First Look: CBS's 'Watson' Brings a Fresh Spin to Sherlock Holmes Universe

CBS has unveiled the first trailer for their innovative new series "Watson," offering a fresh perspective on the beloved Sherlock Holmes universe. This groundbreaking adaptation follows Dr. John Watson's life six months after the legendary detective meets his end at the hands of his arch-nemesis, Moriarty.

A New Chapter in the Holmes Universe

Morris Chestnut steps into the iconic role of Dr. John Watson, marking his return to CBS following his successful run on "Elementary." The series presents a unique twist: rather than dwelling in the shadow of Holmes's death, Watson charts his own course as the chief of medicine at a clinic dedicated to treating rare diseases.

However, the past refuses to stay buried. When Watson's path crosses with Moriarty, viewers will witness a fresh chapter in a story that has captivated audiences for over a century. The series cleverly shifts from traditional crime-solving to medical mysteries, presenting a modern interpretation of one of literature's greatest detective partnerships.

Behind the Scenes

The show boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Eve Harlow, Peter Mark Kendall, Ritchie Coster, Inga Schlingmann, and Rochelle Aytes. Craig Sweeny, who serves as both showrunner and executive producer, penned the pilot episode, with Larry Teng directing the series opener.

In a recent MIPCOM interview, lead actor Morris Chestnut shared his perspective on the show's unique approach: "Watson absorbed countless lessons from Holmes, and now he'll apply that detective mindset in a new context. We're essentially becoming medical detectives. While previous adaptations centered on Holmes with Watson in a supporting role, our series brings Watson to the forefront, telling the story through his lens of medical investigation. That's what makes this different."

Release Details

Mark your calendars for these important dates:

Series Premiere: January 26, 2025, on CBS

Regular Time Slot: Starting February 16, 2025, airing Sunday nights

Streaming: Available on Paramount+