Last Updated on August 6, 2026
CBS has taken a fresh approach to the Sherlock Holmes mythos with Watson, a new series that shifts the focus from the legendary detective to his faithful companion, Dr. John Watson.
Starring Morris Chestnut in the titular role, the show presents Watson as a leading figure in his own right, navigating a post-Sherlock world while tackling complex medical cases at a cutting-edge clinic.
Blending elements of medical drama with detective work, Watson attempts to carve out a unique identity in the crowded television landscape. But does it succeed?
A Sherlock Story Without Sherlock
The series begins with a shocking event: the apparent death of Sherlock Holmes during a confrontation with his arch-nemesis, Moriarty, at Reichenbach Falls.
Unlike most adaptations that focus on Holmes’ miraculous return, Watson explores what happens when the famed detective does not come back—at least not immediately.
A skilled doctor and former military man, he decides to move forward by re-entering the medical field and establishing the Holmes Clinic in Pittsburgh.
The clinic specializes in unusual, hard-to-diagnose cases, making it a fitting setting for a series that still thrives on mystery and deduction.
As you can guess, each episode focuses on one impossible-to-diagnose case that puzzles everybody until Watson comes up with a brilliant solution.
Watson Cast and Characters
Morris Chestnut is no stranger to medical drama, having already played Dr. Beaumont Rosewood in Rosewood, which I really enjoyed.
This, though, is a step up in terms of production and slickness, and he does deliver a compelling performance as Dr. John Watson.
The character is both emotionally wounded and intellectually driven, and his transition from crime-solving partner to head of a medical institution is a fascinating evolution.
We’ve seen a lot of ‘Watsons’ over the years, but few ever offered a version that is more independent,t and none ever really stepped outside of Holmes’ orbit.
So, in that respect, it’s definitely a fresh take. However, it’s still a medical drama, and we’ve seen plenty of those before
The supporting cast includes:
Eve Harlow as Ingrid Derian – A neurologist with a sharp mind and a sharper tongue.
Peter Mark Kendall as Dr. Stephens and Adam Croft – Twin infectious disease specialists who provide both medical expertise and comic relief.
Inga Schlingmann as Sasha Lubbock – An immunologist with a no-nonsense attitude.
Ritchie Coster as Shinwell Johnson – An administrative aide with a mysterious past, adding an element of intrigue.
Rochelle Aytes as Mary Morstan – His estranged wife, who also serves as the clinic’s medical director, creating built-in tension and drama.
Randall Park as Moriarty – Though presumed dead, hints suggest that Moriarty’s influence is far from over, providing an overarching mystery that ties into Watson’s journey.
The Medical Mystery Angle
One of the show’s biggest departures from traditional Holmesian storytelling is its emphasis on medical mystery rather than crime-solving.
While the Doc still uses deductive reasoning, he applies it to diagnosing rare conditions rather than tracking criminals.
This shift brings the series into the realm of medical procedurals like House M.D. and The Good Doctor but with an added dose of suspense tied to Watson’s past.
Each episode follows a familiar structure: a patient arrives with symptoms no other doctor can explain, forcing him and his team to piece together the clues and uncover the root cause.
The writers attempt to balance these standalone medical cases with the larger, serialized narrative surrounding Watson’s emotional struggles and the lingering question of whether Holmes and Moriarty are truly gone.
Strengths of the Show
Chestnut brings gravitas and charm to Watson, making the character feel fresh while respecting the legacy of past interpretations.
His character is resourceful, empathetic, and intelligent, proving he is more than just Holmes’ sidekick.
The fusion of medical drama and detective storytelling allows Watson to stand out from traditional Sherlock adaptations.
Instead of solving crimes, he now solves complex medical puzzles, giving the show a unique twist.
Watson has long been portrayed as the loyal companion rather than the protagonist. By shifting the focus to his journey, it allows for a deeper exploration of his character, his trauma, and his growth.
And while some characters are more developed than others, the diverse cast adds layers to the show.
The tension between Watson and his estranged wife, Mary, provides emotional stakes, while characters like Shinwell Johnson introduce the potential for unexpected twists.
The Weaknesses
While the show is explicitly about Watson, the absence of Sherlock Holmes may disappoint longtime fans of the detective.
Some viewers may struggle with a Holmes-inspired show that does not prominently feature Holmes himself.
At times, the show struggles to balance its medical cases with its overarching mystery. Some episodes lean too heavily on procedural elements, making the serialized aspects feel underdeveloped.
Then we have the hints at Moriarty’s possible survival but there’s nothing yet to fully commit to this thread.
While this mystery adds intrigue, it may frustrate audiences who expect more direct engagement with classic Holmesian villains.
And, to be fair, the show is still in its infancy, so there’s plenty of scope to expand on Moriarty over the course of the full season.
Do We Like It?
Watson has received mixed to positive reviews from critics and viewers alike.
I get Morris Chestnut’s portrayal of Watson and the show’s attempt to do something new with the Sherlock Holmes mythos.
However, it somehow has a foot in the two worlds of crime-solving and medical drama without committing to either.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, after all, why does it have to be one or the other? Why can’t it be both?
What I will say is that those who complain about the absence of Holmes have missed the point entirely.
This is not a Sherlock Holmes show; it’s a John Watson show. If you want Holmes, I suggest you re-watch Elementary, which should fix the problem.
The Future of Watson
CBS has yet to announce whether Watson will receive a second season, but its success will likely depend on how well it maintains viewership.
Unlike High Potential, which is a mega-hit for ABC and has already received an early renewal, if Watson can deliver satisfying long-term character arcs, it has the potential to grow into a solid procedural drama.
If you enjoy medical mysteries and detective fiction, this show offers an interesting blend of both.
It’s not a traditional Sherlock Holmes adaptation, but it provides a fresh perspective on a beloved character.
Morris Chestnut’s performance alone makes it worth watching, though the show has room to refine its storytelling.
