"The 2000s revival that brought Mystery Inc. into the digital age with pop-punk energy and classic sleuthing."
Premiering in 2002 on The WB, What’s New, Scooby-Doo? successfully revitalized a legacy franchise for the digital age. By integrating contemporary technology like GPS and cellular phones into the Mystery Machine’s toolkit, the series bridged the gap between 1960s nostalgia and the high-energy demands of early 2000s Saturday morning television. This iteration is often celebrated for its iconic pop-punk theme song by Simple Plan and for establishing Frank Welker as the definitive voice of the titular Great Dane. It avoided the supernatural leanings of previous decades, returning to the core 'person in a mask' mystery format while updating fashion and pacing. Its enduring popularity remains a cornerstone of the brand's longevity, proving that the classic ensemble could thrive in a modern landscape without losing its soul.
| # | Air Date | Episode Name | Watched? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Jan 29, 2005 | Fright House of a Lighthouse | |
| E2 | Feb 05, 2005 | Go West, Young Scoob | |
| E3 | Feb 12, 2005 | Wrestle Maniacs | |
| E4 | Feb 19, 2005 | Ready to Scare | |
| E5 | Feb 26, 2005 | Farmed and Dangerous | |
| E6 | Mar 05, 2005 | Diamonds Are a Ghoul's Best Friend | |
| E7 | Mar 12, 2005 | A Terrifying Round with a Menacing Metallic Clown | |
| E8 | Mar 19, 2005 | Camp Comeoniwannascareya | |
| E9 | Mar 26, 2005 | Block-Long Hong Kong Terror | |
| E10 | Apr 02, 2005 | Gentlemen, Start Your Monsters | |
| E11 | Apr 09, 2005 | Gold Paw | |
| E12 | Apr 16, 2005 | Reef Grief! | |
| E13 | Jul 21, 2006 | E-Scream |
Franchise Status: Legacy / Completed
What's New Scooby-Doo? remains a definitive pillar of animated mystery television, having concluded its influential run on Kids' WB. This iteration successfully dragged the Mystery Inc. gang into the 21st century by trading the psychedelic aesthetics of the 1960s for contemporary technology like GPS units, internet research, and cell phones. By maintaining the classic unmasking formula while incorporating a high-energy pop-punk soundtrack, most notably the iconic theme song by Simple Plan, the series managed to capture the attention of a new generation without alienating long-time fans of the original Hanna-Barbera production.
The show remains a staple for rewatchability due to its clean animation style and its clever balance of self-aware humor and genuine mystery. Unlike some darker or more experimental entries in the franchise, this series serves as a comfort watch that celebrates the core dynamics of Shaggy, Scooby, Fred, Velma, and Daphne. Its legacy is cemented by its ability to act as a bridge between the classic era and the modern age, ensuring that the characters remained relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape through engaging storytelling and memorable celebrity cameos.
You’ll love the witty banter, mystery-solving team dynamics, and high-stakes adventure in every episode.
Both shows feature youthful, mystery-solving protagonists navigating high school life with fun, energetic animation.