10 Best Scooby-Doo Ripoffs

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As a seasoned connoisseur of cartoons and a self-proclaimed “Mystery Inc.” enthusiast, I must say, these shows have taken me down memory lane! Growing up, I was always intrigued by those mystery-solving canines and their human counterparts. Let’s dive into the world of these not-so-subtle Scooby-Doo ripoffs!

The beloved franchise known as Scooby-Doo was introduced in 1969 by creators Joe Ruby and Ken Spears through their animated series, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”. Over the years, this franchise has captivated multiple generations of fans with its storyline about a timid dog teaming up with his human companions to solve mysteries. Inevitably, other creators found inspiration in this success and produced similar shows in the 1970s. While many of these imitations were well-made, they failed to capture the unique charm of Scooby-Doo, eventually fading into obscurity.

It’s intriguing that Hanna-Barbera, famous for creating Scooby-Doo, produced numerous shows similar to it. Maybe they believed this kind of story was what audiences desired the most. Alternatively, they might have grown weary of poor ideas and opted instead to saturate the market with the same concept under varying labels. The majority of these copies feature young detectives accompanied by an animal or a zany companion.

10 ‘The Funky Phantom’ (1971-1972)

Title character, “The Funky Phantom,” embarks on adventures with a trio of teenagers and their loyal canine companion, addressing unexplained supernatural events. An unforeseen event frees two ghosts from the Revolutionary period, both being a patriot and his spectral cat. As the plot unfolds, suspense builds around the mystery, as well as the relationship between the teenagers and the initially skeptical, possibly malicious spirits. The story promises an engaging exploration of whether camaraderie can develop between these unlikely companions.

Not so Funky

The Hanna-Barbera series debuted mere months following the conclusion of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”, and it appears to have heavily borrowed from its predecessor. Notably, the main characters in this new show drive a vehicle called the Looney Duney instead of a van, and the ghosts portrayed are actual entities, unlike the ones in the original series. However, despite these differences, the audience response was underwhelming, leading to the series being canceled after just 17 episodes.

Stream it on Apple TV+

9 ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids’ (1973)

The TV series titled “Butch Cassidy and the Sun Dance Kids” has no connection to the 1969 Western of the same name, minus the final ‘S’. Instead, it revolves around a teen pop group called the Sun Dance Kids, accompanied by their dog Elvis. Interestingly, these young musicians secretly moonlight as government-backed crime fighters.

Crime and Rock n’ Roll

The episodes of the show differ in content, yet each one brims with the same biting wit, intellectual humor, and zest for life. However, I find the resemblance to Scooby-Doo rather grating, as well as their attempt to capitalize on the popularity of a highly acclaimed film from that period. Fortunately, there’s plenty to appreciate, such as the music.

8 ‘Speed Buggy’ (1973)

In this adventure series, we follow a friendly, orange dune buggy character named Speed Buggy. This anthropomorphic vehicle works alongside his pals Debbie, Mark, and Tinker – all teenagers – to unravel mysteries. Not just detectives, they also compete in racing events across the globe. The show’s concept is influenced by classics like Scooby-Doo, Speed Racer, and The Love Bug.

Scooby-Doo, Minus the Dog

The show stands as a first-rate animated series, released at a time when we needed it most. There was a car movie craze in the 1970s, and Speed Buggy offered something less complicated for kids. This could have been a better show without the blatant Scooby-Doo imitation. One character looks like Shaggy, right from the hair to the attire, while the other two look like Daphne and Fred. Interestingly, the two groups would cross paths in the crossover episode “The Weird Winds of Winona.”

Stream it on Apple TV+

7 ‘Goober and the Ghost Chasers’ (1973)

Just like the popular show Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, the series Goober and the Ghost Chasers features a group of three teens – Ted, Tina, and Gilly. They are accompanied by a green Saluki dog named Goober. The trio serves as investigative journalists for the Ghost Chasers Magazine, frequently finding themselves in situations where they must discern whether ghosts are real or merely hoaxes.

Gooober Loves the Viewers

From the slapstick moments to the jump scares. Goober and the Ghost Chasers structures most elements in line with the show that inspired it. Here, we also have a character with Velma’s hairstyle, minus the glasses. To prevent this from looking like a direct clone, a few things were switched up. For example, Goober can speak more coherently than Scooby-Doo, with his lines mostly consisting of fourth wall-breaking retorts. Interestingly, only viewers hear what he says. The characters hear normal barks.

6 ‘Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels’ (1977-1980)

In essence, the series titled Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels blends elements of Scooby-Doo with hints of Charlie’s Angeles. The Teen Angels, a resolute group of young women, tackle various crooks and petty criminals with the self-assured air of seasoned law enforcers. Assisting them is an ancient caveman who was unearthed and defrosted by the girls from a massive chunk of ice.

No Dog for a Change

Under the meticulous direction of Charles A. Nichols, the animated series shines as an exemplary platform for exceptional ensemble voice acting performances. Audience members found it particularly appealing, resulting in its longevity across three seasons. While no actual dog character is present, Captain Caveman seems to embody the Scooby role with his bumbling and muddled communication reminiscent of a beloved canine character. To top it off, there’s even a van in this series, making it more than just an ordinary show.

5 ‘Buford and the Galloping Ghost’ (1978-1979)

Occasionally, episodes from multiple continuing cartoon stories would be combined into a 30-minute or hour timeframe. Shows like “Buford and the Galloping Ghost” used this format, featuring “The Buford Files”, a series about a bloodhound solving mysteries with teenagers in the Deep South, as well as “The Galloping Ghost”, which followed the adventures of two ranch girls who had a ghost for a sidekick.

The Double-Serving is Nourishing

This captivating animated series stands out due to its well-timed rhythm, humorously crafted dialogues, and meticulous editing, making it a must-watch for all viewers. Additionally, brave souls will admire Buford’s resourcefulness rather than his timidity. Notably, both episodes showcased the talents of Frank Welker, an iconic voice actor known for voicing Fred Jones from Scooby-Doo (and later Scooby), as the lead character.

Stream it on Apple TV+

4 ‘Jabberjaw’ (1976)

Jabberjaw isn’t just a copycat of Scooby-Doo, it’s also a money-making effort capitalizing on the shark craze of the 1970s, which was ignited by Jaws. In this version, a 15-foot amphibious great white shark serves as the drummer for The Neptunes, a rock band residing in an underwater city. They team up to solve mysteries.

If Scooby Lived Underwater

In Brooklyn vernacular and cowardly by nature, Jabberjaw is often seen as funnier than Scooby-Doo. Just like him, he’d rather run from trouble instead of facing it, and his constant complaining about lack of recognition has earned him the catchphrase “I never get any respect!” In a forward-thinking manner, the show also depicted a world where robots dominate many jobs.

3 ‘The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan’ (1973)

In “The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan,” family plays a central role, as legendary Chinese detective Charlie Chan is assisted and sometimes hindered by his 10 children and their pet dog, Chu Chu. The Chan family travels globally with a unique vehicle that can shape-shift.

“Let’s Split”

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the recurring pattern in “The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan,” where the kids often divide into smaller groups – just like Fred with Daphne and Velma in Scooby-Doo. Despite the similarities, this show offers unique, intriguing storylines and catchy tunes that keep me hooked as a kid at heart.

2 ‘Clue Club’ (1976-1977)

Instead of a single canine companion, Clue Club boasts a duo: a bloodhound named Woofer and a basset hound known as Wimper. These two are the only ones they converse with. They both enjoy taking their seats at the back of the car while they and their four teenage detective pals embark on journeys to unravel mysteries surrounding disappearances.

Two Scooby-Doos?

Besides being recognized as “Woofer & Whimper,” “Dog Detectives,” or “Clue Club,” this show surpasses the imitations. It’s full of mystery, eeriness, and suspense that keeps you guessing at every turn. The plot unfolds with intricate twists, a thrilling pace, and an unsettling sense of spectral ambiguity. You’ll find Woofer particularly engaging due to his knack for interrogating suspects even in the absence of concrete evidence.

Stream it on Apple TV+

1 ‘Inch High, Private Eye’ (1973)

The story centers around a tiny detective, standing just an inch high, who acquired his diminutive size after drinking a hidden shrinking potion. This little sleuth has a knack for unmasking criminals whose seemingly impenetrable alibis he manages to crack. Frequently, he receives assistance from his niece, her partner, and their dog Braveheart.

Braveheart the Cowardly Dog

Similar to another beloved animated canine character, Braveheart exhibits more cowardice than bravery. Regardless, he’s incredibly endearing. Moreover, the show distinguishes itself significantly from others.

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2024-11-17 05:36