 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
A Pup Named Scooby-Doo
- Boomerang
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Meet the pre-Mystery Machine Scooby gang.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
A PUP NAMED SCOOBY-DOO is a spin-off of the long-running (and often retooled) animated series Scooby-Doo Where Are You! In this version, which originally ran from 1988-1990 and still airs in repeats (and is available on DVD), the gang is younger -- middle-school-aged -- and can't yet drive the Mystery Machine, so they stumble upon crimes, mysteries, and misgivings in their neighborhood or on vacation. They call themselves The Scooby-Doo Detective Agency and set about solving cases and unmasking villains.
Is it any good?
Arguably more irreverent than the original, this Scooby iteration gives the gang similar (if slightly exaggerated) roles as in the original, wrapped up in a comfortable, predictable formula meant to engage young viewers. Shaggy (voiced by Casey Kasem) and his beloved talking pup, Scooby-Doo (Don Messick, in his final performance as Scooby), are still easily frightened when they stumble upon the mystery, crime, or key clues. Freddy (Carl Stevens) tries to solve the mysteries and provides comic relief by always being wrong and always accusing Red Herring (Scott Menville), his nemesis (and a character unique to this series), of being the villain. Daphne (Kellie Martin) is the spoiled rich girl with a butler to bail her out of sticky situations, while Velma (Christine Lange), bookish and quiet, is the brains behind the entire operation and speaks only when she finds a clue and then solves the mystery.
As a tribute to the original series, about midway through each episode, a rock 'n' roll chase scene stops the action. The characters run and dance to music while being chased by the villain or monster. Young kids will appreciate a break in the story and might enjoy dancing and wiggling to the catchy tunes. If cartoons are the junk food of children's television, Scooby-Doo (in all its iterations) is the hot dog. Classic American fare, it's comfortable for parents who grew up consuming it -- harmless fun without much nutritional value.
What 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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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.
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AGE
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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AGE
It's a very perfect TV show for kids.
I love it. This show never has drinking at all. The main characters really make common sense for the mystery.
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AGE
Scooby-Doo prequel is ok for children
A Pup Named Scooby Doo is basically the original SD series, except the gang is younger (like kids instead of teenagers). It's okay, the original series was better (in my opinion). There is some mild peril, and the monsters could be potentially scary for little kids.
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Kid, 11 years old
July 13, 2009
AGE
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
I Hate It
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AGE
I like most of it.
This is about the adventures of Scooby Doo when he was just a puppy.I think the show is funny,nicely animated,and well written.Some episodes are bad but most are awesome!
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AGE
It was pretty good.
This cartoon was pretty good.he animation was excellent as well as the scripts.
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| Topics: | friendship, monsters, ghosts, and vampires |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Boomerang |
| Cast: | Carl Stevens, Casey Kasem, Don Messick |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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