This Isn’t a Mystery: Mindy Kaling’s Velma Series Is Coming Soon

Find out when Mindy Kaling's Velma spin-off series, also starring Constance Wu, Sam Richardson and Glenn Howerton, will be premiering on HBO Max.

By Charlotte Walsh Dec 21, 2022 3:54 PMTags
Watch: 5 Holiday Movies That Get Us in the Spirit

This news will make you say, "Jinkies!"

Mindy Kaling's Velma series will premiere on Jan. 12, 2023, HBO Max announced Dec. 20. According to the streamer, the adult animated series will follow the origin story of beloved character Scooby-Doo character Velma Dinkley (Kaling) as she teams up with Mystery Gang members Daphne (Constance Wu), Shaggy (Sam Richardson) and Fred (Glenn Howerton) after a body is found in their high school.

"This original and humorous spin," the series' official logline reads, "Unmasks the complex and colorful past of one of America's most beloved mystery solvers."

Unfortunately, the beloved Great Dane himself won't be making an appearance in the show, Kaling and showrunner Charlie Grandy revealed at New York Comic-Con in October. This isn't the only change the series is making from the classic cartoon: several of the group members have been reimagined for the modern era, including Velma herself, who is now Indian. 

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2023 TV Premiere Dates

"Growing up I identified with Velma," Kaling said at the event, according to Deadline. "She was so cute but not traditionally hot .. with a questionable haircut. I feel so honored I get to do the voice…she's a truth teller, cutting through the bulls--t of life. When you are smart and under-appreciated. I hope people appreciate that."

HBOMax

And the Mystery Gang won't be the only characters who will be voiced by major celebrities: Big names like Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes, Weird Al Yankovic, Melissa Fumero, Nicole Byer, Shay Mitchell, Debby Ryan and Karl-Anthony Towns will also be starring in the series, among others.

Keep scrolling to find out when the rest of your favorite series will be returning to television. 

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The Artful Dodger (Hulu) - Nov. 29

The Artful Dodger explores the adult double life of Charles Dickens’ famous prince of thieves, Jack Dawkins aka The Artful Dodger, whose fast pickpocketing fingers have turned into the skilled hands of a surgeon.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center (NBC) - Nov. 29

Kelly Clarkson will host the live special with performances by Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Cher, David Foster, Liz Gillies, Darlene Love, Seth MacFarlane, Barry Manilow, Katharine McPhee, Keke Palmer, Carly Pearce and Manuel Turizo.

Paris in Love (Peacock) - Nov. 30

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Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie (Peacock) - Dec. 8

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1000-Lb Sisters (TLC) - Dec. 12

Tammy faces life in the real world when she is finally approved to go home after spending more than a year in rehab. This breakthrough means she’s ready for the next chapter but sadly, her husband Caleb doesn't get approved to leave with her. Learning to embrace her new body and life at home, Tammy also accomplishes some exciting milestones for the first time in over a decade like riding in the front seat of a car. Meanwhile, Amy’s marriage is turned upside down, which leads her to make the hardest decision of her life. Chris continues to work towards skin removal surgery, while Amanda and Misty embark on their own health journeys. 

Smothered (TLC) - Dec. 12

Smothered is back with new duos that are closer than ever. From synchronized hobby horsing and a mother and daughter who give each other “vagacials” these pairs do anything and everything together. With four new duos, including Smothered's very first mother-in-law and son-in-law, nothing is off limits and there’s no such thing as personal space! 

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy (Peacock) - Dec. 14

Real Housewives of New York City alums Kelly Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer and Kristen Taekman are going on a wild vacation this December (an exact premiere date has not yet been announced).

Where Was I (Netflix) - Dec. 19

Returning to Netflix for his fourth original comedy special, Trevor Noah shares his hilarious experiences from his recent travels around the world, ranging from foreign national anthems to varying cultural norms. 

Dr. Death (Peacock) - Dec. 21

Season two of Peacock's anthology series, starring Edgar Ramírez and Mandy Moore, tells the bone-chilling true story of Paolo Macchiarini, the Italian surgeon who was sentenced to multiple years in prison for harming his patients.

Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic (CBS) - Dec. 21

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E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2023 (NBC) - Dec. 27

E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2023 end of year retrospective will air on Wednesday, Dec 27 at 8 p.m. on NBC. The special is hosted by E! News Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight along with Carolina Bermudez and Courtney Lopez.   

The special will take an in-depth look at the year’s most memorable pop culture moments as well as the best in music, fashion, movies, entertainment and more along with a look ahead at what to expect in 2024. 

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