I had heard of it before, but never got around to watching it until recently and now I can’t stop! With award winning performances by the three main characters (Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Mark Gatiss), Sherlock takes us on a roller coaster ride through the mind of London’s best consulting detective. Here are 10 reasons you should be watching Sherlock right now! 10 reasons you should be watching Sherlock
Table of Contents
1) The cast
Martin Freeman, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Andrew Scott star in one of television’s most wildly successful series. With a long list of award nominations and wins—including Emmy, Golden Globe, and People’s Choice nods—it’s safe to say that BBC’s Sherlock is one of TV’s best dramas. For those who are not familiar with Holmesian lore, here are 10 reasons to catch up on BBC’s modern take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic characters.
2) The writing
Each episode is a tightly-constructed mystery in its own right, but taken together, they’re also artful examples of how to use plot and dialogue to push characters toward new places. It’s not just about a series of murders; it’s about lives changing and loyalties being tested. Even if you don’t follow every single story arc, by season three you’ll want to know where everyone stands.
3) Consistency
It’s tough to nail down a specific reason why it works so well, but a big part of it is that every episode looks and feels completely different from any other installment in its history. When you think back on your favorite cases and episodes, they likely come in all shapes and sizes. Some feel like they were made to air at 12:01AM on BBC One or PBS on Friday nights, while others feel like Saturday matinee showings at a local theater.
4) Scenery
The scenery is beautiful, often times locations for filming of Sherlock are breathtaking. If you’re a fan of London in general, but specifically a fan of St. James Park and Big Ben, then you’ll adore where Sherlock films all it’s scenes. There is nothing more enjoyable than sitting on your couch and looking out your window at these beautiful places.
5) It’s critically acclaimed
The first season of Sherlock received a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which hailed it as a smart, fast-paced update that benefits from crisply articulated performances. The second season continues to receive praise from fans and critics alike. For example, CNN called it the smartest show on television.
6) Timely references
With more than two billion views, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have built a huge following for their on-screen duo. The actors have been able to capitalize on their fame by doing high-profile film projects (Cumberbatch in Star Trek: Into Darkness, Freeman in The Hobbit) that keep them in front of a large audience. It also helps that they’re really good at what they do, as Holmes actor Mark Gatiss put it.
7) It’s one of the most watched shows in the world
with an average of 13.4 million viewers per episode, and has won a total of 5 Emmy Awards out of 19 nominations, making it one of Britain’s most successful shows to date.