We are officially in spooky season in the lead up to Halloween! The 1960’s TV hit, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? first released in 1969 is a perfect combination of spooky and groovy… the show is not exactly scary, but it’s a little spooky and a lot of groovy! Scooby-Doo is the perfect vibe for this Halloween season indeed. Even the ghosts in Scooby-Doo seem to be dancing! There is so much to appreciate about how this show is rooted in wholesome fun. From the classic Mystery Machine van to the adventurous isles of mysterious haunted houses, the backdrops and settings of Scooby-Doo are adorable and exciting!

Beyond the unique settings of Scooby-Doo (how cute is Crystal Cove?) and fun characters, there is an interesting back story. When writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears wrote the show in the late 60’s, there was intense political unrest at the time in the US. Its intended purpose was focused on being a source of joy (and light heartedness) during dark times. While Scooby-Doo will always entertain, it does seem to especially resonate today as we continue to be in a global pandemic. The original broadcast was on CBS from 1969 – 1974. Despite the era’s dark points, it was also a groovy and special time in history, which I think Scooby-Doo reflects so wonderfully. The show was ranked by TV Guide as being the ‘5th greatest TV cartoon of all time.’

The sequencing of each show is structured and predictable, but not too repetitive in storyline. For example, “every episode of the original Scooby-Doo format contains a penultimate scene in which the heroes unmask the seemingly supernatural antagonist to reveal a real person in a costume.” (Wikipedia). This tactic is especially adorable because it removes the fear factor related to the antagonist (evil character) and shows the viewers that there is nothing left to fear. The show reaches a natural resolution in each episode in a way that is both clever and fun! That sequencing is ultimately what makes Scooby-Doo so enjoyable. We all need to remember, we can always make life fun! Whether you identify with Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, or Fred, there is definitely a Halloween costume idea for you, too.