Is Velma, the Scooby-Doo spin-off on HBO Max, for kids?

Actress Mindy Kaling is spearheading a new project, Velma! The animated Scooby-Doo spin-off is developed by Warner Bros. Animation and will be released on HBO Max.

When you see the new Velma, she’s going to look a little different. That’s because Kaling, who also executive produces the project, decided to reimagine the beloved character. In the new series, Velma is South Asian.

Back in May 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery presented their programming plans for the upcoming television season at the Upfronts. During the presentation, Kaling told the crowd that if a dog can solve crimes, then her Velma “can be brown,” according to Deadline.

It will be nice to see this reimagined Velma and get more of her story. And while Scooby-Doo was appropriate for kids, is Velma in the same boat?

Is Velma on HBO Max appropriate for kids?

If you’re hoping Velma will be a show to watch as a family, then that’s not going to be the case. The new series is part of HBO Max‘s adult animation programming. So be sure to watch the show when the kids aren’t around!

The animated comedy will give us the origin story of Velma Dinkley, the “unsung and under-appreciated brains” of the gang we all know and love, per the synopsis. We know the series is not marketed for kids since it’s billed as an adult animated comedy. Plus, the trailer features talk of murder, drinking, and drugs.

And just by the image from the Upfronts below, you can already tell the show will be mature-themed, including the mysteries it’s trying to solve. In the photo, a victim appears to have died due to the top of her head being sliced off!

The story about the brains of the Scooby-Doo gang is set to premiere Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 on HBO Max with the first two episodes, according to TVLine. Another duo will then drop each week until the finale on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. There are a total of 10 episodes.

Velma premieres Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 on HBO Max.