10/10 Detective Shows Are Rare, But This 7-Part Series Is Perfect From Start To Finish

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Detective shows are consistently popular, but it’s unusual to find one that’s truly excellent throughout. However, a recent seven-part series comes very close to achieving that. It’s among the best television shows ever made, and like many great detective stories, it’s based on the timeless adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Sherlock Holmes has had a huge influence on detective shows, with many popular series either based directly on his adventures or clearly inspired by them. Recently, the most successful adaptations have updated Holmes and his world for a modern audience, giving a fresh take on the classic character – and one series in particular stands out as exceptionally well-made from beginning to end.

Elementary Is Police Procedural Done Right

The TV show Elementary first aired on CBS in 2012. Created by Robert Doherty, it’s a contemporary take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, updated for a modern setting and featuring some character and plot changes. The show centers around Holmes, played by Jonny Lee Miller, who has recovered from substance abuse issues after a fall from grace in London.

I was thrilled to hear Holmes was back on the case, moving to New York City to consult for the NYPD! But there was a catch – his dad insisted he have a sober companion. That’s how we met Dr. Joan Watson, played by Lucy Liu. She was a fantastic surgeon who’d fallen on hard times, but quickly became so much more than just a supervisor – a friend, someone I could teach, and eventually, my partner in solving crimes.

Unlike many recent Sherlock Holmes updates, Elementary distinguished itself by structuring each episode like a standard police investigation. This format allowed the show to explore its characters and cases in greater detail over a longer run, resulting in a consistently high-quality series with well-developed characters, a realistic feel, and compelling mysteries.

How Elementary’s Sherlock Holmes Was Different From Other Versions

Beyond simply being set in the present day, Elementary differs from other Sherlock Holmes adaptations in important ways. Notably, the show reimagined Holmes’s companion, Watson, as a woman with a troubled past – she left her career as a surgeon after a difficult loss and was dealing with her own personal trauma.

Unlike many portrayals of Sherlock Holmes that emphasize his brilliance to the exclusion of everything else, the show Elementary presented a more relatable and human character. It delved into Holmes’ personal battles – his recovery, past trauma, and failures – which not only made him more complex but also strengthened the connection between him and Watson.

Unlike some Sherlock Holmes adaptations, particularly the BBC’s Sherlock, Elementary spent significant time developing its characters. Both Holmes and Watson dealt with their own personal issues and past traumas, growing as individuals and through their relationship with each other.

The show Elementary follows a case-of-the-week format, which allows for thorough development of each mystery. This keeps viewers engaged, letting them follow the clues and eagerly anticipate what happens next, ultimately creating a well-paced and easy-to-follow story.

Is Elementary The Best Contemporary Sherlock Adaptation?

The biggest rival to the show Elementary was the BBC’s Sherlock, another modern take on the classic detective stories. While whether Elementary is better than Sherlock is a matter of personal preference, Elementary generally receives more positive reviews and is often considered the stronger show.

While the BBC’s Sherlock is known for its stunning visuals and strong acting, Elementary was generally more well-rounded. It had a more consistent story, better writing, and more developed characters, and the plot moved at a better speed. A key difference was the relationship between Holmes and Watson: Elementary treated them as partners, whereas Sherlock often portrayed Watson as simply a helper.

Whether “Elementary” is the best modern take on Sherlock Holmes is a matter of opinion, but it’s a consistently strong show with a lot to offer, and remains engaging throughout its entire run.

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2026-02-27 19:18