CBS to pilot U.S. version of 21st century Sherlock – How original.


Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…along comes news of yet another bone-headed re-make concept that just makes you want to turn off your telly and listen to radio drama until the end of time.

Word on the street (actually, via The Hollywood Reporter) is that CBS is developing a pilot script for (insert drum roll here) a modern day Sherlock Holmes. Wow. What creativity. I wonder where they got this idea? Oh, wait, the BBC and PBS have already done it…and done it brilliantly. All CBS had to do is watch the premiere of NBC’s Prime Suspect to realize this is not a good idea. Unforgettable and A Gifted Man executive producers, Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly will develop the project and oversee the pilot script to be written by Robert Doherty (Medium, Tru Calling).

Reasons I’m thinking fail, you’re asking? Well, for one, there’s a good possibility that Sherlock Holmes will be an American detective living in New York (don’t forget, Jennifer Garner cast as Miss Marple is on the horizon from Disney). Or, two, producers will recreate present day London on the Warner Brothers back lot rather than travel to, I don’t know, London maybe? If that’s not enough, no one has the passion for the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle like Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.

Actually, come to think of it, this could have been an easy one-word post today. Just a simple WHY? would have sufficed. Anyone want to try and talk me down off the ledge?


In: Actors/Actresses,Drama,Mystery

  • Katie

    It’s not a good looking prospect, is it?
    http://nerdbastards.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nb_sherlock.jpg

    Here’s an image I think that sums it up well.

    • @Katie: I love it. Let’s hope it falls into the category of the 1000’s of scripts that never go past the scripting stage. Thanks for the photo.

  • Larry

    if they add Jack Black as Lord Peter Whimsey or Rob Morrow as Hercule Poirot then I might join you on that ledge.

  • I wish it wasn’t completely unrealistic to relocate to England just for the television programming. American TV is a well run dry these days, sadly.

  • clive menadue

    At what point in this new and just dandy new version of ‘Sherlock’ will the great detective say,”Gee, I really love you guys?”
    Sound of retching!