Watson: Everything we know About this Modern Twist on Sherlock Holmes

The highly anticipated CBS series Watson has unveiled its first official trailer, promising an intriguing reimagining of the classic Sherlock Holmes universe. This new drama takes a bold turn, shifting the focus to Dr. John Watson as he tackles medical mysteries in the wake of Sherlock’s absence. 

The trailer teases high-stakes cases, emotionally charged moments, and a fresh perspective on the legendary stories, making it clear that this is not your typical Holmes-and-Watson tale.

Building on CBS’s strong lineup for 2024-2025, Watson has already created a buzz, debuting at MIPCOM in Cannes, where audiences praised its innovative approach. Morris Chestnut steps into the spotlight as Watson, delivering a performance that blends intelligence, empathy, and determination.

Curious about what else Watson has in store? From casting details to its creative team and what makes this adaptation stand out, we have all the exciting details. Stay tuned as we continue to update with the latest information, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of this must-watch drama!

Release date & Where to Watch

The Watson series is set to premiere on CBS on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, following the AFC Championship Game. Viewers can also stream the debut episode on Paramount+. Starting Sunday, Feb. 16, 2024, the show will air in its regular time slot.

Currently, CBS has scheduled Watson for a 10 pm ET premiere, but this timing may shift depending on the length of the game.

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What is the plot of Watson?

Watson is set six months after the tragic death of Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty. The series follows Dr. John Watson, who shifts his focus from crime-solving to medicine by running a clinic specializing in rare and complex disorders. However, his connection to his former life remains unbroken, as Moriarty's shadow looms large, setting the stage for a gripping new chapter in this iconic story. 

Combining medical drama with investigative elements, Watson reimagines the best friend of one of literature's greatest detectives through a modern lens, with Watson now solving medical mysteries instead of crimes.

Who’s Starring in Watson?

• Morris Chestnut (The Best Man, Diarra from Detroit) as Dr. John Watson 
• Eve Harlow (The Night Agent) as Dr. Ingrid Derian
• Peter Mark Kendall (Kaleidoscope) as Stephens Croft and Adam Croft
• Ritchie Coster (Tulsa King) as Shinwell Johnson
• Inga Schlingmann (So Help Me Todd) as Dr. Sasha Lubbock
• Rochelle Aytes (S.W.A.T.) as Mary Morstan
• Tommy O'Brien as Zach
• Bethany Brown as Devin Chaplin
• Danny Mac as Nurse Beck
• Shannon Berry as Autumn
• Lesley Mirza as Prenatal Nurse
• Jean Zarzour as Erika's Mother
• Alessandro Pekin as Swiss ER Doctor
• Anita Alfke as Young Swiss Doctor
• Julia Koon as Swiss attending physician
• Lauren Akemi Bradley as Karine Tanner
• Camila Canó-Flaviá as Dana
• Ciara Mandel as Liza Tanner
• Arash Ghorbani as Square Jaw
• Beatrice Schneider as Young Gigi
• Kiera Allen as Gigi

Is There a Trailer for Watson?

The trailer for Watson introduces a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe, centered on Dr. John Watson in a world where Sherlock has already died. Following the loss of his iconic detective partner, Watson opens a clinic and recruits a team of top doctors, approaching medical cases with the precision of a detective.

The trailer hints at complex medical mysteries and high-stakes emergencies while delving into Watson's past, including his unresolved trauma from Sherlock's death at the hands of Moriarty. It teases emotional depth and intriguing mysteries, promising a compelling blend of medical drama and crime-solving reminiscent of House but uniquely rooted in the Holmes mythology.

Check out the first look of the show released previously below.

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When & Where did Watson film?

Filming for Watson began in Vancouver in June 2024, utilizing notable locations such as The Bridge Studios and the University of British Columbia campus. The series is set in Pittsburgh, where some exterior shots were also captured. The production was set to wrap on Nov. 22, 2024.

Behind the Scenes

Watson was created by Craig Sweeny, who previously served as a writer and executive producer for Elementary, another modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes. His extensive credits also include producing roles on The 4400, Medium, and Limitless, as well as consulting producer work on Star Trek: Discovery. Sweeny not only wrote the first episode of Watson but also serves as the showrunner and executive producer.

The series also benefits from the involvement of Larry Teng, who directed the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer. Teng, known for directing several episodes of Elementary, brings his expertise in the Sherlock Holmes universe to this fresh reimagining. 

Additional executive producers include Morris Chestnut, who also stars in the leading role, Sallie Patrick, and Dr. Shäron Moalem. Produced by CBS Studios, Watson is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.