View source for Cultural impact of the Scooby-Doo franchise

== Introduction ==
The [[Scooby-Doo]] franchise, which began with a single Saturday morning cartoon series in 1969, has grown to encompass multiple spin-off series, feature films, comic books, and a vast array of merchandise. The franchise's cultural impact is significant, influencing generations of children and adults alike. The series' enduring popularity has resulted in a lasting legacy in popular culture, influencing other media and spawning a number of parodies and homages.

== Creation and Initial Reception ==
The original series, "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!", was created by [[Hanna-Barbera Productions|Hanna-Barbera]], a studio known for its animated television shows. The show was designed to be a blend of comedy and mystery, with the titular Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, and his four human companions solving mysteries involving supposedly supernatural creatures. The series was an immediate success, and it has been in continuous production in various forms ever since.

[[Image:Detail-62388.jpg|thumb|center|A group of animated characters, including a large dog, standing in front of a van marked "The Mystery Machine".|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-62389.jpg|thumb|center|A group of animated characters, including a large dog, standing in front of a van marked "The Mystery Machine".|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Influence on Television Animation ==
The success of Scooby-Doo led to a new trend in children's television: the animated mystery series. Many shows followed in its footsteps, combining humor, adventure, and problem-solving in similar ways. The franchise's format, which typically involves the main characters solving a mystery in each episode, has been replicated in numerous other series. The franchise's influence can be seen in shows like [[Gravity Falls]] and [[The Real Ghostbusters]], which also feature groups of characters investigating supernatural occurrences.

== Impact on Popular Culture ==
The Scooby-Doo franchise has had a significant impact on popular culture. The characters and catchphrases from the series have become ingrained in the public consciousness. Phrases like "Scooby Snacks", "jinkies", and "I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling kids" have entered the popular lexicon. The franchise's iconic Mystery Machine, the van used by the characters to travel to their various mystery locations, has become a symbol of the series and is frequently referenced in other media.

== Influence on Other Media ==
The Scooby-Doo franchise has influenced a variety of other media. The series' blend of comedy, mystery, and horror has been emulated in numerous other television shows, films, and comic books. The franchise's influence can be seen in the horror-comedy films of the 1980s and 1990s, such as [[Ghostbusters]] and [[Gremlins]], which feature a similar blend of humor and scares. The franchise has also been parodied in a number of television shows, including [[The Simpsons]], [[Family Guy]], and [[South Park]].

== Merchandising and Commercial Success ==
The Scooby-Doo franchise has been a major commercial success, with a wide range of merchandise including toys, clothing, video games, and home video releases. The franchise's merchandise has been a significant part of its cultural impact, with many items becoming collectors' items. The franchise has also been successful in other areas of merchandising, including theme park attractions and live stage shows.

== Legacy ==
The Scooby-Doo franchise's legacy is one of enduring popularity and cultural impact. The series has remained popular with audiences of all ages, and its influence can be seen in a wide range of media. The franchise's characters, catchphrases, and format have become iconic, and the series continues to be a major influence on children's television.

== See Also ==
* [[Hanna-Barbera]]
* [[Saturday morning cartoon]]
* [[Children's television series]]
* [[Horror-comedy]]

[[Category:Scooby-Doo]]
[[Category:Animated television series]]
[[Category:Cultural impact of television series]]