Despite a wave of negative reviews from critics and fans, HBO Max has surprisingly renewed Mindy Kaling's "Velma," a spinoff of the beloved "Scooby-Doo" franchise, for a second season. The show's first season, which premiered in January, faced significant backlash for its reimagined characters, adult themes, and perceived heavy-handed cultural agenda. It currently holds a dismal 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a shockingly low 7% audience score, even ranking among IMDB's lowest-rated shows.

Critics slammed the show for its unfunny humor, awkward racial and sexual jokes, and lack of cohesion. Reviewers described it as "gross," "an empty shell of a farce," and weighed down by overdone humor. Even a relatively positive review acknowledged the show's struggle to function as a cohesive whole.

The renewal announcement, made by an HBO executive at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, has left many perplexed, including left-leaning entertainment sites. The AV Club questioned the decision given the show's unpopularity, dismissing those who criticized the non-white portrayal of classic characters as "chuds."

The show's extremely negative reception has even sparked conspiracy theories, with some suggesting that Kaling intentionally created a parody of what right-wingers perceive as left-wing comedy. Forbes contributor Paul Tassi explored this theory, highlighting the sheer magnitude of the show's negative reception.

The first season of "Velma" focuses on the titular character's origin story in high school, incorporating graphic violence and mature themes. Despite the overwhelming criticism, HBO Max seems undeterred, moving forward with a second season of the controversial series.