CBS's Watson; A Fresh Take on Sherlock Holmes' Universe
CBS’s new series Watson takes a bold step by reimagining the Sherlock Holmes universe, focusing on Dr. John Watson six months after the death of his legendary partner. Starring Morris Chestnut as the titular character, the show follows Watson as he returns to medicine, leading a clinic specializing in rare disorders in Pittsburgh. However, his past as Holmes’ confidant continues to haunt him, particularly with the reemergence of Moriarty, Holmes’ nemesis.
The series, which premiered on January 26, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET, blends medical drama with detective intrigue, as Watson and his team tackle perplexing medical cases while navigating personal and professional challenges. Chestnut, who also serves as an executive producer, brings a fresh take to the iconic character, portraying him as a compassionate yet haunted figure. The supporting cast includes Eve Harlow as Dr. Ingrid Derian, Inga Schlingmann as Dr. Sasha Lubbock, and Rochelle Aytes as Watson’s estranged wife, Dr. Mary Morstan.
While the show draws comparisons to House and other medical procedurals, it distinguishes itself by weaving in elements of the Sherlock Holmes mythology. Critics note that the series struggles to balance its medical mystery format with the weight of its Holmesian roots, but Chestnut’s performance and the show’s unique premise offer enough intrigue to keep viewers engaged. Whether Watson can carve out its own identity without Holmes remains to be seen, but it marks a significant milestone for Chestnut and a fresh chapter in the enduring legacy of Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters.
New CBS show 'Watson' explores life after Sherlock Holmes. Release date, how to watch.
Set six months after Sherlock Holmes' death, the new CBS series stars Morris Chestnut. When does it come out and how can you watch?
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Morris Chestnut stars as the famed detective's sidekick, who's grieving the apparent death of his mentor while running a Pittsburgh clinic specializin
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Sunday's top TV picks include 'Watson' and the NFL conference championships — see full schedule.
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New Sherlock Holmes TV show ditches the main character
A new modern day Sherlock Holmes TV series has many elements of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories — except the famed detective.
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