Image via BBC
By
Ryan Heffernan
Updated
55 minutes ago
Ryan Heffernan is a Senior Writer at Collider. Storytelling has been one of his interests since an early age, with his appreciation for film and television becoming a particular interest of his during his teenage years.
This passion saw Ryan graduate from the University of Canberra in 2020 with an Honours Degree in Film Production. In the years since, he has found freelance work as a videographer and editor in the Canberra region while also becoming entrenched in the city's film-making community.
In addition to cinema and writing, Ryan's other major interest is sport, with him having a particular love for Australian Rules football, Formula 1, and cricket. He also has casual interests in reading, gaming, and history.
Sign in to your Collider account
follow
Follow
followed
Followed
Like
Like
Thread
Log in
Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
Try something different:
Show me the facts
Explain it like I’m 5
Give me a lighthearted recap
A brilliant and boisterous modernization of the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ stories penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle from the 1890s to the 1920s, BBC’s Sherlock thrives as a jubilant murder mystery series defined by its wry wit, its intoxicating allure, and the sensational performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Such is the excellence of Sherlock, it seems almost cruel that the series produced just 13 episodes throughout its run from 2010 to 2017.
While series fans can only lament the fact more seasons weren’t produced, there have been plenty of other television shows capable of scratching that same itch with both deadly intrigue and high-end entertainment value. Ranging from other major murder mysteries to decadent crime dramas, and even other interpretations of the Sherlock Holmes stories, these series are essential viewing for all lovers of Sherlock.
15 'Sherlock Holmes' (1984–1994)
Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and John Watson (Edward Hardwicke) stand by a lake in Sherlock Homes seriesImage via ITV
It’s an obvious recommendation, but anyone who adores the stories and character byplay of Sherlock simply must check out ITV’s Sherlock Holmes series, which ran from 1984 to 1994. Starring Jeremy Brett and David Burke as Holmes and Watson respectively, the series sees the consulting detective duo solving cases in Victorian-era London as the accept work from everyone, be they modest working men or members of the royal family.
While there are some minor deviations from the source material, Sherlock Holmes is widely celebrated as being among the most faithful adaptations of Doyle’s works that the screen has ever seen. Fans of Sherlock will surely recognize some similar cases from the modernized series, and while that may rob something of the mystery and suspense, it is still fascinating to see the same story told in a different time. Not only will watching Sherlock Holmes provide plenty of entertainment in its own right, it will also imbue fans of Sherlock with an even greater appreciation for just how well the series adapted the characters and crimes to take place in modern-day England.
14 'Elementary' (2012–2019)
Image via CBS
From one alternative take on the Sherlock Holmes stories to another, Elementary serves as an interesting and enticing spin on the famed detective that, like Sherlock, modernizes the setting with great skill and intelligence. In the case of Elementary, Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) has relocated to New York, where he overcomes his ongoing addiction issues by solving crimes. Accompanying him on his investigations is Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu), a former surgeon now working as Holmes’ sober companion.
The series is bold enough to make sweeping changes to the Sherlock Holmes stories and capable enough to execute said changes well, including giving such defined and stubborn a figure as Holmes in-depth development that has eluded him in many other adaptations. Running for seven seasons and featuring over 150 episodes, Elementary is a smart and snappy Sherlock Holmes adaptation that matches Sherlock’s tone of intrigue and fun while still changing things up enough to keep things interesting and refreshing.
13 'Doctor Who' (Seasons 5-10) (2010–2017)
Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman in "Nightmare in Silver" episode of Doctor WhoImage via BBC
A staple of British television that enthralls with both its imaginative sci-fi splendor and its eccentric sense of style, Doctor Who is an icon of small-screen entertainment that dates back to the 1960s. While the entire series is worth watching, Seasons 5 to 10 of the series reboot of the early 2000s should be of particular interest to fans of Sherlock, given that series co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss worked extensively on the seasons as showrunner and co-writer, respectively.
Encompassing the reigns of Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi as the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors, Seasons 5-10 of Doctor Who are defined by their more intricate and elaborate plot lines, witty comedic outbursts, and the chemistry between the titular character and his companions. All of these qualities are traits that Moffat and Gatiss brought to Sherlock with tremendous success, making their tenure on Doctor Who must-watch television for those who adore their modern spin on Doyle’s detective duo.
12 'Endeavour' (2012–2023)
Shaun Evans as Endeavour Morse looking concerned down a corridor in Endeavour.Image via ITV
A prequel to the long-running Inspector Morse series that focuses on the early years of Endeavour Morse’s (Shaun Evans) detective career as he is challenged by increasingly complex cases that interrupt him from the mundanity of life as a member of the Oxford City Police throughout the 1960s and early 70s. While it substitutes the frenetic cityscape of contemporary London for the serenity of mid-20th-century Oxford, Endeavour still presents an enticing option for Sherlock fans with its marriage of English wit and accessible crime drama.
Its focus on an ingenious detective investigating elaborate cases is a centerpiece all Sherlock fans will appreciate, as is its emphasis on creating inviting character dynamics fueled by impressionable, note-perfect performances. Even with its period setting, Endeavour is underscored by modern sensitivities and styles, ensuring the adaptation is finely tuned to today’s viewers who cherish enjoyable spectacles of crime and detection.
11 'Bored to Death' (2009–2011)
Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson, and Zach Galifianakis in Bored to DeathImage via HBO
A fun-filled spin on traditional crime mystery stories, Bored to Death presents a short and snappy dose of witty banter, eccentric characters, and crime-solving calamity that is easy to embrace. Jason Schwartzman stars as Jonathan Ames, a struggling novelist and journalist who takes to moonlighting as an uncertified private detective when he finds himself ensnared in the thralls of writer's block. Joining him on his journey is his best friend, Ray Hueston (Zach Galifianakis), and his father-figure editor George Christopher (Ted Danson).
While it leans more in favor of comedy than mystery or drama, the genre mix still matches the ingredients that make Sherlock such an addictive and enjoyable series. It sadly ended prematurely as scheduling conflicts between the stars led to the series never coming back for a fourth season, but Bored to Death’s three-season run still offers plenty of intriguing mystery fun for lovers of the genre that appreciate a comical approach to their detective drama.
10 'High Potential' (2024–)
Morgan Gillory and Adam Karadec standing together in the precinct and looking serious in High Potential Season 2Image via ABC
A relatively new series in the pantheon of eccentric crime dramas, High Potential flaunts a winning lead performance from Kaitlin Olson and an entertaining premise that mimics the general idea of Sherlock Holmes without being a direct replica of it. Morgan (Olson) is a single mother of three with an IQ of 160 who, after using her intuition to solve a complicated case, goes from being a cleaner at an LAPD station to working alongside a litany of colorful characters in the Major Crimes Division, particularly Detective Karadec (Daniel Sunjata)
Enriched with everything from a lively and engaging tempo to enticing crime mysteries, lovable character dynamics, and an underlying, lingering subplot that brings a sense of dramatic intensity to the series, High Potential is an absorbing and easily enjoyed gem of light-hearted crime television. It may not be as serious or intense as Sherlock, but its endeavor to combine mystery with entertainment value does present a similar spectacle.
9 'Lucifer' (2016–2021)
Tom Ellis as Lucifer in a business suit, sitting and looking off-camera in 'Lucifer'.Image via Netflix
Based on the character from Neil Gaiman’s ‘The Sandman’ comic book series, Lucifer offers a police procedural mystery series livened up by a flourish of supernatural, devilish intrigue. The series follows Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis), who, having grown sick of Hell, relocates to Los Angeles, where he inadvertently becomes a consultant to the LAPD as his ability to manipulate humans proves to be an asset. Throughout his investigations alongside Detective Decker (Lauren German), Lucifer encounters many supernatural beings while developing the most unlikely feelings for his partner, who is the only human immune to his charms.
With its sharp and snappy dialogue and Ellis’s outstanding work in the lead role, Lucifer is able to overcome the pitfalls of its procedural approach to offer a thoroughly entertaining series, one that, like Sherlock, excels at meshing different genres together. In this case, it is a crime mystery and fantasy fun, and it makes for an effortless watch that lovers of both genres can indulge in.
8 'Ludwig' (2024–)
David Mitchell as the titular Ludwig holding a map and looking to the right confused in Ludwig.Image via BBC One
It is safe to assume that many fans of the Sherlock series admire the titular character’s ferocious intelligence, his unapologetic social awkwardness, and the many magnificent moments where those two traits intersect. There is perhaps no one in entertainment who embodies these components quite as hilariously and brilliantly as David Mitchell, an English comic best known for his starring role on Peep Show as well as his regular appearances on reality comedy series like QI and Would I Lie to You?.
The latest of his endeavors into television entertainment is the hysterical crime-comedy, Ludwig, in which he stars as a reclusive puzzle designer who must infiltrate his twin brother’s career as a police investigator when he mysteriously goes missing. As he tries to solve the case of his brother’s disappearance, he inevitably becomes embroiled in other active investigations as well. Clever, crafty, and consistently comical, Ludwig should appease any lovers of Sherlock who enjoy comedy television as well as crime drama.
7 'Hannibal' (2013–2015)
Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal in Hannibal washing a woman's hair as she lies in the bathtub. Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Running for three seasons on NBC, Hannibal has endured as a cult classic of small-screen crime drama with its cynically stylized take on murder mystery and its visual presentation that is both decadent and disturbing. It focuses on FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and the crimes he investigates when he is recruited by the head of the bureau’s Behavioral Sciences division, Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne). As the investigations impact Graham’s psyche, Crawford has him monitored by the excellent forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen).
Given its dark and psychological spin on crime television and its visually graphic murder scenes, Hannibal may seem an odd match for lovers of Sherlock, but the series tackles the genre with a similar sense of hypnotic majesty courtesy of its excessively stylized approach. Couple this with truly intoxicating performances—particularly from Mikkelsen as the deliciously evil Lecter—and Hannibal is an essential watch for all lovers of crime TV who appreciate a bold approach to the genre and striking performances from all the cast.
6 'Jonathan Creek' (1997–2016)
Image via BBC One
Deduction and mystery are married with a supernatural twist in the hit British crime series Jonathan Creek. Starring Alan Davies in the titular role, the series follows Creek’s work as a creative consultant to a stage magician, one who also uses his expertise in the conjuring of illusions and his talent for deductive reasoning to debunk seemingly supernatural mysteries across England.
While the series had a sporadic run, consisting of 32 episodes split across five seasons and several stand-alone specials, Jonathan Creek is typically able to marry its investigative intrigue with a sense of supernatural suspense to rousing effect. Its premise is clearly inspired by the Sherlock Holmes stories, but the inflection of the paranormal gives it an enticing edge that should resonate with fans of Sherlock looking for something similar in build, and yet infused with new ideas that make it far more than a mere rip-off.
-
The Mentalist
-
Mindhunter
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Be the first to post Images Attachment(s) Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.Your comment has not been saved
Send confirmation emailThis thread is open for discussion.
Be the first to post your thoughts.
- Terms
- Privacy
- Feedback
Nov 15, 2025
Guillermo del Toro Is Good, but Andy Warhol Already Made One of the Strangest Adaptations of Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein'
Nov 14, 2025
From 'Ted Lasso' to 'Slow Horses,' These 8 Apple TV Shows Are Perfect From Start to Finish
Nov 14, 2025
12 Years Later, Mark Wahlberg and Michael Bay's Controversial True Crime Thriller Is a Surprise Streaming Hit
Nov 14, 2025
5 Comedy Shows That Got Unrecognizably Dark by Their Final Seasons
More from our brands
The 25 Best Shows on Crave to Watch Right Now
25 Best R-Rated TV Shows of All Time, Ranked
The 40 Best TV Shows Of The 2000s, Ranked
Why Mindhunter Season 3 Was Canceled by Netflix
The 10 Best Detective Shows Of All Time
6 detective shows sharper, stranger, and better than Sherlock
37 Shows on Netflix That Couples Can Binge-Watch Together
What To Watch
July 20, 2025
The 72 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now
Trending Now
New ‘FBI’ Season 8 Sneak Peek Puts Castille and Valentine in an Awkward Position [Exclusive]
'Stranger Things' All 9 of Eleven's Powers, Ranked
The Best Character From Every Season of 'Stranger Things'
