Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Update of classic mystery show is targeted more at tweens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 35 parent reviews
Based on 62 kid reviews
Kids say the show offers a unique and darker take on the beloved Scooby-Doo franchise, featuring complex characters and an overarching storyline that appeals to both younger and older audiences. While many enjoy the humor and character development, some parents express concerns regarding its mature themes and scary elements that may not be suitable for younger children.
- dark themes
- character development
- suitable for older kids
- humor and fun
- complex storyline
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
SCOOBY-DOO! MYSTERY INCORPORATED follows the famous gang of teen gumshoes and their not-so-fearless canine companion on mysterious new adventures. Fred (voiced by Frank Welker), Daphne (Grey DeLisle), Velma (Mindy Cohn), Shaggy (Matthew Lillard), and, of course, Scooby (Welker again) live in Crystal Cove, a quaint little town renowned for its history of spooky happenings. The town's reputation makes it a tourist trap for curious travelers, and the Crystal Cove folks get mighty upset when the talented young sleuths cut into tourism profits by revealing the very ordinary explanations for the town's unusual goings-on.
Is It Any Good?
It's tough to tweak a beloved classic without annoying longtime fans, and Mystery Incorporated has enough alterations that adults who cut their teeth on the original Scooby adventures may find it tough to love. The teens have parents now, they stay within their town's limits (no more long drives on damp, dark nights), and the pieces are falling into place for their romantic relationships -- all of which eats away at the intrigue of the "free spirit" existence that surrounded them in the franchise's early days. Now with school, family drama, and relationship woes, the gang comes across as less edgy and (dare we say it?) a little dull.
But it's obvious that this new series isn't out to win over middle-aged Scooby fans, and the good news is that the same changes that might grate on grown-ups will appeal to modern tweens. The existence of parents and school scenarios makes the characters more relevant to today's kids, and they'll relate to the gang's issues with relationships and other struggles. The show's focus is still on fun, but the modern content does tout some feel-good messages about teamwork, communication, and friendship.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about solving problems. Who do you turn to when you need help? How do you face your problems? Did the characters' actions give you any ideas you can use in your own life?
Tweens: What fears do you have a hard time facing? Have you ever overcome an intense fear? How does it feel? How do our fears change as we get older?
How does this series compare to the original show? What changes did you notice in the characters? Why do you think those changes were made?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 5, 2010
- Cast : Frank Welker , Grey DeLisle , Matthew Lillard
- Network : Cartoon Network
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship , Fantasy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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