Although BBC’sSherlockis still missed, there are still plenty of other brilliant TV shows that can fill the gap. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes is one of thebest TV detectives ever, as well as one of the strongest interpretations of the legendary fictional character.Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock novels, which are about the extremely intelligent and blunt London detective, have received several direct and indirect adaptations over the years.
However, the BBC’s version is absolutely one ofthe best TV shows of all time. Even in 2024, the iconic figure is still returning to screens in different forms, and many Sherlock Holmes movies and TV shows are currently in development. While it’s tempting to just stick with Holmes and Watson, many other TV shows are just as compelling and intriguing that rivalSherlock. Crime dramas can vary in terms of format, characters, and stories, butmultiple TV shows have a similar atmosphere toSherlock.
Every Sherlock Holmes Movie & TV Show In Development
Several upcoming movies and TV show adaptations of the Sherlock Holmes novels will take different approaches and put new spins on the same story.
Elementaryis a fascinating interpretation of Sherlock Holmes' world. It takes place in modern-day New York and follows a unique incarnation of the titular character. Jonny Lee Miller’s portrayal of the detective is brilliant and vulnerable, but he has a more relatable edge regarding the character’s addictions. Of course,the most obvious difference betweenElementaryandSherlockis the characterization of Watson—instead, John is named Joan, who is played by the legendary actress Lucy Liu. There’s even room to argue thatElementaryis better than BBC’sSherlock.
While some factors ofElementarymake it worthy of being one of the best crime procedural TV shows, the character arcs and gripping cases prove it to be so much more.
The relationship between Holmes and Watson is similar to other adaptations, butbecause of the difference in their genders, it offers a refreshing take on the pairing.Both Miller and Liu are praised consistently for their efforts inElementary, with the two providing profound and original performances as their respective characters. While some factors ofElementarymake it worthy of being one ofthe best crime procedural TV shows, the character arcs and gripping cases prove it to be so much more.
Idris Elba’s titular character inLutheris the main reason why the show is such a roaring success.The incredibly enthralling show runs for five seasons and ends with the 2023 Netflix movieLuther: The Fallen Sun, which wraps up DCI John Luther’s story fantastically.Lutherfrequently receives praise for its powerful yet brutal storylines, which helped the show gain traction all over the world and several accolades. There is also hope for asequel toLuther: The Fallen Sun, but confirmation of the project is yet to be confirmed.
The fatigued and pessimistic lead character shares many similarities to Sherlock Holmes, although it is arguable that Luther lets his past traumas impact him significantly more.Luther’s harrowing history is an integral part of his character, and like inSherlock, these memories come back to haunthim time and time again. However, the most important difference between the two protagonists is that John Luther has a strong moral compass, whereas whims and his own opinions very much power Sherlock Holmes’ decision-making process.
Broadchurchis agreat TV show where no one can be trusted, even the lead detective.The show is driven by David Tennant’s DI Alec Hardy and Olivia Colman’s DS Ellie Miller, who make a great detective duo. Although neither Hardy nor Miller are detectives in the same way as Sherlock Holmes, their ability to tackle a profound and enigmatic crime investigation is like no other.
They both are remarkably professional, yet don’t hesitate to let emotions get in the way when it’s justified, which makes them that much better at their jobs.
Miller and Hardy genuinely care, a quality that Sherlock Holmes possesses but fails to demonstratein an empathetic or even socially acceptable way. In later seasons of the show, the pair grow and develop into better people together, which is comparable to Holmes and Watson. From season 1 to season 3, Hardy and Miller investigate some of the most heinous crimes to ever happen in the titular coastal town, both directly and indirectly. The show rocked the UK upon its initial release because of the gripping mystery which asked:Who killed Danny inBroadchurch?
Boschis a fabulous detective TV show based on a crime novel, and the writers Michael Connelly’s novel series justice. LAPD Detective Harry Bosch is played by Titus Welliver, who is stellar as the war veteran and mystery solver.Much like Sherlock Holmes, the titular character is dedicated to figuring out the truth,but he does so in a brash and abrupt way. Despite his rudeness, he is appreciated for his mind, his ability to consume facts so quickly, and how he can slip into the shoes of victims seamlessly.
All 9 Seasons Of Bosch & Bosch: Legacy Ranked Worst To Best
Bosch and Bosch: Legacy have both been remarkably consistent in terms of writing and acting, but some story lines still stand out from the rest.
Another comparison between Harry Bosch and Sherlock Holmes is that they both have a returning arch-nemesis that keeps them on their toes. While Sherlock Holmes has Jim Moriarty, Harry Bosch repeatedly faces serial killer Raynard Waits, who ensures that he is always watching over his shoulder. The show has become its legacy, much like Conan Doyle’s legendary character, withBocsh: Legacyand theupcoming Renée BallardBoschspinoff, a character who debuts in season 3 and is a popular figure in the Connelly novels.
The beautifully funny and critically acclaimedMonkfollows Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, a private investigator with obsessive-compulsive disorder who assists San Francisco’s law enforcement with their active cases. This premise is very similar to the setup ofSherlock, andmuch like Holmes himself, Monk’s oddities and quirky behavior often make him hard to work alongside.UnlikeSherlock,Monkheavily relies on humor, but this doesn’t take away from its story-of-the-week format and enigmatic plot lines.
Despite the show ending in 2009,Monkremains one of the best detective TV series on Netflix right now.The show’s timeless qualities have kept it relevant years after the finale, even returning forthe TV movieMr. Monk’s Last Casein 2023. What’s so engaging about the show, however, is how the titular character throws himself into his investigations, even though this often means he has to step out of his comfort zone.The best episodes ofMonkfamously see the PI face a new challenge, but without fail, he always finds a way to adapt to the situation.
The Blacklistmay have certain points in which it gets too convoluted, but it is still overalla great title that helps scratch theSherlockitch.James Spader’s Raymond Reddington has a fascinating backstory that is told through the power of flashbacks, and up untilThe Blacklist’s season 10 finale, the character becomes more and more easy to invest in.The true identity of Raymond Reddington inThe Blacklistis just as compelling as the help he provides to the FBI.
If Jim Moriarty became Sherlock Holmes after committing his crimes, he would be Raymond Reddington. His decision to offer assistance in the hunt for a deadly terrorist is unusual, butthe relationship Reddington forms with his counterpart John Watson, Elizabeth Keen, makes him appear more humane.Like Sherlock Holmes, the attention of viewers is grabbed by Raymond Reddington’s obscure and nonsensical actions, but they usually make sense by the end of the episode.
The Mentalistfocuses on Patrick Jane, who is portrayed by Simon Baker, a famous psychic who starts working for the California Bureau of Investigation to find the person responsible for the death of his wife and daughter. The identity of Red John inThe Mentalistis the driving force of the show’s first six seasons, but the mystery surrounding where he is hiding keeps audiences on edge with every episode. Robin Tunney’s Teresa Lisbon is the John Watson to Jane’s Sherlock Holmes. However,The Mentalistactually provides audiences with a Johnlock fix as the pair marry in season 7.
Both Sherlock Holmes and Patrick Jane take on a new investigation with each episode, but they are constantly plagued by a greater and more personal threat in their respective character and season arcs.There are quite a few similarities between Red John and Jim Moriarty, too, mainly their psychopathic tendencies and the ability to hide in plain sight.The Mentalistcastdoesn’t initially seem to be comparable to those inSherlock, but upon a closer look, there are overlapping details about the two TV shows.
It’s immediately clear from the pilot that Hugh Laurie’s Gregory House is Sherlock Holmes but as a doctor.The titular character’s ability to convey all the possible outcomes and solutions of a medical mystery and solve it is extremely impressive,especially as he does it within an episode. While House doesn’t investigate criminal activities, he does delve into the enigmas of healthcare while hiding his struggle with drugs, and he discusses them in such a way that it’s easy to forget thatHouseisn’t a crime show.
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House even has his own John Watson in the form of James Wilson.All 9 of the doctors in House’s teamoffer something new, but personalities like Allison Cameron force the grumpy genius to be kinder and more approachable, especially in more sensitive situations with vulnerable patients.Housecan almost be considered a contemporary Sherlock Holmes adaptation between the protagonist’s active addiction, brilliant mind, and lack of social skills, not to mention all the Easter-eggs.
The Devil’s Houris an incredibly dark psychological thriller, and one ofthe best detective TV shows on Amazon Primein recent years. It is led by Peter Capaldi’s Gideon Shepherd, an unhinged mass murderer, and Jessica Raine’s Lucy Chambers, a young woman who crosses paths with Shepherd in the search for the truth about her haunting visions.The Devil’s Hourcould easily be a Sherlock Holmes story, except set in an alternative universe in which John Watson works with Jim Moriartyto get a better understanding of the inner workings of the human mind.
The Devil’s Hourseason 2 will delve into the shocking fallout of the season 1 finale by further investigating just what the connection between the two main characters across multiple realities is.
The show’s success has resulted incritical acclaim because of its gritty and suspenseful nature, but the implementation of supernatural elements makes it even more engaging.The Devil’s Hourseason 2will delve into the shocking fallout of the season 1 finale by further investigating just what the connection between the two main characters across multiple realities is, as well as the fates of Chambers’ son and husband.
Hannibalmay not have been a critic favorite at first, but especially since its cancellation, the show has developed an incredibly dedicated fan base. The show focuses on Hugh Dancy as Will Graham, a criminal profiler who hunts serial killers by visualizing himself committing crimesto understand the criminal’s motives. He works alongside secret mass murderer and cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, and forms a fascinating bond.While there is a clear angel and devil in this pairing, their growing friendship threatens the titular character’s questto manipulate the FBI from within.
What’s such a breath of fresh air inHannibal’s comparison toSherlockis that the psychopath is genuinely intrigued by Graham’s ability to empathize with the criminals. However, Hannibal uses this and Graham’s fragile psyche to try to take advantage of him, warping the other man to follow in his footsteps. In some ways,Hannibalcan be considered as another Sherlock Holmes story, but in another timeline where he converts John Watson into a much more dark and dangerous protégé.
Sherlock
Cast
In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.
