The first-ever Scooby-Doo pre-school series, Scooby-Doo! And the Mystery Pups will join Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito preschool block in 2024. Warner Bros. Animation produces the adventure-comedy. The show sees the gang as camp counselors who lead a “paw”-some new crew, the pun belonging to Cartoonito, on mystery-solving adventures at sleepaway camp. 

“This show combines everything we love about Scooby—his humor, his loyal friendship with Shaggy, his mystery-loving spirit—all in an innovative and accessible format for preschoolers,” said Amy Friedman, head of kids & family programming, Warner Bros. “Cartoonito parents and caregivers will get to introduce kids to their beloved childhood hero in a totally new way.”

As counselors in a lakeside camp, Scooby and Shaggy don’t know much about canoes and archery, but they’ve solved a few mysteries. “In a summer filled with nature hikes, rafting trips and fireside ghost stories, the goofy, good-hearted and can-do duo will share their love for chasing clues with three young camper pups destined to become their own preschool version of Mystery Incorporated,” according to Cartoonito. 

"We are thrilled to finally give preschoolers a version of Scooby to call their own,” said Sam Register, president, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios. “With plenty of laughs, fun and clues to chase, this show promises to entertain the youngest of mystery solvers."

Cartoonito says Scooby Doo! And the Mystery Pups will be more kooky than spooky. 

Frank Welker voices Scooby and Matthew Lillard handles Shaggy. 

Mark Palmer is co-executive producer and showrunner. Register is an executive producer. ■

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B+C's Michael Malone chats with Jonathan Stern, writer, director and executive producer of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You Now! about how Scooby has stayed cool for so long.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You Now! premieres on The CW Friday, Oct. 29.

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Those meddling kids from HBO Max and Cartoon Network will be launching Scoobtober, which will run from Oct. 1 through Halloween with new episodes of Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? and 28 Scooby Doo movies from the Warner Bros Home Entertainment library.

The Cartoon Network premiere of the theatrical film Scoob! will also occur during Scoobtober on Oct. 31.

Among the guest stars in new episodes of Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? are Cher, Sean Astin, Jessica Biel, Terry Bradshaw, Lucy Liu, Jason Sudeikis and Run DMC. The episodes will stream on HBO Max.

Consumers can also watch episodes of Scooby-Doo in the CN app and collect Scooby-Doo figures through the CN Arcade app.

HBO Max will stream Warner Bros.’ animated feature film Scoob! On June 26 after the movie’s month-long run via video on demand.

The movie, based on the classic Scooby-Doo franchise, focuses on how lifelong friends Scooby and Shaggy first met and how they joined with young detectives Fred, Velma and Daphne to form the famous Mystery Inc, said HBO Max. The movie was scheduled to hit theaters in May before eventually moving to VOD after most theaters closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"HBO Max is the perfect home for these 'meddling kids' and their dog,’" said Kevin Reilly, chief content officer, HBO Max, president TNT, TBS, and TruTV in a statement. "Scoob! tells the backstory of how these beloved friends met and formed Mystery Inc. It's a perfect addition to our kids and family offering and will sit alongside beloved original Scooby-Doo episodes.”

Turner Broadcasting System is repositioning its Boomerang service as an all animation, youth-targeted network that will feature commercials in the U.S. for the first time, beginning next year. The gambit places Boomerang in the hunt for eyeballs for kids and their parents, as well as the marketing opportunities tied to co-viewing audiences. 

While Boomerang, which has served as vintage complement to Turner Broadcasting's flagship kids brand, Cartoon Network, will continue to draw from a robust library of Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network and MGM theatrical shorts, series and specials, featuring such classics as Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo and The Powerpuff Girls, the network will integrate a slate of newly acquired contemporary series from around the globe.

Boomerang will also introduce a refreshed on-air environment and for the first time offer exclusive original content on the network across its 13 international feeds. All told, Boomerang counts some 250 million global subscribers, including 45.5 million in the U.S., where it launched in 2000.

The first rollout of the refreshed Boomerang occurred in Latin America on Sept. 29, and will continue Down Under in Australia on Nov. 3. The relaunch in the additional territories, including the States, will transpire in 2015.  Domestically, the network became rated by Nielsen in September. The move to sell ads on Boomerang was announced in February.

With the reset, Boomerang will compete for ad sales and sponsorship opportunities with Cartoon, Viacom's Nickelodeon suite of services, as well as Disney Channel and Disney XD.

"The re-launch of Boomerang as a second flagship channel is a testament to its global appeal,” Gerhard Zeiler, president of Turner Broadcasting System, International, said in a release.  “We are extremely proud to see this channel move into its next incarnation – with a look and feel that conveys its quality and contemporary position. This represents a further step in our strategy to build on the success of our international kid’s network.”

Christina Miller, who in July became president and general manager, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang (U.S.), said in the release: “Boomerang has always been a timeless favorite with multi-generational appeal. We see this as a unique opportunity to not only redefine the family co-viewing experience, but to grow and leverage our overall global kids portfolio and position it across all platforms in conjunction with Cartoon Network."

Beyond its linear presence in more than 250 million homes, Boomerang also will be supported with refreshed digital and mobile platforms, including a newly refaced website that features exclusive activities, games and content to provide a full immersion experience for all visitors. Younger fans will be able to enjoy age-appropriate free games showcasing their favorite characters, while older users can learn more about their favorite characters and series.