Riverdale may have ended in 2023, but Netflix’s upcoming Scooby-Doo adaptation could be its perfect replacement. Based on the iconic Archie comics, Riverdale was a darker approach to the source material, throwing its intrepid heroes— Archie Andrews (KJ Apa), Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse), and Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes)— into the deep end of a murder mystery.
Throughout the seven seasons of Riverdale, however, the gritty realism gave way to absurd fantasy twists and fever-dream-esque musical episodes. The inanity only made the CW drama more popular, with Riverdale garnering a cult following thanks to its nonsensical storylines and unnecessary genre shifts. Yet, for all its chaos, Riverdale’s absence has been palpable since its 2023 series finale.
Netflix's Scooby-Doo Live-Action Show Can Be The New Riverdale
The Logline Promises A Brand-New Iteration Of The Beloved IP
Thankfully, one upcoming series seems like a promising spiritual successor to Riverdale: Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo. The still unnamed series, helmed by showrunners Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, will span eight hour-long episodes. Similar to how Riverdale started, the live-action Scooby-Doo series has vowed to be a darker retelling of the ubiquitous franchise.
According to the official logline released by Netflix, the upcoming series will focus on Shaggy, Daphne, Velma, and Fred first meeting as teenagers. The titular puppy will bring them together to investigate a chilling crime, described as a potentially “supernatural murder.” As such, the fresh new spin on Scooby-Doo could easily be a new-age Riverdale.
How Netflix's Scooby-Doo Show Will Be Different From The Movies
The Live-Action Series Will Cater To A New Demographic
For many, the most memorable adaptation of Scooby-Doo is likely the 2002 film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar (Daphne), Linda Cardellini (Velma), Matthew Lillard (Shaggy), and Freddie Prinze Jr. (Fred). That title, along with most versions of the Mystery Gang, leans heavily into comedy and a self-aware level of kitsch.
Furthermore, there have been plenty of Scooby-Doo TV series, but the upcoming Netflix project will be the first live-action adaptation for television. The little known regarding the live-action series also indicates it will be incredibly unique— from the main characters being younger to the plot being heavier, Netflix’s reimagining will be a bold new take on a classic series.
Why A Riverdale-Style Scooby-Doo Show Is A Great Idea
Riverdale Left A Void That Needs To Be Filled
Whether Netflix’s Scooby-Doo sticks to a serious tone to emulate the likes of Stranger Things or incorporates some absurdity like Riverdale, forging its place as this generation’s next supernatural teen drama could pay off in dividends. Bereft fans have been begging for the niche to be filled for years, and Scooby-Doo would benefit greatly from taking Riverdale's place.
There are countless adaptations of Scooby-Doo that offer lighthearted fun, from family-friendly holiday specials to more mature film versions to the timeless original cartoon. Consequently, there’s simply no need to create another series unless it brings something new to the table. By incorporating similar elements to Riverdale, Netflix could capitalize on the franchise’s full potential and justify its very existence.
Source: Netflix
