Key Takeaways
- Sherlock Holmes’ Influence: The character has inspired numerous adaptations and original series.
- Modern Adaptations: Recent shows reinvent Holmes for diverse audiences, from supernatural twists to gender-swapped leads.
- Cultural Impact: Series like Sherlock and Elementary have significantly shaped the portrayal of Holmes in popular culture.
- Diverse Perspectives: Each adaptation offers a unique take on the detective’s legacy, appealing to both purists and newcomers.
We already know that Sherlock Holmes is the most portrayed literary character on screen, but it’s not just about adapting Sherlock for television or film; many mystery shows are inspired by the world’s greatest detective. And while we love adaptations and variations, it’s always the best when artists tap into the source material for new inspiration.
The 21st century has been particularly kind to the master detective because he’s been the lead of many series: from prestige BBC dramas and network procedurals to Japanese adaptations and supernatural twists. Modern television has reinvented Holmes for every possible audience, turning the character into a cultural phenomenon and gaining devoted cult followings across the globe. Here is every modern Sherlock Holmes TV show.
7
‘The Irregulars’ (2021)
The Irregulars is a show you’ve likely not heard of because it was cancelled almost as soon as it landed on streaming, having no chance of ever getting traction. It’s loosely related to Sherlock Holmes because it follows the characters from Arthur Conan Doyle‘s stories who assist Sherlock rather than himself. The Baker Street Irregulars are usually orphans living in the streets who serve as Sherlock’s eyes and ears across London; there are variations of the Irregulars across adaptations, with even the most recent series, Young Sherlock, paying homage to them. However, a show about them alone wasn’t enough to win over wider audiences.
The Irregulars is set in Victorian London and has a supernatural twist; it shifts focus from Sherlock himself to a gang of street kids who take direct instructions from Dr. Watson while Sherlock Holmes remains drug-addled and reclusive. The Irregulars are tasked with investigating occult crimes that threaten the city, reimagining them as the true heroes, with Sherlock appearing as a broken, secondary figure hiding in the shadows. While the show has supporters who appreciate the supernatural twist, it ranks last among modern adaptations for failing to satisfy either Holmes purists or newcomers looking for a reliable entry point into that whole universe.
6
‘Miss Sherlock’ (2018)
Japanese adaptations of Western shows are rare, but adapting Sherlock was expected in some way; the detective is the most famous literary character within the mystery/crime genre, and any show or film that wants to go along the same lines will undoubtedly look and feel like Sherlock. Yuko Takeuchi stars as the first female version of Sherlock Holmes, and she delivers a memorable performance as the eccentric detective, bringing a distinct energy and warmth to the role. The show has eight episodes, and it’s unsure whether there were meant to be more since Takeuchi died in 2020.
Miss Sherlock is set in modern-day Tokyo and flips the classic dynamic of Sherlock and Watson by introducing Sara Shelly “Sherlock” Futaba (Takeuchi), an eccentric police consultant whose deductive abilities make her the go-to investigator for impossible cases. She works on cases with her roommate, Dr. Wato Tachibana (Shihori Kanjiya), who, in the series, returns from her volunteer doctor’s work in Syria. Each episode presents a mystery that tests the growing bond between the two women while cleverly solving cases in a stylish and glamorous series. For those seeking a fresh cultural perspective on Holmes, Miss Sherlock is a genuine gem.
5
‘Watson’ (2025–Present)
If you genuinely missed network versions of a Sherlock Holmes story, well, it seems so did CBS, because the same team that created Elementary has also decided to create the series called <em>Watson</em>, starring Morris Chestnut as Dr. John Watson. It’s essentially a medical procedural first and a Holmes adaptation second, leaning more toward House than Elementary. Watson becomes the protagonist, following the events of Doyle’s short story The Final Problem, which was meant to be Sherlock’s last (until Doyle was convinced to revive him and write more). In The Final Problem, Sherlock apparently dies at the Reichenbach Falls together with his nemesis, James Moriarty.
Watson is set six months after Sherlock Holmes’ apparent death and follows Dr. John Watson (Chestnut) returning to medicine by opening a clinic in Pittsburgh dedicated to treating patients with rare and undiagnosed disorders. Surrounded by a team of young specialists, including a neurologist who suspects she’s a sociopath and identical twins who are infectious disease experts, Watson investigates medical mysteries while getting evidence that Sherlock (Robert Carlyle) and Moriarty (Randall Park) may still be around. Watson is great, particularly when it focuses on its characters, and Morris Chestnut is greatly enjoyable. Watson has a 50% Rotten Tomatoes score, but its second season is currently airing on CBS.
4
‘Sherlock & Daughter’ (2025–Present)
This adaptation introduces an intriguing twist by featuring Sherlock Holmes with a long-lost daughter—a concept that refreshes traditional narratives while maintaining familiarity. WithDavids Thewlis’ portrayal of Sherlock being particularly noteworthy, he brings depth to this iconic character while showcasing his chemistry with his daughter played byBlu Hunt.. Set against a backdrop of Victorian London in 1896,Sherlock & Daughter witnesses Amelia Rojas arriving at Baker Street claiming her lineage while assisting her father in unraveling complex mysteries involving crime syndicates.
This adaptation introduces an intriguing twist by featuring Sherlock Holmes with a long-lost daughter—a concept that refreshes traditional narratives while maintaining familiarity. WithDavids Thewlis’ portrayal of Sherlock being particularly noteworthy, he brings depth to this iconic character while showcasing his chemistry with his daughter played byBlu Hunt.. Set against a backdrop of Victorian London in 1896,Sherlock & Daughter witnesses Amelia Rojas arriving at Baker Street claiming her lineage while assisting her father in unraveling complex mysteries involving crime syndicates.
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