Scooby-Doo first appeared in 1969

The show's 350th episode, Scooby-Doo Halloween, is being screened on the Boomerang channel on Friday, beating a previous record held by The Simpsons.

The adventures of Scooby and his friends Shaggy, Velma, Fred and Daphne first aired in 1969.

The show was created by US animation company Hanna-Barbera Productions.

Seen in more than 160 countries, it was recently voted second in a list of cartoons that today's adults enjoyed as children.

Have your say on the appeal of Scooby-Doo

The lovable Great Dane, whose real name is Scoobert, has incredibly remained seven years old over the 35 years of the show.

The Simpsons previously held the cartoon record with 335 episodes, followed by Tom and Jerry with 209, The Flintstones (166) and Disney's Mickey Mouse (120).

"It's a great honour to have taken Homer's crown," said Richard Kilgarriff of Boomerang TV.

Scooby-Doo will now be listed in the 2006 Guinness World Record book published at the end of next year.

A live-action remake of the classic Hanna Barbera cartoon featuring a computer generated version of the crime-fighting canine made $268m (£145m) at global box offices in 2002, despite poor reviews.

A sequel, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, was released earlier this year.

I'm glad my child was able to enjoy the same cartoon I did when I was a child. I think it's great it has survived all these years.
Karen Allhelwani, Virginia Beach U.S.A.

I would always watch it in the 70's as a kid, mostly in the never-fulfilled hope that just once, just once, it would be a REAL monster or ghost, instead of just some crook in a mask! It lost its appeal when that stupid puppy appeared though.
Rob, London, UK

I've been watching Scooby Doo since I can remember, I used to come home from school and watch it while having my tea... now I watch it when I come home from work. Why? It's funny and quite frankly you don¿t need to think, you sit back and let Mystery Inc do what they do best!
A, London, UK

Whenever we would travel home to Canada and spend the summer in Winnipeg, my sisters and I would watch Scooby Doo!! That was over 20 years ago and today I sit with my kids and watch Scooby Doo and laugh at how utterly silly it is. They love it and I think it is good fun!
Pamela, Beirut, Lebanon

When I was a kid I actually preferred Scappy to Scooby. But now I've grown up and see the error of my ways...
Nick, London, UK

What can I say, sheer class!! And I say that without the bribe of a Scooby snack.
Sandra Gray, Birmingham, UK

I have always loved Scooby-doo, there was always something safe about it because they always succeeded in their adventures, I can still sing the theme tune at age 24! Puppy power all the way!!!
Rebecca, Birmingham, uk

It's good because Shaggy and Scooby are so funny. And the monsters are funny too.
Kira, New York, N.Y.

Daphne. 'Nuff said.
Neil Smith, Wolverhampton, UK

I don't always like Scooby Doo as it can sometimes get a bit scary. I like Tom and Jerry Kids.
John (age 6), East Yorks

I think that Scooby Doo is a good selling idea rather than good cartoon. Tom & Jerry show all the work that stand behind a cartoon... Starting from genuine scenes and arriving to marvellous drawings
Alfred, Rijeka, Croatia

Still watching the show, but i'm still baffled as to what Scooby Snacks are.
Harry, Rugby, Warwickshire

I was in France last week and watched Scooby Doo in French...even not understanding a word of the language it still appeals. I guess it has real a real timeless and borderless appeal, and I still love watching it at 28. But I have moved on from the Scooby Doo wallpaper, quilt cover, lamp shade and headboard that I had when I was 8. And yes, please let Scrappy get caught by the dog catcher!
Simon, Sheffield

Scooby-Doo has been a Childrens classic from my parents' childhood right through to mine. It is great a mixture of teenage and childhood humour built into a ghostly plot.
Jon Rushton, Sheffield

If learnt anything from Scooby Doo it was not to trust any fairground owner called Old Man Withers. The cartoon executive who came up with Scrappy Doo needs shooting
Luke, Winchester

Am I the only person who actually LIKED the Scooby Doo live action movies? Perfectly cast, they captured the self-referential humour of the later animated episodes - particularly the animated films such as Zombie Island.
Joanna, Cambs, UK

I used to be madly in love with Daphne... thankfully, I've moved on since those days.
Murdo, Nottingham

All episodes with Scrappy-Doo should be discounted!
Mark, London

This has endured for so long because the formula - although repetitive - has great attraction to kids. A lot of the respondents here seem to forget that Scooby Doo is a kid's program; they are responding to it as adults. Whereas, of course, my 5-year-old daughter thinks it's the best program on TV. (But don't get me started on Scrappy Doo...)
Matthew, Edinburgh

The shows are great because every day when I put on the TV there is always at least one show on. The stories are really good. All the characters have their own personalities, and I like them all except, that is, for Scrappy Doo. He spoils the show if he is in it.
Yvonne Mckenna (age 10), Raleigh, North Carolina, USA (Ex UK)

Scooby Doo is great. I enjoy every minute of it and I hope that it keeps running so that my children can enjoy the mysteries when they grow up.
Jackie Reid, Washington UK

Scooby doo is great, its one of those cartoons anyone can watch, no one gets killed, never any real violence and the bad guy always gets caught in the end...and always by those meddling kids and their dog..... rooby dooby dooooooooo
Neil Ogden, Doncaster, UK

These days, when kids'programmes are ten a penny, it's hard to appreciate how original Scooby Doo was. It tapped into the mood of the times, showing a mixed bunch of young people doing if for themselves, and a very funny, cowardly dog. I still enjoy it at 32, and my 7 and 5 year old love it. whatever anyone says, that is how it should be gauged. I hated Scrappy too though.
fran, liverpool

Laughs all the way!!! Even at 30 sometimes I still love watching the old re-runs. Hope the legend lives on!!!!!!!
Ameet, Pune, India

The Simpsons has been one of the wittiest and cleverest programmes on the television throughout most of its life. Admittedly, they do seem to be running out of ideas a little now, but after hundreds of episodes, that can be forgiven. And Scooby Doo ran out of ideas after, let's see... one episode, which was presumably as bad as all the subsequent ones.
Matt Tointon, Alderholt, UK

but what about Tom And Jerry? For decades they have never spoken a word! compare that with Scooby-doo and Simpsons. Actions are louder than words!!!
Mohammad Ali Asif Khan, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

The Simpsons is more adult orientated and deals with different real life issues, Scooby Doo however gets the grey matter of children working and is more wholesome and less based on reality.
AL, london, UK

Much as I loved it as kid, it's way past it's sell-by date and it's a bit of a cheek claiming the world record - Scooby's appeared in loads of different forms over the years. Unlike, say, The Simpsons which has been a half-hour comedy show all it's life. It's like calling Cheers and Frasier the same series.
Ian Robinson, Chorley, Lancashire

Scooby-Doo is no way in the same category as The Simpsons. Just look at the "state of the art" of The Simpsons and the "start of the ark" with Scooby-Doo - there really is no competition. So what if they have mad marginally more episodes than The Simpsons. It's quality not quantity that counts and The Simpsons have bucket-loads of it! To show that there are no hard feelings, for those of us who originally grew up watching Scooby Doo, and the like, and then progressed to The Simpsons once we attained adulthood(!), good luck to Scooby and your next 350 episodes!
Malcolm Kayser, Stanmore, Middx.

Every episode with Scrappy-Doo should be struck from the record. Although every episode of The Simpsons which is a collection of scenes from previous episodes can be removed too!
James Rose, London UK

My 7-year old son and 5-year old daughter absolutely love the show, and it's just watchable by adults too, making it something I can sit and watch with them both.
Kelvin Walker, Glos, UK

Scooby Doo is about laughter at slapstick comedy, not violent comedy, sarcasm or abuse of stereo types that is seen in a lot of new cartoons nowadays. It's a gentler form of entertainment that's a welcome respite from the violent rubbish of the newer cartoons.
Perry, Glasgow

I've always loved Scooby Doo, but I would have to question the figure of 350 episodes. Any true Scooby fan would have to disregard all the episodes featuring the terrible Scrappy Doo, as we're never likely to watch them. It's just too painful! Imagine if Tom & Jerry had added an irritating character called Colin. Tom, Jerry & Colin? I don't think so.
Andrew Langmead, Feltham, UK

Scooby is simply the best classic toon around.
Farai, Harare, Zimbabwe

350 ephisodes, 1 story-line. It is a pile of "Scooby" (rhyming slang).
Andy Johnson, Basingstoke, UK

Scooby Doo is like eating your favourite food - you never get tired of it. 7 years ago I was given a puppy and when asked what he was called his name was Scooby Doo. Needless to say I never changed it and over the years he has grown to be as much a coward as the on screen Scooby but I love him.
Kath, Blackpool, UK

There will never be an equal or better of the show. Whether its the lovable, goofy great dane, or that you had the hots for Daphne, the show had something for all. A bunch of friends who really will go the extra mile for each other, who have adventures galore (even if the plots are sooo predictable, who can eat all they want and NEVER put on weight (growl), but most of all, have fun. When H-B came up with this one they came up with a winner and time & trial have proven it, so here's to the next 350! Scooby-doooby-doooo!
Paul, Arbroath

Scooby Doo's still fantastic family entertainment after all this time (if you discount the Scrappy Doo "wilderness years," anyway). I'm glad to see they've returned to their roots in the recent episodes, with proper villains dressing up as spooks and ghouls and being unmasked. There was a particularly dodgy period in the 70s where the villains really were spooks & ghouls. Frankly not so much fun.
Gina Smith, Aylesbury UK

I have a two year old son and use him as an excuse for me to sit down and watch Scooby Doo on the Cartoon Channel. It`s still as good now as it ever was even though I am 29!
Phil Hardaker, Leeds

I grew up on this gloriously cheesy show, which actually scared me witless on occasion as a wee kid. I still enjoy it now, with my own kids. We have a Scooby Doo and Batman video - gotta love it! I always found Scrappy Doo intensely irritating and was kind of relieved to see him unmasked as an evil villain in the live-action movie. Daphne always irritated me with her airhead ways, but I admired Velma who is obviously the brains of the outfit. I always felt kind of sorry for her as she always seemed to be the odd one out. Fred is just eye candy for Daphne and other airheads, but Shaggy and Scooby's ongoing double act is still funny after all these years. It may be rather simple entertainment but it is infinitely preferable to much of the other garbage that is out there now, and has certain demonstrated staying power. Let's celebrate: Scooby snacks all round!
Samantha Scott, Canada - ex-UK

I loved the early Scooby Doo - each character had a specific job, and the mysteries were always so silly. It was also nice that Velma had all the brains, and Shaggy was such a wimp. But Scooby was always the star - he cowered and shivered so beautifully! But I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who loathed Scrappy Doo! That beastly puppy was totally annoying, and unbalanced the whole show.
Isobel, Salisbury, UK

Just give the Simpsons time.....they will put this puppy down.
Christopher Wright, Wrexham

The creators of Scooby Doo hit on a formula that works and were brash enough to stick with it unswervingly. As a child, I actually used to enjoy watching out for the ever-so-subtle reworkings of the basic story in each episode. I think a lot of children (and no doubt many adults as well) actually appreciate extreme predictability.
A Sellar

Surely the simpsons will overtake it again, seeing as they make 22 new episodes of The Simpsons each year ??
Ohms, UK

How have they made 350 episodes? It's the same every week! It's always the second person they meet that's the bad guy. The Simpsons is much much better.
Alex, UK

I have loved Scooby Doo since I was a young boy, although seem to be the only one who likes brave Scrappy Doo even more, he provides a wonderful balance to Scooby and Shaggy's fear.
Philip Thompson, Plymouth, UK

Zoiks! Nowhere near as good as Tom and Jerry.
Al Hunter, UK

I guess it was my pre-pubescent crush on Daphne. Now that I¿m in my mid-thirties, I realise how ridiculous this was as it¿s obvious she¿s an item with Fred.
BD, Glasgow

It's thanks to Scooby I survived my university years thanks to a great wee van selling enormous 'Scooby Snacks' at midnight just as we were all heading home. Scooby Doo - the students at Glasgow University salute you!
Joy , Armadale, West Lothian

This is all about Daphne, full-stop.
Martin Pope, USA (ex UK)

What was this show's enduring appeal? Probably that it continually poked fun at itself with its goofy plots, terrible jokes and hammy acting. Ever noticed how the masked villain always turned out to be the only other character that the Mystery Team had met in the episode? ALL: "Mr Voyles!"
Joshua Kirby, Exmouth, UK

I probably watched most of my Scooby Doo in the early 80s in the UK, when I was really young. Growing up in the Far East though, I watched The Simpsons from the beginning, and still do despite their recent boring and not so funny seasons.
Mark, Auckland, New Zealand

Whilst the blokes pretend they like Scooby himself, the real respect is for Daphne!!
Lance Strangely, UK

Having watched Scooby-Doo as a young girl and now being a woman of a certain age, I am delighted that my six-year old daughter finds it as amusing and entertaining as I did. Bearing in mind all the mind-numbing violence in cartoons these days it's heartwarming to see a cartoon that is neither violent nor racist.
Louise, Rugby,UK

A case of quantity over quality, I reckon. If you can't work out who's behind the mask by halfway through the episode, you need professional help.
Dan, Cambridge, UK

Those who compare Scooby Doo unfavourably with the Simpsons seem to forget that the Simpsons could never have existed without Scooby Doo and the wisecracking style it was part of. Scooby Doo and I suppose the Flintstones were also influential in pioneering the idea of bringing in references from the rest of cinema and contemporary television, which the Simpsons has perfected. The real winner though is the size of the sandwiches that Scooby and Shaggy are able to manufacture in the deserted kitchens of haunted ski-lodges.
Jon Sutcliffe, Enfield, UK

You have to love those pesky kids, just think of all those villains who nearly got away with it. If only the Scooby crimefighting team were real. Perhaps they could make a new cartoon where they will be fighting the illegal downloaders of music.
Rick Jones, Merseyside

Scooby survives due to the sheer brilliance of Velma, the world's cleverest cartoon character. More power to her orange socks! Seriously, I think it's just that it's more like a sit-com than a cartoon with characters the whole world loves! Jinkies!
LJ, Renfrewshire, Scotland

When I was a kid (early 70s) I remember the show was due to be cancelled so I went to local police station and asked for permission to go out on the streets with a petition and get the public to sign it to keep the show on air. I can't remember how many names I got but I sent it and it must have worked as it's still on the air today!
Maureen Kelly, Glasgow

350 episodes in the days of hand-painted cell animation, just think how many they churn out now using computers!
John B, Gloucester, UK

I have loved Scooby Doo for the past 25 years and now my son loves it. I hope the show just keeps going. It's much better then half the new cartoons on TV these days.
Coatsy, Newcastle, UK

His messed-up language and his vocal expressions! It's the cutest thing!
Nahed Barakat, Cairo, Egypt

It's awful. Unbelievably bad. I hated it in 1969 and I hate it now. I can't believe that it even justified a second episode, never mind 350. Scooby Doo is not fit to lick Homer's shoes.
Ric Morris, Shropshire, UK

The Simpsons would have got away with it too, if it hadn't been for those pesky kids!
David Patrick, Reading, UK

Enduring appeal? Well, that Daphne is a bit tasty!
MarkoInBangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Having seen the current state of children's 'cartoons' i.e. extended adverts for plastic tat, maybe even the utterly garbage Scooby Doo is not that bad after all, although I expect there's now shelf loads of overpriced merchandise available for it to.
Steve, Edinburgh

What lasting appeal? They all had the same plot and have gotten away with it for years!
Pete Nightingale, Reading UK

I have been a loyal Scooby fan for 17 years now, despite the fact that TV channels here have dropped the show for the newer Anime brand of cartoons. Despite the new American filmmakers seeing Scooby as a money-making scheme, rather than one of the most beloved icons of cartoon history, he still manages to make me laugh.
Chiraag T, Sydney, Australia

Being the same age as Scooby, I have loved him and enjoyed the rest of the gang since I can remember... as a young girl, I found it quite suspenseful, even frightening at times, and as I got older, just enjoyed the nostalgia. However, I never got into Scrappy-Doo. I love the masks and sometimes even double masks at the end, as well as the cheesiness of 'if it hadn't of been for those meddling kids!!!'
Sarah-Jane S., Bali, Indonesia.

The enduring appeal of Scooby-Doo? Perhaps it was the unattainable hope that maybe, just maybe, Scrappy-Doo would actually get captured and killed by some old school caretaker in a spook mask.
Andy Twiss, Birmingham, UK

Why's Scooby such an enduring character? He's the perfect anti-hero!.....Scared of anything, addicted to Scooby snacks and with an equally useless sidekick, he's someone who, although being the underdog, always manages to come out as top dog.
Chris McNally, Liverpool

If anything the long lasting appeal has to do with its originality and the massive cult status it has achieved over the years. Plus it still appeals to the kids of today. It's timeless. Although in my opinion you can't beat the original series, the new episodes just aren't the same, notably because the casting for the voices has changed.
Greg, UK

The appeal is the eternal hope that Scrappy Doo would be caught by the bad guys.
Louise , Aberdeen, UK