This creative direction was specifically chosen to cater to fans of the popular series Stranger Things, building upon the franchise's history of exploring universal themes such as friendship, adventure, and the pursuit of truth.

Netflix VP of Scripted Series, Peter Friedlander, was quoted as saying by Variety:

“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 — it’s rich with universal themes of friendship that generations of fans have long embraced. Together with creative powerhouses Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio, we’re committed to delighting longtime fans and opening up a world of groovy adventures for a new era of meddling kids.”

According to a report by What’s on Netflix, this production is gaining momentum. They’re aiming for a late 2025 or early 2026 kickoff, but these timelines are subject to change. Showmakers are reportedly looking for 14 to 17-year-olds, instead of the usual twenty-somethings as sophomores.

As for when it’ll actually drop, that’s still a big question mark. But people are buzzing, and word on the street is Netflix will spill more once Stranger Things wraps up for good.

The legacy and the reboot

Scooby-Doo is one of the most enduring properties in animation, dating back to the 1969 debut of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and encompassing various adaptations, spin-offs, and feature films. The franchise's signature blend of mystery, humor, and supernatural shenanigans has kept it a constant with every generation. At the same time, occasional reinventions (such as the cutesy A Pup Named Scooby-Doo and the edgy Mindy Kaling-produced Velma) have updated its tone as necessary.

However, the premise of Netflix's series promises something unique: a coming-of-age story that incorporates legitimate suspense and horror elements, and is specifically targeted at Stranger Things viewers.

With eight episodes each running for an hour, the creative team is expanding on a modern reimagining that will appeal to new fans as well as long-time Scooby-Doo devotees. The tone is likely to be a little darker and more mature than past live-action or cartoon adventures.

Live-action attempts in the format have been met with mixed reviews. The popularity of Matthew Lillard's Shaggy, Freddie Prinze Jr.'s Fred, Linda Cardellini's Velma, and Sarah Michelle Gellar's Daphne is proof that audiences will consistently lap up versions of the beloved creation.

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The Netflix series is moving in the opposite direction; younger actors are being cast, more emphasis is placed on origin stories, psychological depth, and ensemble chemistry.

As the hype is reaching fever pitch, fans and industry watchers are looking forward to it as Netflix’s next big supernatural fix now that Stranger Things has almost wrapped up. It has angsty teens, creepy monsters, and just enough nostalgia to keep things interesting. If they play their cards right, Scooby and the gang could totally snag a whole new fanbase.

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