New Sherlock Adaptation Confirmed At The CW

The world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is set to return to people’s screens with the CW confirming a new show, Sherlock & Daughter. Based on the character created by Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes currently holds the Guinness World Record for the human literary character with the highest number of onscreen adaptations. Earlier this year, CBS announced their own plans for a Sherlock Holmes-themed spinoff series dubbed Watson, which would focus instead on the exploits of his friend and companion Dr. John Watson after the detective’s death.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is the only literary character that boasts more onscreen adaptations than Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and currently holds the record for the greatest number of adaptions to screen, human or otherwise.

Screen Rant was in attendance at this year’s TCA Winter Press Tour, where The CW unveiled their own plans to delve into the world of Sherlock Holmes with a decidedly unique spin on the character. Set to feature Harry Potter star David Thewlis as Holmes, Sherlock & Daughter will also introduce a new character in the form of a young American woman named Amelia (Blu Hunt) who comes to believe Sherlock may be her father, after her mother’s murder. Batwoman’s Dougray Scott is also set to portray Holmes’ nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Check out the show’s official synopsis below:

The mystery thriller series SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER puts Sherlock Holmes (David Thewlis) out of his comfort zone, mysteriously unable to investigate a sinister case without risking the lives of his closest friends. Enter: young American Amelia (Blu Hunt, “The Originals,” “The New Mutants”). After her mother’s mysterious murder, she learns her missing father may be the legendary detective. Despite wildly different backgrounds and attitudes, the pair must work together to solve a global conspiracy, crack her mother’s murder, and find out for sure if she really is Sherlock’s daughter.

International Emmy® Award-winning Dougray Scott (“Batwoman,” “Crime”) also stars as Holmes’ nemesis, Moriarty. From Starlings Television Distribution, Albion Television and StoryFirst, SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER is led by showrunner and executive producer James Duff (“The Closer,” “Major Crimes”) and is created, written and executive produced by Brendan Foley (“Cold Courage,” “The Man Who Died”). Micah War Dog Wright (“They’re Watching,” “First Nations Comedy Experience”) and Shelly Goldstein (“Cold Courage,” “Laverne & Shirley”) are writers on the series. Karine Martin, Chris Philip, Peter Gerwe, Dominic Barlow and Ivan Dunleavy also serve as executive producers, along with Escapade Media.

Will Sherlock Fans Support Sherlock & Daughter’s Unlikely Premise?

With countless movie and television adaptations and appearances, the infamous Sherlock Holmes has frequently been saddled with any number of supporting characters never featured in the original stories penned by Conan Doyle. Between Netflix’s Enola Holmes movies, starring Millie Bobby Brown, and the Benedict Cumberbatch-led Sherlock series both introducing their own versions of Sherlock’s non-canonical sister, audiences are becoming increasingly accustomed to seeing the iconic character’s original lore built upon in progressively unexpected and unlikely ways.

Yet this latest move, which potentially sees Sherlock come to learn of a daughter he never knew existed, could prove to be one of the most significant departures audiences have witnessed yet. Renowned for his cold demeanor and impeccable logic, the original Sherlock Holmes was perhaps the least likely character to embark on a romantic relationship, let alone sire a child. Even the character of Irene Adler, whom countless adaptations would depict as Sherlock’s sole love interest, only ever appeared in one of Conan Doyle’s stories and never actually embarked on a romantic relationship with the detective.

Of course, given the show’s synopsis, it is possible that Amelia may not end up being Sherlock’s child at all, but to even consider it a likelihood marks a notable departure from the character’s true origins. Nonetheless, Sherlock & Daughter could potentially be looking to establish their unique take on the character and present a Sherlock vastly different to those viewers have met previously. Whether they will succeed in their endeavors remains to be seen, but if done right, the idea of Sherlock’s daughter could potentially offer an exciting and unique take on a much-beloved character.

Source: The CW (via the TCAs)