5.8 / 10 (based on 82 reviews)
Sherlock moves to Tokyo, Japan. Sherlock is a freelance criminologist. He is a brilliant mind who has the nose and acumen for detecting and finding criminal activity. Unfortunately, he also misuses his skills. He is a criminal who interacts with the cops and his customers. In steps Watson who is also brilliant but in many ways the opposite of Sherlock. Will they work together or clash soon enough? Their interactions will decide.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Dean Fujioka, Takanori Iwata, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Maho Yamada
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1 season, 12 episodes
Shows Most Like Sherlock (2019)
MIU404 (2020)
7.1 / 10 (based on 508 reviews)
A new detective in the Mobile Investigative Unit (known as “MIU”) of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department who does not trust other people works with an inexperienced detective and attempts to solve cases within 24 hours.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Kumiko Asô, Gô Ayano, Jun Hashimoto, Gen Hoshino
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1 season, 11 episodes
Kono koi atatamemasuka (2020)
6.6 / 10 (based on 42 reviews)
Kiki Inoue could not fulfill her dream to become an idol and is currently working part-time at a convenience store. Takumi Asabais the president of a convenience store chain and enjoys criticizing sweets on social media. One day, Takumi found a similar criticism about sweets made by Kiki and invited her to be a staff to develop an original “best seller” sweets.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Nana Mori, Tomoya Nakamura, Taiga Nakano, Shizuka Ishibashi
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1 season, 10 episodes
Miss Sherlock (2018)
6.9 / 10 (based on 1190 reviews)
Inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic literary characters, the series follows Dr. Wato-san Tachibana and Sara Shelly “Sherlock” Futaba, an eccentric police consultant who uses deduction to solve strange cases in modern-day Japan.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Yûko Takeuchi, Shihori Kanjiya, Ken’ichi Takitô, Tomoya Nakamura
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1 season, 8 episodes, 47.0-minute runtime
Night Doctor (2021)
6.6 / 10 (based on 29 reviews)
Asakura Mitsuki, Naruse Akihito, Fukazawa Shin, Sakuraba Shun and Takaoka Yukiho. These five doctors differ in personalities and age, but, under the motto of never refusing a patient, they begin their work in the night doctor team.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Takumi Kitamura, Terunosuke Takezai, Kei Tanaka, Haru
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1 season, 11 episodes, 54.0-minute runtime
Police in a Pod (2021)
7.4 / 10 (based on 170 reviews)
A story about two women working in a small police station. Mai Kawai is a young police officer who likes having a stable income. On the other hand, Seiko Fuji is a beautiful ace of the criminal division but was sent to work in a small police station due to power harassment. These two policewomen are very different, but they slowly build trust and form bonds as they protect the people in the neighborhood.
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Main Cast: Erika Toda, Yûki Yamada, Mei Nagano, Nanase Nishino
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1 season, 9 episodes
Sutoroberî naito (2012)
7.4 / 10 (based on 162 reviews)
Coming out of a traumatic experience a girl is inspired by a policewoman to join the force herself. Rising to lead a group of male detectives, the girl has to balance her professional duties, pressure to perform, her supervisors and her personal feelings and situation.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Yûko Takeuchi, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Keisuke Koide, Ryûhei Maruyama
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1 season, 11 episodes
Kansatsui Asagao (2019)
6.1 / 10 (based on 57 reviews)
Asago is a medical examiner and instructor and works at a university’s school of medicine. Her widowed father is a detective and respected in his field as is she. Her class works with the detective at the police force and when a corpse is delivered to her for examination the case attracts the attention of her father.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Juri Ueno, Shigeyuki Totsugi, Itsuji Itao, Kisetsu Fujiwara
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2 seasons, 30 episodes
Ichikei no karasu (2021)
6.5 / 10 (based on 70 reviews)
Iruma Michio is a devil-may-care, unorthodox criminal judge at the Tokyo District Court’s first criminal court. He used to be a lawyer and was deeply involved in a past case that was behind his transformation into a judge. Iruma personally inspects crime scenes to prevent a miscarriage of justice and bring the truth to light. Although his demeanour is far from the image of a stuff judge, he is feared by lawyers as well as prosecutors because he is not bound by obligations, prejudices and preconceptions and has an inquiring mind that probes cases thoroughly. On the other hand, the judge Sakama Chizuru is the complete opposite of Iruma. A graduate of Tokyo University’s Faculty of Law, she is an elite among elites. She has been transferred to the first criminal court to reform it due to the unbelievably small number of cases that are closed. This is the equivalent of a company in the red to the extent of going bankrupt. As someone who takes great pride in maintaining public order by handling cases accurately and promptly, Chizuru cannot understand Iruma’s style which frustrates her to no end. However, when she realises that Iruma believes in treating a case as an individual’s life, she is faced with the question, “What can a judge do aside from issuing a ruling?”
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Yutaka Takenouchi, Tetsunori Akira, Fumiyo Kohinata, Shunsuke Kubozuka
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1 season, 11 episodes
Sherlock Holmes is a name that resonates across generations, a character so iconic that his sleuthing prowess and eccentric personality have become the gold standard for detective fiction. The character, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has seen numerous adaptations across various media, but none have captured the imagination of the modern audience quite like the BBC series “Sherlock.”
A Modern Twist on a Classic Tale
At its core, “Sherlock” is a masterful reimagining of Doyle’s work, transporting the detective and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson, from the foggy streets of Victorian London to the bustling, tech-savvy metropolis of 21st-century London. This transition could have been jarring, but creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss handle it with such finesse that it feels both fresh and inevitable.
The series debuted in 2010 and quickly made a mark with its clever writing, stylish direction, and charismatic performances. Over four seasons and a special episode, “Sherlock” has not only redefined the titular character for a new generation but also set a high bar for what a television mystery series can achieve.
The Genius of Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is a significant reason for the show’s success. Cumberbatch’s Sherlock is a man of staggering intellect, capable of deducing the most intricate details of a person’s life from the slightest clues. However, this brilliance comes with a price. This Sherlock is also socially awkward, often abrasive, and struggles with the nuances of human emotion, making him a complex and compelling character.
One memorable moment that showcases Cumberbatch’s range occurs in the episode “The Great Game,” where Sherlock faces off against a bomber who is forcing him to solve increasingly difficult cases. The tension in Cumberbatch’s performance, as Sherlock races against time while grappling with the moral implications of his decisions, is palpable and highlights the actor’s ability to convey deep emotion without resorting to melodrama.
The Heart and Humor of John Watson
Martin Freeman’s Dr. John Watson is the perfect counterbalance to Sherlock’s cold rationality. Freeman brings warmth, humor, and a touch of cynicism to the role, creating a Watson who is both a foil and an anchor to Sherlock. This dynamic is crucial, as it grounds the show and provides a relatable entry point for the audience.
Watson’s military background, combined with his medical expertise, makes him more than just a sidekick; he’s a capable partner whose loyalty and moral compass often guide Sherlock towards the right decisions. Their friendship is the emotional core of the series, with both characters growing and learning from each other in ways that are both subtle and profound.
Innovative Storytelling and Visual Flair
“Sherlock” stands out not just for its character work but also for its innovative approach to storytelling and visual presentation. The series uses text messages, emails, and other forms of digital communication not just as plot devices but as integral elements of the narrative, seamlessly integrated into the visual storytelling. This not only reflects the modern setting but also adds a dynamic layer to the storytelling.
Additionally, the show’s directors employ a variety of creative techniques, from unique camera angles to slow-motion sequences, to bring Sherlock’s thought processes to life. These visual flourishes give the audience a glimpse into the detective’s mind, making the deductive process as thrilling to watch as the action sequences.
Memorable Villains and Cases
No discussion of “Sherlock” would be complete without mentioning its villains. Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Jim Moriarty, Sherlock’s arch-nemesis, is both chilling and charismatic, bringing a manic energy to the role that serves as the perfect counterpoint to Cumberbatch’s controlled intensity. The cat-and-mouse game between Sherlock and Moriarty is a highlight of the series, culminating in a confrontation that is both intellectually and emotionally charged.
The series also excels in its standalone cases, which range from the bizarre (a hound in the countryside that may or may not be a monstrous creature) to the heartbreakingly personal (the mysterious death of a soldier). Each case is crafted with care, blending clever puzzles, emotional depth, and a sense of danger that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Legacy and Impact
“Sherlock” has left an indelible mark on the landscape of television, influencing not just other detective shows but also the broader realm of serialized storytelling. Its blend of classic characters, modern sensibilities, and innovative storytelling has inspired a new generation of writers and creators.
The show has also sparked renewed interest in Doyle’s original works, introducing Sherlock Holmes to audiences who might never have encountered the detective otherwise. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the character and the creative vision of the show’s creators.
In conclusion, “Sherlock” is more than just a television series; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has redefined a legendary character for the 21st century. Through its compelling characters, innovative storytelling, and visual flair, it has captured the imaginations of viewers around the world, proving that the appeal of a good mystery is truly timeless.