Is Sherlock Holmes actually in the show?

Not really. He is dead when the show begins, though his presence looms large through flashbacks, mentions, and Watson's internal dialogue. Don't go in expecting a buddy-detective dynamic.

How 'gross' are the medical cases?

It's on par with House, M.D. You'll see some realistic-looking medical trauma and rare physical symptoms that might be unsettling for younger kids or those with health anxieties.

Do we need to watch 'Elementary' before this?

No. While it shares some DNA and is on the same network, this is a standalone reimagining. You can jump right in without any prior Sherlock knowledge.

In a very loose sense. It uses real medical terminology and mentions actual rare disorders, but the 'cures' and diagnostic speeds are pure Hollywood fiction.

Watson – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Watson

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2025

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Sherlock is dead, and Watson is now a doctor solving medical mysteries in a procedural that is unfortunately more 'meh' than 'elementary.'

53%

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Watson

show

TV-14, 2025

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Sherlock is dead, and Watson is now a doctor solving medical mysteries in a procedural that is unfortunately more 'meh' than 'elementary.'

53%

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Screenwise Verdict

Watson is the definition of 'mid.' It tries to capture the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of Elementary by moving the detective work into a hospital, but it lacks the sharp writing and chemistry that made previous Holmes adaptations work. It’s not a bad show, but in a world with a million better things to stream, it’s hard to justify the time investment.

If your kid is obsessed with medical mysteries or Morris Chestnut, they’ll find something to like here. Otherwise, you’re better off rewatching the first few seasons of House or the BBC Sherlock. It’s a safe, somewhat educational, but ultimately forgettable addition to the Sherlock canon.

Age Fit

Best for kids 12 and up. While the content is mostly safe, the medical jargon and slow-burn procedural style will likely bore anyone younger. It's essentially 'dad-TV' that a science-minded teen might enjoy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Watson models professional competence and medical ethics, but the show relies heavily on the 'arrogant genius' trope which can be a bit grating.

Imaginative

It's a standard CBS procedural in Sherlock clothing. It doesn't really push boundaries or offer a fresh take on the detective genre beyond the medical setting.

Safe

Typical TV-14 medical drama fare. Expect blood, needles, and some intense hospital scenarios, but it avoids the gritty nihilism of premium cable.

Enriching

Good for kids interested in biology or medical mysteries, though the 'science' is often secondary to the dramatic plot twists.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Morris Chestnut brings a suave, commanding presence to Dr. John Watson that keeps the show watchable even when the writing falters.
Medical mysteries provide a decent hook for kids who like the 'puzzle-solving' aspect of shows like House or Elementary.
Clean-ish format makes it a relatively safe choice for families looking for a show to watch together that isn't a cartoon but isn't overly dark.
Modern Sherlock lore offers a few interesting 'what-if' scenarios for fans of the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories.

⚠

What to Watch For

The medical gore can be surprisingly visceral; expect to see detailed surgical procedures, rare skin conditions, and lots of needles.
The show's pacing is sluggish—it often feels like a 30-minute mystery stretched into a full hour, which might lose younger viewers.
Watson's arrogance is a central character trait, which can sometimes come across as condescending rather than brilliant.

Conversation Starters

"Do you think someone can be a great doctor if they have a bad bedside manner?"
"How does Watson's way of solving medical cases remind you of how a detective solves a crime?"
"If you lost a best friend like Watson lost Sherlock, how would you try to honor their memory?"
"Do the 'rare disorders' in the show seem like things that could happen in real life, or are they just for TV drama?"

Deep Dive

The 'Holmes Without Holmes' Problem

Every decade or so, network TV tries to reinvent Sherlock Holmes. Sometimes we get a masterpiece like the early seasons of the BBC’s Sherlock, and sometimes we get a solid, long-running comfort show like Elementary. Watson falls into a third, less desirable category: the 'brand-name spin-off that forgot the spark.'

By killing off Sherlock Holmes before the pilot even starts, the show puts a massive burden on Morris Chestnut to carry the entire investigative weight. Chestnut is great—he’s got the gravitas and the look—but the writing frequently lets him down. The medical cases feel like they were pulled from a 2005 episode of Grey's Anatomy, and the 'investigative' twists are often telegraphed miles away.

"There is no point to CBS's utterly stale procedural ‘Watson.’ It thinks it's clever but isn't." — Roger Ebert

For parents, the main draw here is the lack of 'prestige TV' baggage. There’s no excessive profanity, no gratuitous sex scenes, and the violence is mostly confined to the clinical setting of a hospital. It’s a 'safe' show, but safety shouldn't be confused with quality. If you're looking for something to put on in the background while you fold laundry, Watson is perfect. If you're looking for a show that will actually engage your kid's brain, keep looking.

If your family already finished Elementary and is looking for more Sherlockian vibes, this is a passable follow-up, but don't expect it to become your new favorite. It’s a weekly procedural that feels like it belongs in 2010, not 2026.

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