Sherlock & Elementary: 2 Modern Sherlock Holmes Adaptations Released At The Same Time

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Lots of detective shows are available on TV, but back in the early 2010s, viewers had a unique situation: two very similar detective series premiered around the same time. When you look at lists of the best TV shows ever made, you’ll often find detective dramas included, like different versions of Sherlock Holmes, such as Sherlock and Elementary.

Sherlock Holmes is arguably the most famous detective in literature, and he’s had a huge impact on the genre, inspiring countless other fictional detectives. For decades, his stories have been retold in many different forms, and recently, he’s enjoyed a resurgence on television with popular shows like Sherlock and Elementary, both of which premiered around the same time.

The BBC’s Sherlock & CBS’s Elementary Brought The Great Detective To The Modern World

As a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, I was thrilled when modern adaptations started appearing! It was a really interesting time because both Sherlock and Elementary came out around the same time, and they both felt fresh and different. Sherlock, created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, actually kicked things off – it first aired on BBC One back in 2010, and immediately grabbed my attention.

The show Sherlock is set in present-day London. Dr. John Watson, a recently returned army doctor from Afghanistan, is searching for someone to share a flat with. He ends up meeting Sherlock Holmes, a brilliant detective who also needs a roommate.

Watson becomes Sherlock’s roommate, close friend, and collaborator, joining him on numerous investigations. The show Sherlock aired for four seasons, concluding in 2017. While the last two seasons weren’t its strongest, it’s still considered one of the greatest detective series ever made.

In 2012, CBS premiered Elementary, a series created by Robert Doherty. The show takes place in New York City and follows Sherlock Holmes (played by Jonny Lee Miller) after he relocates from London. He’s rebuilding his life after struggling with substance use and time in rehab, and now works as a consultant for the police while living with a companion who helps him stay sober.

Dr. Joan Watson, played by Lucy Liu, is Sherlock’s companion and a former surgeon who had to rebuild her life after a difficult case. She becomes friends with Sherlock and his protégé, joining him on every investigation. The show Elementary aired for seven seasons, concluding in 2019.

Elementary Was Originally Going To Be A Remake Of The BBC’s Sherlock

Because Sherlock debuted before Elementary, the newer show was initially accused of being a copycat. Although the two series eventually developed their own distinct styles, Elementary did initially borrow some ideas from Sherlock, especially when it first began.

In 2012, after CBS announced a pilot for Elementary, Sherlock producer Sue Vertue told The Independent that they knew about the new take on Sherlock Holmes. The team behind Elementary had even contacted them about potentially remaking the BBC series. Vertue said they felt confident the two shows would be distinct, as the Elementary team had assured them they would maintain the story’s core values, despite also being a modern adaptation.

It’s unclear why CBS decided against remaking the original Sherlock, but it was probably a good decision. A direct remake would have just been an American version of the same story, and wouldn’t have offered anything new. Instead, by creating its own unique take on Sherlock Holmes, CBS was able to develop a show that felt fresh and presented a modern take on Holmes and Watson.

How Elementary Was Different From The BBC’s Sherlock

Both Sherlock and Elementary update the story of Sherlock Holmes for a modern audience, but they present very different interpretations of the iconic detective. Sherlock remains faithful to the original setting of London, while Elementary boldly reimagines Holmes’s world by placing him in New York City.

The show Elementary explored Holmes’s past struggles, including a period of addiction and recovery, and what motivated him to start a new life abroad. This approach made his character more relatable, complex, and emotionally vulnerable, allowing for significant growth and development throughout the series.

The show Elementary featured a female version of Watson, but deliberately avoided a romantic relationship between her and Holmes. Instead, it highlighted their strong friendship and working dynamic, and also ensured Watson had her own compelling character arc.

A key difference between Sherlock and Elementary lies in their structure. Elementary follows a more traditional procedural format with longer seasons, allowing for better pacing and more in-depth development of both the mysteries and the characters. This approach gave Elementary a more realistic feel, whereas Sherlock often focused more on visual style than detailed storytelling.

Sherlock And Elementary Were Both Successful

While Sherlock and Elementary have some notable differences—particularly in how consistently good they were—both shows ultimately found success. Sherlock was a massive hit, becoming a true pop culture sensation and significantly impacting fan culture.

The show Sherlock quickly gained a large and enthusiastic fanbase who actively shared artwork, theories, and reactions online, particularly on Tumblr, immediately following each episode. Critically, Sherlock was well-received for its unique premise, strong acting, film-like visuals, and fast-paced storytelling, though many felt the quality decreased after the second season.

Although Elementary never gained as large a following as Sherlock, it was consistently well-made throughout its entire run, earning praise from critics and viewers alike. Despite a slight dip in ratings later on, the show remained engaging thanks to its strong format, high quality, and well-developed characters, proving successful as a network television series.

Sherlock Or Elementary: Which Modern Sherlock Holmes Adaptation Did It Best?

It was natural that people would compare Sherlock and Elementary, leading to the debate over which show is the better modern take on Sherlock Holmes. Both series are strong adaptations, successfully updating the characters for today’s world with modern technology and relevant social themes. However, one ultimately stands out as superior.

Many fans consider Elementary the strongest recent take on Sherlock Holmes. It stands out because it explores Holmes’s personality and relationships, especially his friendship with Watson, and maintained a high level of quality across all seven seasons. While Sherlock is also a good show, it wasn’t quite as consistent and had more noticeable weaknesses.

Look, as a total Sherlock Holmes fanatic, I have to say both Sherlock and Elementary are essential viewing. They both put a fresh spin on the classic detective, and honestly, which one you prefer is totally up to you – it’s all about what clicks with your personal taste!

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2026-03-19 17:41