Sherlock-Free Watson Series Starring Morris Chestnut Ordered at CBS
R.I.P., Sherlock!
CBS on Wednesday announced a straight-to-series order for Watson, a contemporary medical drama starring Resident vet Morris Chestnut that will pick up one year after the death of Sherlock Holmes.
The series, which hails from Elementary EP Craig Sweeney, bears no connection to the former CBS procedural. It is expected to premiere during the 2024-25 TV season, where it will join Kathy Bates’ Matlock update and Wayans family comedy Poppa’s House.
“We are thrilled to feature such a beloved character from the world of Sherlock Holmes at the center of this series and have it brought to life by Morris Chestnut in a fresh and unexpected take on the immortal doctor,” CBS entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said in a statement. “Craig Sweeny’s bold new vision for the complex Dr. Watson deftly interweaves rich character storytelling with edge-of-your-seat medical mysteries.”
Per the official logline, Watson picks up “a year after the death of his friend and partner Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty,” at which point “Dr. John Watson resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders. Watson’s old life isn’t done with him, though – Moriarty and Watson are set to write their own chapter of a story that has fascinated audiences for more than a century.”
CBS goes on to describe Watson as a medical show with a “strong investigative spine, featuring a modern version of one of history’s greatest detectives as he turns his attention from solving crimes to solving medical mysteries.”
Will you check out Morris Chestnut in Watson when the medical drama makes its CBS debut? Let us know in Comments.
According to the article, Watson will be produced by Craig Sweeney, who also produced Elementary. If I remember correctly, Elementary was rather low rated for a CBS drama when it was on and only lasted long enough to reach syndication because it sold well in other markets. Will other markets purchase Watson in the same way they purchased Elementary? We will see.
Elementary was low rated compared to other CBS shows (CSI & NCIS) and was constantly on the bubble, but compared to other networks it scored pretty well, and was a consistent earner overseas. It also ran 154 episodes—well above the syndication goal of 100 eps.
no Lucy Liu as an emotionally intelligent and intellectually formidable Watson? then no thanks.
She should guest star! 🖤
I couldn’t agree more!
She was, without doubt, the best version of the Watson character that has ever graced the screen.
Will be very difficult for anyone to top her amazing Joan Watson (her eye-rolling alone was award worthy).
Actually though, when I think about it, when Elementary was on, I often thought the show could work really well with the roles reversed (i.e. Liu as Sherlock), so I could totally get on board with this new one if she guest starred as Sherlock Holmes in flashbacks!
Make it happen TV gods!
Modernized = Garbage. True Sherlockians should and will avoid this POS entirely.
Well, I’m glad I’m not a true Sherlockian and if I was I’d still watch because Morris Chestnut is an excellent actor and the camera loves him.
Much like Spider-Man universe without Spider-Man, or Batman universe without Batman, I can’t see any appeal to this personally.
so…. it’s House, but with Wilson as the main character?
Bingo. That’s exactly what it sounds like.
I hope it’s set in Hawaii, let’s just remove everything we possibly can from Arthur Conan Doyle’s story in this “adaptation.”
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OH WAIT CAN WATSON ALSO BE MORIARTY TOO? Like a Jekyll & Hyde situation. Yeah, let’s do that.
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While we’re at it, why is he still a doctor? Let’s make him a competitive surfer. Get some of those Point Break vibes in there.
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I really hope he’s able to stop NetSky from gaining sentience and destroying civilization. Sherlock was THISCLOSE but alas, that waterfall.
Morris Chestnut – so 2 seasons, tops?
Liked him in Rosewood but he’s more of an ensemble guy than a lead tbh.
The premise makes zero sense.
Ha. Yeah, like Eddie Cibrian, Morris is one of those guys who seems like a viable leading man yet all their projects can never gain traction and I honestly have no idea why not.
Producers who think casting the lead is more important that writing good scripts?
He’s the only reason to watch. Rosewood should still be in with the cast it had.
Sounds like House with Watson crammed in. Also too soon after Elementary.
Elementary was a Top 20 show for the first two years, which almost guaranteed a season 3, which guaranteed a 4th. Then it continued because the more episodes available, the more they can charge in syndication
My comment was in reply to CKs. I don’t know why I’m getting down voted so much
Do we really want to live in a world where Moriarty outlived Sherlock Holmes?
CBS rarely comes up with a free standing / original drama. They are spinoffs, reboots or have ties to established material. Read that Fire Country spinoffs are in the works. Surprised we haven’t seen a Blue Bloods spin off.
NCIS: FBI: Blue Bloods in Fire Country would be their ideal show
Seriously? I remember that year (almost 20 years ago, crazy) when ABC launched Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and Boston Legal all in one season. So original, so different, so creative. Broadcast is hardly gutsy these days. Maybe if they had something of value to offer, they’d generate watercolor buzz again, but who knows, they’d all rather merge into one studio at this point.
Thank you for saying this. I call CBS spinoff city. Every show does not require a spinoff. There are way too many talented writers out with original ideas, whose work we will never enjoy because networks are lazy.
“… a modern version of one of history’s greatest detectives…”
This describes Watson? Are they kidding?!
So what… is Watson going to be looking for Holmes during at least the first season of the show since we know that Sherlock didn’t *really* die. I fail to see the point. Also, if you “have” to have a show without Sherlock Holmes… why not just do a spin-off with Lucy Liu? Aside from the fact that Elementary ended with Holmes & Watson living happily ever after together.
I liked rosewood… so I’m willing to give it a shot…the premise is vague…but medical mysteries could be fun
The ONLY person who should ever play Watson, ESPECIALLY in a CBS procedural is Lucy F-ing Liu. She gave the definitive portrayal and shame on Craig Sweeney for selling out and not insisting on Lucy or no one. Elementary’s writing was the absolute weakest part of the series, too. SMH. And guess what — you’d do better calling it a House reboot or get this, creating an entirely NEW character. Hope this falls apart long before it gets to the air. FOR SHAME, CBS and Sweeney.
So what’s next for Sweeny after this? “Inspector LeStrade?” “Meet Moriarty?” Maybe a wacky sitcom, “Oh, That Mrs. Hudson!”?
That last one sounds promising ;)
In another medical procedural, “Rosewood,” Morris Chestnut played a supposedly genius crime-solving pathologist.. I stopped watching after an episode in which his character said he had attended “John Hopkins” Medical School.
Love Morris to pieces, but I’m not digging this concept. I’d prefer it if someone revived Elementary.
Watson without Holmes, another great idea from CBS..the network that gave viewers CLARICE without Hannibal Lecter– and how long did that show last?
Great Analysis. Promoting a sidekick to a lead character is tricky.
A medical mystery series? Well, count me in!
So back to Rosewood, yeah that’s original.
Yes I will. Sounds interesting although I didn’t know Sherlock was dead.
I definitely want to see this series!!! I have been a fan of Dr. Watson since I first read the Sherlock Holmes novels and stories as a middle schooler.
GREAT! It’s about time you lot got on with it.
Holmes without watson is still somewhat interesting, watson without holmes though… Moriarty wouldnt even bother, watson is smart, but not worthy-of-moriarty’s-time level of smart. Oh, and we already had 8 seasons of house in term of medical mystery
lol won’t work for MANY reasons.