Why is there no Scooby-Doo in Velma HBO Max series?

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There are a bunch of iconic animated shows that audiences will cherish from their childhood. While the list could go on and on, some might say that absolutely nothing beat time spent in front of the TV immersed in the capers of Mystery Inc.

Scooby-Doo and the gang would hop in the Mystery Machine and unmask so many monsters, always human underneath.

The cowardly, four-legged canine was at the heart of the show – it was named after him, and rightly so. Taking this into consideration, the idea of the series without him is a real headscratcher.

Alas, we arrive at Velma, a new animated series that began premiering on HBO Max on Thursday, January 12th 2023. It arrives… without Scoob. So, why is there no Scooby-Doo in Velma?

Why is there no Scooby-Doo in Velma show?

The creators of Velma decided to make an adult animated show that isn’t aimed at children, with the argument being that the inclusion of an anthropomorphic dog would turn the project into a kids’ show.

Polygon reports that showrunner Charlie Grandy explained this during a New York Comic-Con panel in 2022:

“What made Scooby-Doo a kid show is Scooby-Doo. We couldn’t have a take on it, like how can we do this in a fun and modern way. [Our efforts] coincided with Warner Bros. Animation saying we can’t use the dog!”

Of course, this will stir up debate, with audiences arguing that adult animated shows before Velma have successfully managed to employ wackier elements and still feel aimed at more mature audiences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSm_Y3yS7bA

Velma viewers react to HBO Max series

With the release of the first two episodes, a handful of audiences have reacted and it’s clear that there’s already a divide in regard to the reception.

Check out a selection of tweets:

Saw some folks saying the #Velma show was originally not written to be a series feat. the Scooby Doo gang & if true it definitely shows. So far it’s well animated with a great color palate but most characters seem bitter & disinterested in being there. Norville’s growing on me.

— Ryan Deitsch (@Ryan_Deitsch) January 12, 2023

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Watched #Velma it has it moments but definitely doesn’t feel like a Scooby Doo show.

— Kham G (@KhamGSkates) January 12, 2023

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I just finished the first 2 episodes of the #Velma show… it's pretty bad I'm not sure why they even needed it to be a Scooby-Doo show none of the characters even resemble their personality and the humor kinda just missed the mark. Art team did a good job tho

— Kyveri (@ArtofKyveri) January 12, 2023

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Velma series voice cast

We may not have Scoob, but there is a range of talented voice actors to bring the other iconic characters of the franchise to life.

Check out the central Velma voice cast below:

  • Mindy Kaling as Velma Dinkley
  • Sam Richardson as Norville “Shaggy” Rogers
  • Constance Wu as Daphne Blake
  • Glenn Howerton as Fred Jones
  • Russell Peters as Aman Dinkley
  • Melissa Fumero as Sophie
  • Sarayu Blue as Diya Dinkley
  • Jane Lynch as Donna Blake
  • Wanda Sykes as Linda Blake
  • Cherry Jones as Victoria Jones
  • Frank Welker as William Jones
  • Nicole Byer as Blythe Rogers
  • Gary Cole as Lamont Rogers
  • Stephen Root as Sheriff Cogburn
  • “Weird Al” Yankovic as Dandruff Tuba

Velma is now streaming exclusively on HBO Max.

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