Velma is an American adult animated mystery horror comedy television series based on the character Velma Dinkley from the Scooby-Doo franchise. Since Velma was my favorite character–the one with the brains to solve the mysteries–in Scooby-Doo I decided to check this new series out.
Created by Charlie Grandy for HBO Max, Velma stars executive producer Mindy Kaling as the voice of Velma, with Sam Richardson (Norville), Constance Wu (Daphne), and Glenn Howerton (Fred) in supporting roles. Grandy also serves as the showrunner of the series. The action involves Velma Dinkley and the other teenage members of Mystery Inc. before their official formation, making it the first television series in the franchise to not feature the Scooby-Doo character–which is okay by me.
Velma premiered on January 12, 2023, to mixed reviews from critics, who praised the vocal performances, but were divided about the “humor” and criticized its meta storytelling, characterization, and departures from the Scooby-Doo franchise. Velma earned a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes by the critics and a 9% from the audience.
I’ve only watched four of the 10 episodes so I hesitate to make any definitive statements about the quality (or lack thereof) of this show. I like the snarky characters, but the vibe tends to be negative. Were you a Scooby-Doo fan? Did you have a favorite character? GRADE: incomplete
I hated Scooby Doo. My kids watched it a lot growing up. I’ve always thought it poorly written . Never clever or witty.
I was a kid when the original “Scooby” aired. It was at the very tail end of the monster fad of the late 50s-early 60s and I was genuinely geeked for it but bitterly disappointed when it turned out that none of the ghosts were “real” but just old men in masks scaring kids and the fact EVERY episode was the same story infuriated me.
I also never cared for any of the characters and Casey Kasem’s voice really grated on me in an almost Mary Hart way (it actually made me nauseous).
I was definitely more of a “Jonny Quest” kid.
Byron, Jonny Quest was vastly better than SCOOBY DOO. JONNY QUEST had several incarnations over the 1960s to the 1990s. I also have a VHS tape of Jonny’s Golden Quest and Jonny Quest versus The Cyber Insects around here somewhere.
Steve, there is a formula to SCOOBY DOO. The franchise has stayed alive with partnerships with Batman and other DC characters over the years. This new incarnation–without Scooby–opens another chapter.
I’d watch it if it weren’t for those pesky kids!
Jerry, just think of all the crimes those pesky kids solved!
I’m aware of the fact that Scooby Doo existed but was well into adulthood by the time it came along and never saw it. What age range is this stuff intended for? It sounds horrible.
Michael, the original SCOOBY DOO was aimed at a 12-year-old audience who watched cartoon shows on Saturdays. This new format VELMA with adult content should appeal to an older, hipper demographic.
Rut roh!
I read some pretty bad reviews, but clearly, I am not the target audience for this tripe. I never watched it even once, other than a few minutes while channel surfing.
Can’t believe you are wasting your time on this.
Jeff, I blame my early crush on Velma (and Mindy Kaling) for motivating me to check this HBO Max version out.
I never watched it but I am not much of a fan of animated series. I have never even watched THE SIMPSONS, much to my kids’ dismay.
Maybe my kids did though.
Patti, I was an early fan of THE SIMPSONS but I only watch it once in a while now.
I tape it and then watch 2 or 3 episodes at once. It still holds up after 3decades. A hell of a lot funnier than Family Guy or Bob’s Burgers.
Steve, I’ve never been a fan of most of Hanna-Barbera cartoons. And, I don’t watch FAMILY GUY or BOB’S BURGERS. The only animated series I’m watching now are VELMA and THE BAD BATCH, SEASON 2.
Reading this I understand why nobody in my environment watched comics/cartoons from the USA – except the Simpsons which were enjoyed by some people.
OT
Our German Manager Magazine had a report today on the Superbowl – unbelievable (at least for me …) how much money is invested there!
7 million $ for a half a minute commercial!
And the article also contains info on the billionaire owners of the teams, had no idea about all this.
https://www.manager-magazin.de/lifestyle/super-bowl-2023-das-milliardengeschaeft-mit-dem-groessten-sportereignis-der-usa-a-dbe18aaf-69e1-44bb-a055-c9303a479a5e
I’m sure George will have to say more on this.
Wolf, thanks for the links. Yes, the Super Bowl is one big capitalistic opportunity to make a lot of money…or lose a lot of money. Silly Americans will be betting on whether the National Anthem, sung by Chris Stapleton, takes more or less than 1 minute and 59 seconds! Lunacy!
Is it true the seats sell for $6500 each?
Patti, Super Bowl seats can go for over $10,000.