5 Must-Watch Detective Shows for Sherlock Fans (Since 2020)

by

It’s been eight years since Sherlock finished its run, and many fans still miss it. This modern take on the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle detective is considered one of the best versions of the character. Although there have been many other adaptations, few have captured the same magic as Sherlock, thanks to its compelling, brilliant, and somewhat arrogant lead, its innovative style, and its exciting crime stories. Luckily, the past few years have brought some new detective shows that fans of Sherlock might also enjoy.

If you enjoy shows like Sherlock, you’ll find plenty of options, from lighthearted mysteries to intense true crime dramas. This genre is consistently popular, with many series featuring clever detectives and captivating cases full of surprises. While some shows closely follow the classic Sherlock Holmes formula, others offer a fresh take on familiar themes and characters that have made the original so enduring. Whether it’s a streaming sensation or a network procedural like High Potential, here are five fantastic series that Sherlock fans will likely enjoy.

Dept. Q Has Its Own Arrogant Ace Detective

The series Dept. Q is based on the popular Danish books by Jussi Adler-Olsen. It follows Carl Morck, a highly skilled but somewhat conceited detective who returns to the force after a difficult case. He’s put in charge of a new department that investigates unsolved, cold cases, and quickly focuses on the mysterious disappearance of a promising young prosecutor. The show has been well-received for its compelling stories and excellent acting.

As a big fan of detective shows, I’ve noticed the lead in Dept. Q, Carl Morck, reminds me a lot of Sherlock Holmes – he’s brilliant at spotting things others don’t, and he definitely enjoys proving he’s the smartest one in the room. But Morck is a more complex character, juggling things like being a stepfather and his own personal struggles with mental health. This season is different from a typical procedural; instead of a new case each week, it focuses on one long, gripping mystery – the disappearance of Merritt Lingard. It’s a really dark and captivating story, and I think anyone who loves Sherlock will be hooked right away.

High Potential Puts a Refreshing Spin on the Genius Archetype

High Potential centers around Morgan Gillory, a cleaning professional who unexpectedly begins consulting for the LAPD after assisting them with a challenging murder investigation. The show follows Morgan as she navigates her new role, often clashing with her by-the-book partner, Detective Adam Karadec, all while managing the responsibilities of being a single mother. It quickly became a hit upon its debut and is now in its second season.

Although High Potential follows many of the conventions of police dramas, viewers enjoy its fresh approach to the brilliant detective character. Like Sherlock Holmes, Morgan is skilled at solving crimes in unique ways, but she’s also emotionally aware and has a relatable family life – qualities often missing in famous genius characters. Combined with Kaitlin Olson’s compelling performance, Morgan is a detective worth checking out, and her unusual perspective will particularly appeal to Sherlock fans.

Lockwood & Co. Shares a Familiar Setup With Sherlock

Inspired by Jonathan Stroud’s book series, Lockwood & Co. takes place in a London haunted by dangerous ghosts—ghosts that only teenagers can see. After a difficult experience back home, teen psychic Lucy Carlyle moves to the city and teams up with the tiny ghost-hunting agency run by Anthony Lockwood and George Karim. The show has been a hit with both critics and viewers, who have especially appreciated its clever writing and the performances of its young stars.

The world of Lockwood & Co. feels a lot like Sherlock Holmes, with Lucy, Lockwood, and George operating from Lockwood’s house in London and constantly stumbling into larger cases. Author Jonathan Stroud even confirmed that Sherlock Holmes was a key inspiration, as he shared in a 2015 Guardian article. However, the series also boasts distinct characters and a supernatural twist that sets it apart from other mysteries.

Poker Face Takes a Different Approach to Its Murder Mysteries

I’m completely hooked on Poker Face! It’s about this woman, Charlie, who has this incredible ability to tell when someone is lying. After a tough situation forces her to hit the road, she ends up traveling all over the country, picking up temporary jobs, and constantly finding herself in the middle of murder mysteries. She’s brilliant at figuring out who did it, and it’s so much fun to watch. Everyone’s eagerly awaiting news about season three, but even now, the show has earned so much praise – mostly for how lovable Charlie is and how cleverly it puts a fresh spin on those ‘case-of-the-week’ shows.

Unlike Sherlock, Poker Face shows how a crime happened right from the start, then follows Charlie as she solves it. This is different from typical mystery shows where you try to guess the culprit. It’s perfect for Sherlock fans who like seeing the detective’s thought process without the challenge of solving the mystery themselves. Plus, Charlie is a unique main character – she’s a down-to-earth person who still believes in the good in people, even after witnessing so much negativity.

The Residence Balances Quirky Comedy With Razor-Sharp Wit

Okay, so I recently stumbled upon this show called The Residence, and it’s based on a book called The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House. Basically, it’s a whodunit that unfolds during a fancy state dinner at the White House. The main character, Cordelia Cupp, is a detective who also really loves birdwatching – talk about a unique skill set! She’s brought in to solve the case, and it’s not just about the crime; she has to deal with all the political stuff and the drama between the White House staff. It’s a shame it only lasted one season, because it was genuinely funny and Cordelia was such a charming, offbeat character. I really enjoyed its satirical take on things.

I’m completely captivated by Cordelia Cupp. She’s incredibly smart, and while she knows it, she walks this interesting line where it doesn’t come off as pure arrogance. She’s not afraid to challenge people, and honestly, she usually is the smartest one there! I think her intelligence is right up there with Sherlock Holmes’, but she approaches problems in a totally different way, which makes her so compelling to watch. Even though we only got one season with her, I was hooked! Plus, if you’re a Sherlock fan, you’ll probably love how quickly the show moves and how the story jumps around – it really keeps you guessing.

Read More

2025-11-13 22:16