CBS Premieres New Medical Drama 'Watson' Inspired by Sherlock Holmes
CBS has introduced a new Sherlock Holmes-inspired medical drama, Watson, which premiered on January 26, 2025, following the AFC Championship Game. The series, created by Craig Sweeny, shifts the focus from the famed detective to his loyal sidekick, Dr. John Watson, played by Morris Chestnut. The show is set months after Sherlock Holmes’ apparent death at the hands of Moriarty, with Watson returning to his medical roots as the head of a clinic specializing in rare disorders in Pittsburgh.
The premiere episode, titled “Pilot,” opens with Watson and Holmes in a dramatic chase that ends with both men, along with Moriarty, plunging over a waterfall. Watson survives with a traumatic brain injury and is informed by Shinwell Johnson (Ritchie Coster) that Holmes did not make it. Using funds left by Holmes, Watson establishes a cutting-edge clinic, where he is joined by a team of doctors, including Dr. Mary Morse (Rochelle Aytes), his ex-wife and the clinic’s medical director.
The episode centers on Watson’s first case: a pregnant woman named Erica, who suffers from fatal familial insomnia. Watson and his team diagnose her with a rare genetic disorder, but complications arise when her cousin, Autumn, exhibits similar symptoms. The team eventually discovers that both women share a biotinidase deficiency, which is treatable with supplements. However, Erica’s condition worsens, requiring emergency surgery performed by Mary. The episode concludes with Watson retrieving his belongings from Mary’s home, hinting at unresolved tensions between them.
In a surprising twist, Shinwell encounters Moriarty (Randall Park) on a Pittsburgh funicular, revealing that Moriarty is alive and monitoring Watson. The premiere sets the stage for a blend of medical mysteries and the lingering shadow of Sherlock Holmes’ legacy, with Moriarty poised as a formidable adversary.
The show has drawn comparisons to House and other medical procedurals, with critics noting its mix of medical drama and Sherlockian intrigue. While the pilot introduces a strong cast and intriguing premise, some viewers found the pacing uneven and the medical jargon overwhelming. However, the unexpected appearance of Randall Park as Moriarty has sparked curiosity about the show’s future direction.
Watson will settle into its regular time slot on Sundays at 9/8c starting February 16, 2025.
‘Watson’ Cast & Character Descriptions: Meet the 6 Stars of CBS’ New TV Show, Including an ‘FBI’ Actress!
See the cast list!
www.justjared.com
‘Watson’ Review: CBS’ Sherlock-Inspired Medical Drama Is Definitely No ‘House’
Morris Chestnut stars as the famed detective's sidekick, who's grieving the apparent death of his mentor while running a Pittsburgh clinic specializin
www.hollywoodreporter.com
Watson Premiere Recap: Did You Miss Sherlock Holmes in CBS’ Medical-Drama-With-a-Twist?
'Watson' Season 1 premiere recap: Find out what happens in Episode 1 of CBS' Sherlock Holmes-related drama starring Morris Chestnut.
tvline.com
Morris Chestnut Keeps CBS’ Unsteady Sherlock Holmes Medical Mystery ‘Watson’ Afloat: TV Review
In CBS' new medical mystery drama, Morris Chestnut leads a team of capable doctors who don't need to be stuck in Sherlock Holmes' mythology.
variety.com
‘Watson’ Creator On Premiere Twist & Moriarty Casting Reveal, Sherlock Easter Eggs & ‘House’ Comparisons
CBS revisits the world of Sherlock Holmes with Watson. Showrunner Craig Sweeny discusses how Sherlock is killed off, Randall Park as Moriarty & more.
deadline.com
Watson Series Premiere Features Randall Park's Casting as James Moriarty
Morris Chestnut teased to Us Weekly about how the surprise introduction of James Moriarty on the 'Watson' series premiere will continue to play out
www.usmagazine.com
Watch Watson Season 1 Episode 1: Pilot - Full show on CBS
Morris Chestnut stars as Dr. John Watson, who resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders six months after
www.cbs.com
The 10 Best Marvel Shows of All Time, Ranked
Daredevil, Ms. Marvel, and Loki are among the best Marvel and MCU shows of all time.
collider.com