The encyclopedia · Product & Design · Product decision · 2021–2024
Velma: Max bet a Scooby-Doo prequel could survive a redesign the fanbase rejected on sight
Max's adult-animated Velma redesigned the Mystery Inc. cast and drew backlash before it aired; two divisive seasons later, Max didn't fund a third.
Warner Bros. Discovery · 2024-10-09
What happened
Velma, an adult-animated prequel to Scooby-Doo starring Mindy Kaling as a teenage version of the character, was announced with a redesign that made Velma South Asian rather than white. The choice drew backlash online well before the show premiered on Max in January 2023.
Season 1 held a 38% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers describing the characters as unpleasant to spend time with. A second season followed in April 2024 to similarly mixed reception.
On October 9, 2024, Max confirmed the show was cancelled after two seasons; a Halloween special that had already aired became its de facto series finale. Max declined to give a specific reason beyond not moving forward with another season.
Why it happened
- The redesign became the story before a single episode aired, so the show entered its run already fighting a reputation battle rather than building one on its own merits.
- Critical reception stayed weak across both seasons — a 38% approval rating on the first — giving the streamer little momentum to justify continued investment.
- Two full seasons were funded despite the reception, and the cancellation came only once the second season also failed to turn the show's fortunes around.
The lesson
A divisive creative choice that dominates pre-release conversation can outlast two seasons of a show trying to prove itself past it.
Sources
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