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A Pup Named Scooby-Doo

(Rated TV-Y, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Don Messick, Casey Kasem, Carl Stevens, Where to watch: Boomerang, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Meet the pre-Mystery Machine Scooby gang.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The male characters are dumb and miss obvious clues. The female characters, mainly Velma, have the smarts to solve the mysteries. Some put-downs. Freddie always suspects Red Herring and accuses him of lying.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Cartoon violence; chasing, screams, monsters/villains.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    No profanity, but mild put downs and name-calling (ex. "liar-liar pants on fire).
  • Consumerism:

    Sccoby Snacks (a snack food line marketed to children) motivate Scooby-Doo into action.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About A Pup Named Scooby-Doo

Parents need to know that this version of the original Scooby-Doo series features "the gang" as kids. The boys (Shaggy and Freddy) are pretty dumb -- they usually suggest the wrong idea or have no clue what to do. The girls (Velma and Daphne) are the smart ones, and brainy, glasses-wearing Velma always solves the mysteries. Shaggy uses the word "like" in nearly every sentence, and Daphne often insults the boys' stupidity. The silly cartoon violence and monsters in every episode might frighten very young children.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about who they think the villain might be as they watch. Is it who you expect it to be? What clues helped you figure it out? Why are Shaggy and Scooby most afraid of the monsters and villains? Freddy is brave, but not very smart -- why does he always blame Red Herring? Why does Velma only talk when she finds a clue? How can Shaggy understand Scooby when he talks?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens

    I Hate It

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Rhode Island
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Funny, Witty, Cartoony...

    This is the younger version of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?. How many times did Cartoon Network do series runs of this? Maybe 100 times. This (and Tom & Jerry (1939)) is not enough for CN, bring back Tom & Jerry Kids (1990), Scooby Doo, Where Are You? (1969), SWAT Kats (1993), Super Globetrotters (1979), Gary Coleman Show (1982), Mr. T (1983), Chuck Norris Karate Kommandos (1986), 2 Stupid Dogs (1993), Gigantor (1962), Voltron (1984), DragonBall Z (1989), Popeye (1930's), and Bob Clampett Show (1940's?) to make this network even.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    hilarious but for 8 and under.

    i loved the show when i was younger and i still do. it rally helps kids with problem solving skills(which they will need in futuer years.) :-)

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