‘Velma’: Fans Still Dislike Cancelled HBO Mystery Series

Although there was potential in giving ‘Velma’ a darker, more adult twist, the series didn’t resonate with viewers. Fans, particularly those who loved the original show’s playful spirit of mystery-solving, were dismayed by its crude comedy, over-the-top modern references, and gory direction. Although it felt forced, the attempt to make Velma the main character and delve into adult themes—like her romance with Daphne—added complexity. Because the show never fully embraced either technique, viewers found it difficult to discern if it was a satire or an homage.

With so many versions, such as ‘Scooby-Doo’, ‘The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo’, and ‘A Pup Named Scooby-Doo!’ Since the late 1960s, Mystery Incorporated’s ‘Scooby-Doo’ has been a mainstay of popular culture. With every adaptation, the franchise took a fresh turn, but none were as controversial as ‘Velma’, which had its Max premiere in January 2023. The program, created by Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling, was criticized right away for departing significantly from the classic ‘Scooby-Doo’ formula.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

In addition to its tone, Velma’s departure from the cherished secrets of the original series drew harsh criticism. Another significant problem was the absence of Scooby-Doo, a crucial character in the franchise. After two seasons, the show was abruptly cancelled because of its pacing, meta-humour, and unorthodox plots, which did not appeal to devoted viewers.

The subsequently published Halloween special, however, had room for development as it skillfully combined mystery and humour in a condensed style. This special showed what ‘Velma’ may have become if it had maintained a more consistent tone or concentrated on parodying mystery shows, even though the main series failed. Despite its eventual failure, Velma is nevertheless a distinctive—if contentious—take on the Scooby-Doo universe.

–Farheen Ali