Elementary

After a public fall from grace in London and a period in rehab, Sherlock Holmes relocates to Manhattan, where he tries to rebuild his life while continuing to solve crimes. His father insists he take a sober companion to keep him on track, and Dr Joan Watson becomes more than a caretaker, moving into a professional partnership that upends both their expectations. The show pairs Sherlock's razor intellect and unconventional methods with Watson's practical steadiness, and each episode centers on a baffling case that leans on forensics, observation, and psychology rather than luck. The tone mixes procedural structure with character-driven moments, keeping the mysteries front and center without losing sight of personal stakes.

Premiering in 2012, Elementary was created by Robert Doherty and adapts characters and ideas from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, transplanting them into contemporary New York. Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu lead the cast, supported by Jon Michael Hill and Aidan Quinn.

The series drew steady attention from critics and industry groups, earning nominations for acting and technical work during its run. While it didn't sweep major television awards, performances, especially the leads' chemistry, were frequently singled out in reviews and year-end lists.

Elementary helped reshape how Sherlock is pictured on American television by pairing a classic detective with a gender-switched Watson, which sparked conversations about representation and role dynamics in adaptations. Its Manhattan setting and stylish procedural format made the show a common reference point when people discussed modern takes on classic literary figures, and Lucy Liu's Watson became a touchstone for alternate portrayals of the character.

Critical and audience response was generally positive, with a vote average of 7.611 out of 10 from 1,747 votes reflecting steady approval. Reviewers often praised the writing and the evolving relationship between Holmes and Watson, while noting the series' emphasis on addiction recovery, ethics in policing, and the mechanics of deduction. Fans appreciated the mix of episodic mysteries and longer arcs that let character changes feel earned over time.