Sherlock Holmes Meets Dramatic Fate in CBS's 'Watson' Series Premiere

In the series premiere of CBS’s Watson, the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes meets a dramatic and uncertain fate. The episode opens with Dr. John Watson (played by Morris Chestnut) chasing Holmes and his arch-nemesis, Moriarty, at Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. A struggle ensues, and all three men plunge into the water, with Watson diving in after them. Moments later, they are swept over a waterfall. Watson is the only one who survives, waking up in a hospital bed with fragmented memories of the event. Shinwell Johnson (Ritchie Coster), a friend and administrator at Watson’s new clinic, informs him that Holmes and Moriarty did not survive the fall.

Six months later, Watson, funded by Holmes’ secret fortune, establishes a clinic in Pittsburgh specializing in genetics and rare diseases. Despite his new role, Watson remains haunted by the events at the waterfall, piecing together memories, such as noticing Moriarty’s fused fingers. The premiere ends with a shocking twist: Moriarty, played by Randall Park, is revealed to be alive and conspiring with Shinwell, who is secretly working against Watson under duress.

The series explores Watson’s struggle with a traumatic brain injury, his complicated relationship with his ex-wife Mary (Rochelle Aytes), and his efforts to uncover the truth behind Holmes’ death. Meanwhile, Moriarty’s sinister plans, involving DNA samples from Watson’s clinic, set the stage for a season-long mystery. The show blends medical drama with elements of suspense, as Watson navigates his grief, betrayal, and the lingering shadow of Sherlock Holmes. Watson airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

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