The series aired from 2010 to 2017, with four three-part series and a one-off special set in Victorian times.
The UK has produced some spectacular shows over the years. Series like Luther have made a huge mark on audiences not only here in Britain but also around the world. Nonetheless, as good as Luther is, there is another BBC series which is a “top classic”, as some people like to call it. And there are probably very few people who haven’t heard about it, whether in book form or series form.
The show we’re talking about is, of course, Sherlock. It is a British mystery crime drama based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective stories. It was created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson.
The show is a British mystery crime drama based on books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Image: BBC)
The series aired from 2010 to 2017, with four three-part series and a one-off special set in Victorian times.
It’s set mostly in modern-day London, with Holmes using smartphones, GPS, and blogs to crack cases.
Sherlock was filmed mainly in Cardiff, with North Gower Street in London standing in for the iconic 221B Baker Street.
It was broadcast on the BBC in the UK and on PBS in the US as part of its Masterpiece anthology series.
The first three series were praised for their writing, acting, and direction, winning BAFTAs, Emmys, and a Peabody Award.
Cumberbatch and Freeman both picked up Emmys, and the show was watched by millions in the UK and sold to over 180 countries.
Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock (Image: BBC)
The show follows Holmes, a self-described “high-functioning sociopath”, as he solves crimes with the help of Watson, a former army doctor.
Their adventures are followed by both Scotland Yard and the British public, as Watson blogs about their cases and Holmes becomes an unexpected celebrity.
One of the show’s standout storylines is Holmes’s battle with archenemy Jim Moriarty, played by Andrew Scott.
Other key characters include Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey), Inspector Lestrade (Rupert Graves), and Mycroft Holmes (Mark Gatiss).
The first three series received near-universal praise. Critics loved the modern spin, fast pace, and strong performances.
Though the fourth series received mixed reviews, the show remained a fan favourite.
Martin Freeman plays Dr John Watson (Image: BBC)
Fans on social media and review sites continue to rave about the series years after its final episode.
One reviewer said: “Sherlock is my favourite BBC series and the greatest TV of all time for me. Everyone needs to see it.”
A third said: “Sherlock is easily one of the best series ever made. Moffat and Gatiss are genius writers who will have you falling in love with the characters the moment you meet them.”
Another fan posted: “This masterpiece is something that will forever be binge-watch-worthy. It is a true testament to top-class acting. It has got wit, humor, mystery, action, adventure, drama, emotions – a complete package.”
One more added: “This is undoubtedly the best TV show I have ever had the good fortune of watching and most probably the most amazing TV show ever made.”
All four series and the special are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
