The worst episodes of Sherlock

Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.

  1. 01

    S04E01 · January 1, 2017 · 1h 30m

    The Six Thatchers7.3

    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.

  2. 02

    S04E03 · January 15, 2017 · 1h 30m

    The Final Problem7.4

    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.

  3. 03

    S01E02 · August 1, 2010 · 1h 30m

    The Blind Banker7.9

    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.

  4. 04

    S02E02 · January 8, 2012 · 1h 30m

    The Hounds of Baskerville7.9

    Watch Sherlock and Watson pursue information about research on genetically engineered animals for military use.

  5. 05

    S04E02 · January 8, 2017 · 1h 30m

    The Lying Detective7.9

    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.

  6. 06

    S03E01 · January 1, 2014 · 1h 30m

    The Empty Hearse8.1

    '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...

  7. 07

    S03E02 · January 5, 2014 · 1h 30m

    The Sign of Three8.1

    Sherlock faces his biggest challenge of all - delivering a best man's speech on John's wedding day.

  8. 08

    S03E03 · January 12, 2014 · 1h 30m

    His Last Vow8.1

    Sherlock goes after publishing magnate and blackmailer Charles Magnussen, one of the most despicable criminals that he has ever encountered.

  9. 09

    S01E03 · August 8, 2010 · 1h 30m

    The Great Game8.5

    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...

  10. 10

    S01E01 · July 25, 2010 · 1h 30m

    A Study in Pink8.6

    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.

  11. 11

    S02E03 · January 15, 2012 · 1h 30m

    The Reichenbach Fall8.6

    Watch as Moriarty poses the "final problem" and a tabloid reporter reveals the "shocking truth" about Sherlock.

  12. 12

    S02E01 · January 1, 2012 · 1h 30m

    A Scandal in Belgravia8.7

    Rejoin the 21st-century team of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they battle the worst that modern criminality has to offer.

Shows like Sherlock

The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.

  1. 01Drama·Crime·MysteryThe worst episodes of Grantchester2014–present·PBS PassportStreaming on NetflixEavesdropping 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…7.7
  2. 02Drama·Crime·MysteryThe worst episodes of High Potential2024–present·ABCAlso on HuluHigh 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.7.4
  3. 03Drama·Crime·MysteryThe worst episodes of Castle2009–2016·ABCStreaming on Amazon Prime VideoCastle follows Rick Castle who is one of the world's most successful crime authors.8.2
  4. 04Drama·Crime·MysteryThe worst episodes of The Mentalist2008–2015·CBSAlso on HuluPatrick 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.8.2
  5. 05Drama·Crime·MysteryThe worst episodes of Elementary2012–2019·CBSStreaming on Amazon Prime VideoElementary is a modern-day take on the classic Sherlock Holmes story about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases.8.3
  6. 06Drama·Crime·MysteryThe worst episodes of Dexter2006–2013·Paramount+ with ShowtimeStreaming on fuboTVHe's smart, he's good looking, and he's got a great sense of humor.8.4
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