On January 26, 2025, CBS debuted its eagerly awaited series 'Watson,' featuring Morris Chestnut as Dr. John Watson, the devoted companion of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Set six months after Holmes' supposed death at the hands of his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty, the show follows Watson as he strives to rebuild his life and career. The series stands out by placing Watson, rather than Holmes, at the forefront of the narrative, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the beloved detective mythology.
With Holmes gone and the shadow of Moriarty looming large, Watson has opened the Holmes Clinic, specializing in the treatment of rare disorders, attracting a diverse team of doctors to assist him. These include Dr. Sasha Lubbock, portrayed by the talented lnga Schlingmann, and twin doctors Dr. Stephens and Dr. Adam Croft, played by Peter Mark Kendall. Each character adds depth to the narrative, presenting unique talents and personal challenges. Watson's team dynamic presents both the comedic and the serious, as they blend medical jargon with detective work, coining themselves “doctectives.”
“We’re not just a straight-line medical drama, and we’re not just a detective series,” Chestnut shared during an interview with Collider. “For me, I was on ‘The Resident,’ but here, we go outside. We’re gathering clues and information and visiting the scene of the crime to solve the mystery.” This reimagining of the Watson character allows for an exploration of emotional depth, as the doctor deals with grief, memory issues resulting from trauma, and the persistent fear of Moriarty’s return.
According to critics, 'Watson' attempts to merge two complex genres, but struggles with tonal consistency. A review from Collider expressed concerns over the show’s coherence, commenting, “While the premiere hasn’t had the worst reception, there is uncertainty about how showrunner Craig Sweeney plans to effectively juggle medical drama, psychological thriller, and character-driven mystery.” Still, fans of the Sherlock Holmes franchise have welcomed the chance to see Watson on his own, tackling mysteries without his more famous counterpart.
Throughout the initial episodes, Watson's ability to solve cases appears compromised due to his memory loss and the psychological burden of living without Holmes. Chestnut’s portrayal reveals Watson as deeply flawed yet determined, exploring themes of identity and resilience. The show also draws attention to Watson’s difficult relationships, such as his connection with his ex-wife Mary (played by Rochelle Aytes), which adds emotional stakes to his character development.
“When we don’t see the body [of Sherlock], you have to wonder what’s going on,” Chestnut hinted, capturing the essence of suspense embedded within the series. The presence of Moriarty, played by Randall Park, amplifies this tension and underlines the uncertainty of Watson's circumstances. Moriarty serves as not only the physical antagonist but also as the psychological embodiment of Watson's internal struggles.
Reviews have mentioned the unique cases Watson encounters, which range from the oddly compelling to strange medical mysteries, and the nature of these plots becomes pivotal to the show. The integration of real science with investigative drama raises the stakes, compelling viewers to ponder alongside Watson and his team. “Craig Sweeny, our creator and showrunner, has to be one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met,” Chestnut added, recognizing the challenges of blending medical and detective genres.
Despite critics’ reservations, the ensemble cast has received praise for their performances, contributing to the narrative's lively and engaging atmosphere. Each character’s background informs their role within the team, with each doctor facing their personal endeavors alongside their professional duties—especially the twins, who bring both humor and warmth.
Through the lenses of the gripping task of healing others and solving crimes, the doctor’s struggle to reclaim his identity after the loss of Holmes becomes the series’ heartbeat. “I was excited when they reached out,” Chestnut noted on stepping up to play such an iconic character. “Being part of the mythology, and the script was really, really cool.”
Overall, 'Watson' stands as both tribute and transformation of the traditional detective narrative, asking viewers to reconsider the legacy of Holmes through the lens of his once steadfast companion. Airing weekly on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+, the show invites audiences to unravel the mysteries of life after loss with John Watson—now leading the charge against both medical anomalies and sinister plots.