The essential episodes of Sherlock
Watch these 12 in order and you've got Sherlock — each pick states its reason.
- 01
A war hero, invalided home from Afghanistan, meets a strange but charismatic genius who is looking for a flatmate - it is London in 2010, and Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes are meeting for the first time. A string of impossible suicides has Scotland Yard baffled - and only one man can help.
- 02
A mysterious cipher is being scrawled on the walls around London. The first person to see the cipher is dead within hours of reading it. Sherlock plunges into a world of codes and symbols, consulting with London's best graffiti artists. He soon learns that the city is in the grip a gang of international smugglers, a secret society called the Black Lotus.
- 03
A strange clue in an empty room, a blood-soaked car, a priceless Old Master, a deranged bomber. With the clock ticking, the curtain rises on a battle of wits between Sherlock, John and the shadowy stranger who seems to know all the answers...
- 04
Rejoin the 21st-century team of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they battle the worst that modern criminality has to offer.
- 05
Watch Sherlock and Watson pursue information about research on genetically engineered animals for military use.
- 06
Watch as Moriarty poses the "final problem" and a tabloid reporter reveals the "shocking truth" about Sherlock.
- 07
'Just one more miracle, Sherlock. Stop being dead.' Two years after the devastating events of The Reichenbach Fall, Dr John Watson has got on with his life. New horizons, romance and a comforting domestic future beckon.But with London under threat of a huge terrorist attack, Sherlock Holmes is about to rise from the grave with all the theatricality that comes so naturally to him. It's what his best friend wanted more than anything, but for John Watson it might well be a case of 'be careful what you wish for!'If Sherlock thinks everything will be just as he left it, though, he is in for a very big surprise...
- 08
Sherlock faces his biggest challenge of all - delivering a best man's speech on John's wedding day.
- 09
Sherlock goes after publishing magnate and blackmailer Charles Magnussen, one of the most despicable criminals that he has ever encountered.
- 10
While waiting for Moriarty to make good on his beyond-the-grave threat, Sherlock is intrigued by cases of vandalism where the criminal is breaking open busts of Margaret Thatcher. He soon discovers that the vandalism is tied to Mary's past.
- 11
To save John, Sherlock takes on the most dangerous case of his career: bring serial killer and milliionaire-philanthropist Culverton Smith to justice. Meanwhile, the mystery of Sherringford Holmes deepens.
- 12
Sherlock and John confirm that Eurus is still alive, and go to Sherringford to meet with her. However, they soon discover that it is all part of Eurus' master plan.
Shows like Sherlock
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Crime·MysteryThe essential episodes of Grantchester2014–present·PBS Passport
Eavesdropping on the life of Sidney Chambers, a charismatic, charming, crime-fighting clergyman, and his partner in crime Police Inspector Geordie Keating, became a highlight for the audience who revelled in their on… - 02Drama·Crime·MysteryThe essential episodes of High Potential2024–present·ABC
High Potential follows Morgan, a single mom with an exceptional mind, whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual and unstoppable partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective. - 03Drama·Crime·MysteryThe essential episodes of Castle2009–2016·ABC
Castle follows Rick Castle who is one of the world's most successful crime authors. - 04Drama·Crime·MysteryThe essential episodes of The Mentalist2008–2015·CBSPatrick Jane, an independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation.
- 05Drama·Crime·MysteryThe essential episodes of Elementary2012–2019·CBSElementary is a modern-day take on the classic Sherlock Holmes story about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases.
- 06Drama·Crime·MysteryThe essential episodes of Dexter2006–2013·Paramount+ with Showtime
He's smart, he's good looking, and he's got a great sense of humor.
