Velma
"Twice the meddling."
A HBO Max Original
Velma reimagines the Scooby-Doo saga from the perspective of the franchise's smartest detective. The story unfolds in a world where mysteries mix with teen drama and sharp humor, and the focus is on Velma Dinkley as she pieces together clues while negotiating friendships and the pressure of... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026
About Velma
Velma reimagines the Scooby-Doo saga from the perspective of the franchise's smartest detective. The story unfolds in a world where mysteries mix with teen drama and sharp humor, and the focus is on Velma Dinkley as she pieces together clues while negotiating friendships and the pressure of living up to her own reputation. We see the early formation of Mystery Inc through Velma's findings, without spoilers, as a brisk, character driven look at how a team begins to gel. The tone blends witty banter with crime caper energy, offering a fresh take on a familiar setup while keeping the core idea that a clever mind can crack a tricky case. Velma's investigations tap into campus rumors, coded messages, and the social currents of the era, giving the show a contemporary edge. The cast dynamic hints at how personalities will clash and mesh as the mysteries pile up.
Released in 2023 as an animated take on Scooby-Doo, Velma is created by Charlie Grandy, Jenna Simmons and Katie Wadsworth. Mindy Kaling lends Velma's voice, joined by Constance Wu as Daphne, Sam Richardson as Norville and Glenn Howerton as Fred. The production leans into brisk pacing, sultry neon cityscapes, and punchy sight gags that sit between witty dialogue and action.
Critics have offered mixed reactions to the show. Some praise the performances and the bold reimagining, while others push back against the tonal shift and departures from the original Scooby-Doo vibe. The series centers on identity, friendship, and proving oneself under pressure while playing with familiar mystery tropes. Some fans welcomed the risk taking, while others long for the lighter tone of the classic adventures.
Velma sparked conversation online about how classic cartoons are updated for adult audiences and how representation lands in animated comedies. Its provocative choices and the cast led to debates over tone, humor and loyalty to the long-running franchise. The discussion spilled into social media, with fans and critics weighing the cost of modernization.
What Viewers Are Saying
Viewers express strong disappointment with Velma (2023), criticizing its departure from the original Scooby-Doo tone by including explicit content, vulgar language, and controversial themes that many feel are inappropriate for the brand. Audiences also note significant changes to character ethnicity and design, which some perceive as unnecessary and detracting from the classic appeal. While some appreciate attempts at a darker, more mature take, most feel the show lacks the charm and coherence of the original, and the absence of key original voice actors is seen as a missed opportunity. Overall, reception is predominantly negative, with many viewers feeling the show undermines the legacy of Scooby-Doo.
Details
- Release Date
- January 12, 2023
- Rating
- TV-MA
- User Ratings
- 328 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 2
- Episodes
- 21
- Network
- HBO Max, Max
- Status
- Canceled
- Genres
- Animation, Comedy, Crime, Mystery
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- Warner Bros. Animation +3 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Mindy Kaling
Velma (voice)
Constance Wu
Daphne (voice)
Sam Richardson
Norville (voice)
Glenn Howerton
Fred (voice)
Created by: Charlie Grandy, Jenna Simmons, Katie Wadsworth
Seasons (2 seasons, 21 episodes)
Season 1
10 episodes - 2023
Season 2
11 episodes - 2024