Television series
What's New Scooby-Doo?
A 2000s refresh of the Scooby-Doo formula that leans into comedy and genuine mystery over ghoul unmasking. Sharper animation, funnier dialogue, and a real sense that the gang actually enjoys solving cases together. Perfect if you want mystery without pretension, humor that lands, and the comfort of watching people cooperate beautifully.
If you liked this
Gravity Falls2012
A mystery box series that respects its audience's intelligence while staying genuinely funny. Twin siblings uncover supernatural secrets in a weird town, with the same team-solving energy and character warmth.
But Heavy mythology builds across seasons; jumping in midway means you'll miss crucial plot threads and inside jokes.

Amphibia2019
A girl trapped in a frog world with genuine mysteries woven through episodic adventures. Brilliant character work, humor that appeals to all ages, and a plot that pays off every stray thread you've been wondering about.
But First season is gentler and slower; it takes patience before the larger mystery becomes clear and gripping.

The Owl House2020
Witches, demons, and a found family of misfits investigating a supernatural realm. Gorgeous animation, surprising emotional depth, and humor that feels effortless rather than forced.
But Some episodes are lighter filler; the serialized story requires watching in order to land its best moments.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from What's New Scooby-Doo?
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Psycho-Pass2012
Both use the ensemble team solving mysteries formula, but Psycho-Pass flips the tone—replacing jokes with horror, comfortable conclusions with moral ambiguity, and the warm gang dynamic with institutional cold. Same engine, opposite register.
Japanese anime about an elite law enforcement unit investigating crimes in a dystopian future. The mystery-solving structure mirrors Scooby-Doo, but the stakes are philosophical and real. Gorgeous animation and genuinely unsettling atmosphere.
But Heavy sci-fi concepts and a bleak setting mean this trades coziness for existential dread. Subtitles required; not a palate cleanser.

More like this (7)
DuckTales: The Movie - Treasure of the Lost Lamp1990
Adventure and mystery with a crew of lovable eccentrics. Genuinely clever writing, gorgeous animation, and the kind of camaraderie that makes you believe these characters would die for each other.
But Based on familiar characters; if you've never cared about Scrooge McDuck, this won't change your mind.

Carmen Sandiego2019
A globe-trotting thief and her team of rivals-turned-allies solve intricate capers. Smartly plotted, visually inventive, and the chemistry between characters crackles with genuine affection.
But Some heists are more setup than payoff; serialized storytelling means weak episodes still matter for continuity.

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated2010
The definitive modern Scooby reinvention. Arc-driven mystery, real stakes, character depth that doesn't undercut the fun, and visual gags that still surprise. This is what happens when you trust the audience.
But Tonal whiplash early on between comedy and genuine darkness; takes a few episodes to find its balance.

Supernatural2005
Two brothers road-tripping through America solving paranormal cases. Seasons 1-5 are nearly perfect: funny, scary, emotionally resonant, with mysteries that actually require thinking.
But It runs for fifteen seasons; most viewers lose interest by year seven, and the show knows it. Commitment required.

The X-Files1993
The blueprint for mystery television. Two agents investigating unexplainable cases, with genuine chemistry, a mythology that rewards attention, and the perfect balance of humor and horror.
But Production values are visibly 90s; mythology episodes are dense and sometimes impenetrable without binge-watching.

Halt and Catch Fire2014
The mystery isn't *whodunit*—it's *how do these people build something together?* Same focus on ensemble problem-solving, but applied to business and human connection instead of supernatural puzzles. The comfort comes from watching smart people collaborate.
Four people obsessed with computers and entrepreneurship solve technical and personal problems across the personal computing boom. Absolutely gorgeous, character-driven, and moves with deliberate pacing that rewards attention.
But Zero mysteries are solved quickly; this is slow television about relationships and ambition, not plot. Patience is mandatory.

Bluey2018
Scooby-Doo's real gift was showing people solving problems together with affection and humor. Bluey does this too, but replaces external mysteries with the daily mysteries of growing up and family. Same warmth, infinitely higher emotional resolution.
An Australian children's show about a family of dogs that somehow became one of the most beautifully written things on television. Each episode solves a small emotional mystery—how to handle disappointment, how to be brave, how to love people you're frustrated with.
But It's aimed at young children; if you're watching alone, you might feel awkward. Also genuinely moving in ways that can blindside you emotionally.

People
Cast
Writing
- Ed ScharlachStory Editor
- George Doty IVStory Editor
- James KriegStory Editor
Production
- Kathryn PageAssociate Producer
- Joseph BarbaraExecutive Producer
- Sander SchwartzExecutive Producer
- Margaret M. DeanLine Producer
- Chuck SheetzProducer
- Ed ScharlachProducer
- George Doty IVProducer
- James KriegProducer