Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979 TV series) threatening cancellation for the show, whose ratings were in decline. ABC was going to choose between two shows-Scooby-Doo or an unnamed pilot from Ruby Spears Enterprises. Therefore, for its 1979–1980 season, "Scooby-Doo" was given a major overhaul, adding the character of Scooby's nephew Scrappy-Doo, voiced by Lennie Weinrib, and changing the name of the show to "Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo". Although still present in these episodes, the characters of Fred, Daphne, and Velma became less essential to the plot and Shaggy, Scooby and Scrappy were the main focus. Marla Frumkin took over Pat Stevens' role as Velma Dinkley towards the end
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! plans to create a non-violent Saturday morning program that would appease the parent watch groups that had protested the superhero-based programs of the mid-1960s. Originally titled "Mysteries Five", and later "Who's S-S-Scared?", "Scooby Doo, Where Are You!" underwent a number of changes from script to screen (the most significant being the downplaying of the musical group angle borrowed from "The Archie Show"). However, the basic concept—four teenagers (Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy) and a cowardly, clumsy Great Dane (Scooby-Doo) solving supernatural-related mysteries—was always in place. "Scooby-Doo" creators Joe Ruby and Ken Spears served as the story supervisors on the series.