Is CBS's Watson Connected to Elementary?
The Morris Chestnut-led crime drama has become CBS’ second show to adapt Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories after 2012’s Elementary. But it may be tricky to appreciate the resemblance — here’s why.
CBS’ Watson has just wrapped its first season up, proving that the connection to Sherlock Holmes’ name might not have been that necessary for its success after all.
Based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories about the worldwide famous detective, Watson primarily follows its eponymous character, taking a closer look at Morris Chestnut’s Dr. John Watson who now delves into his medical practice after Sherlock Holmes’ death at Reichenbach Falls.
The series followed CBS’ previous attempt to adapt Conan Doyle’s stories, the Johnny Lee Miller-led show Elementary — and even though there was some initial concern, the former somehow surpassed its predecessor by, well, ignoring the entire story’s most significant element.
Is Watson a Spinoff of Elementary?
Despite deriving from the same source material and having the same creative team led by Craig Sweeny, Watson and Elementary aren’t really connected in any other way, especially since the role of Watson is now given to Chestnut instead of Elementary’s Lucy Liu.
On top of that, things about Watson not being connected to Elementary whatsoever have been pretty clear ever since the former went into the production, this time offering the leading role to John Watson whose life and backstory have been long shrouded in mystery.
Still, CBS’ brand new crime drama series might be easily considered a spiritual successor of the 2012 show, with both of them transforming Conan Doyle’s characters into modern people with pretty relatable issues of their own.
How Watson Stands Out Among Other Sherlock-Inspired Shows
Even though the show owes its story to the Sherlock Holmes-related collection of all sorts, some fans wish there wouldn't have been this connection whatsoever — just because the series is doing just fine without Sherlock Holmes even being present in it.
“I really enjoy how this show is more of a medical mystery show vs Holmes and Watson. At first I wasn't sure. Now I like it because it's a better medical series. Find myself being irritated by the Holmes aspect”, Redditor srvkissjazz revealed in a thread.
“I can ONLY think of it as a medical show. I wish they just got rid of any Sherlock aspect (and Shinwell too, while we're at it). I find any Holmes aspect to be VERY irritating”, TereziB agreed.
“I like the show, but the 'Holmes' connection is now my least favorite part. I like Watson and his team's dynamic and learning all their secrets”, DNorthman chimed in.
Is Watson Renewed for Season 2 by CBS?
Yes, the show has been greenlit for season 2.
The show’s second instalment will likely air sometime in 2026.
