Sherlock & Daughteris the latest entry involving master detective Sherlock Holmes, and it’s doing impressively in terms of ratings. The new CW series stars Emmy nominee David Thewlis as Holmes, who finds himself caught up in a challenging case against his archenemy, Professor James Moriarty, played byMission: Impossible IIandTaken 3actor Dougray Scott. During Holmes’s feud with Moriarty, the detective joins forces with a young Indigenous American woman named Amelia Rojas, played by Blu Hunt. Rojas' mother was recently murdered, and Amelia intends to prove that Sherlock is her long-lost father.
In a new report byVariety,Sherlock & Daughterhas been a critical and ratings success in both the U.S. and Australia, scoring season-best ratings on its American network, the CW. The show has also performed well on the digital streaming platform Max, reaching number four on the app’s top ten list of most-watched programs. In Australia, the mystery TV show experienced a rise in ratings among viewers aged 25-54 compared to last year’s programming. The series also gained strong traction with international audiences, including the U.K., Ireland, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway. Read an excerpt of the report below:
A success critically and in terms of ratings in both the U.S. and Australia, where it airs on SBS, “Sherlock & Daughter” has received a nomination for a Golden Nymph Award for best global fiction series at the upcoming Monte-Carlo Television Festival.
The new spin on the Arthur Conan Doyle detective premiered on the CW Network on April 16 and, in its most recent week, achieved its highest ratings of the season, growing almost 20% since its premiere. The series is currently the CW Network’s number one scripted series on linear and number two series on digital.
What The Ratings And Reception Mean Regarding The Success Of Sherlock & Daughter
The New Sherlock Holmes Show Combines Old And New Elements
The strong ratings and positive critical reception forSherlock & Daughterprove that audiences continue to enjoy various adaptations of the Arthur Conan Doyle detective. From Basil Rathbone’sSherlock Holmesfilm series from 1939 to 1946, to Robert Downey Jr.’s take on Guy Ritchie’s pair of mysterious and action-orientedSherlock Holmesmovies, the detective has consistently been portrayed in different and intriguing ways in film and TV.Benedict Cumberbatch’s contemporary series of Holmes in the BBC’sSherlockis one of the most memorable for the small screen. Meanwhile,Thewlis’s recent version of Sherlock offers a mix of traditional and adventurous.
WhileThewlis’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is reminiscent of previous adaptationsdue to the character’s cold and blunt sense of humor, his take on Sherlock also includes sorrow and fear because he doesn’t hold all the answers, especially regarding his case with the mysterious criminal syndicate called Red Thread. Holmes' usual partner, John Watson, is also missing. However,the partnership and potential family dynamic between Holmes and Amelia Rojas is central toSherlock & Daughter, since they’re an odd pair working together and getting to know each other. There’s also the family angle between James Moriarty and his son, Dan.
Our Take On The Success Of Sherlock & Daughter And The Show’s Future On The CW
The New Sherlock Holmes Show Has The Potential To Expand In Future Seasons
Thefavorable reception and high ratings forSherlock & Daughterappear bright for the show’s future. While the CW series resembles other movies and TV show adaptations of the master detective, spectators continue to enjoy watching Arthur Conan Doyle’s character, particularly in this case, due to his vulnerability and partnership with his potential daughter. Having Holmes work with a youthful character also establishes the show’s effective ability to attract younger and middle-aged audiences. After the success of other Holmes-related shows likeWatson,Sherlock & Daughterseason 2will only heighten the fandom of Sherlock Holmes.
