The CW’s best current mystery show is now an HBO Max hit and this is the best time to binge it! It's all about the surprising hit, Sherlock & Daughter.
The CW and “period drama” aren’t usually words you put together in the same sentence. The network had been known for years for its teen-centric dramedies and the Arrowverse of superhero shows. The closest it got to a period piece was the sadly too-short-lived Walker: Independence.
The CW has seen some major backstage network problems and overhauls that basically culled almost all original programming. It now relies on series from Canada and the U.K., which includes Sherlock & Daughter.
The series premiered on the CW on April 16, 2025, and has reported some good numbers. But much bigger is that the show hit HBO Max in early June and per Variety, has made a strong debut, reaching the number four spot on the HBO Max app top 10. This comes after the penultimate episode of season 1 reached its highest ratings, growing almost 20% since its premiere.
With the season finale having just aired on June 11, it’s a great time for viewers to start catching up on this surprisingly delightful show that puts a new spin on the greatest literary detective!
What is Sherlock & Daughter?
Set in 1896 London, the series has famed detective Sherlock Holmes (David Thewlis) in a quandary. His best friend, John Watson, and housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, have both been abducted by a group called the Red Keep. They’re forcing Holmes to do their bidding to save his friends, constantly watching him and ensuring Holmes can’t solve cases like he normally would.
Enter Amelia Rojas (Blu Hunt), a young Native American woman from California whose mother was just murdered. She’s come to London to find Holmes, who her mother claims is Amelia’s father. Holmes denies the claim but is intrigued by Amelia’s sharp mind and ability to deduce clues. He also realizes the Red Keep won’t expect his “maid” to be Holmes’ agent and so hires her on.
The pair are soon drawn into a kidnapping case that leads to a grand conspiracy involving the Red Keep, Holmes’ old enemy Professor Moriarty and the question if Holmes and Amelia really are father and daughter. The show has flowed well, and there are some great reasons to check it out!
The leads are amazing
If there’s an actor born to play Sherlock Holmes, David Thewlis is it. The veteran British star is perfect in the role, nailing Holmes’ arrogance, eccentricities and constant genius mind at work. The show gives Thewlis wonderful material with Holmes detailing how he’s put together random clues to get at the truth with that lush voice that is addictive to listen to.
There’s an edge to this Holmes, wanting to rescue Watson and Hudson and a bit more desperate at times. There are the classic touches like his mastery of disguises and a bit of action, yet it’s the wits that make Thewlis Holmes a standout to put his mark on a character played so many times on screen.
Thewlis is well matched by Hunt, who gifts Amelia with a feisty spirit and charm. The show is smart to show that Amelia may be sharp on her wits but often leaps into things without thinking and is sometimes not as capable as she thinks she is. Yet her charm and character work well.
Hunt and Thewlis have magnificent chemistry together, bouncing off each other with great banter. It’s clear from the start they like and respect each other and enjoy testing the boundaries of this partnership. That bond is the backbone of the show that keeps you watching.
The supporting cast is just as good
The series does have a large supporting cast who all bring some unique touches to their roles. Gia Hunter has lovely charm as Clara, the daughter of an American ambassador Amelia befriends and plays a larger role in the storyline. There’s also Fiona Glasscott as Lady Violet, a socialite with a fun banter with Holmes who likewise grows in her role, while Shashi Rami is Bertie, an insurance investigator who becomes an unlikely aid.
Joe Klocek is a major addition as Daniel Moriarty, son of the infamous criminal. He and Amelia have a unique relationship, obviously an attraction between them yet also clashing on various matters. And Dougary Scott is a joy as Moriarty, who treats his prison cell like a hotel suite, and seeing him and Thewlis chewing the scenery together is a pleasure. Even smaller roles shine with the actors to make the show shine.
Sherlock & Daughter has a fun style
The show has a unique style for the era. A recurring element is classic quill writing script to point out various clues both Holmes and Amelia notice on a case. The flashbacks have their own distinctive filming style and the series excels replaying events from earlier to help the viewer understand what’s happening.
The production nails the 19th-century London setting with an aura just like a classic Doyle tale. It’s moody, gothic, a bit dark and thus perfect for a Holmes story. It’s unlike any other CW show and so an enthralling ride for those who love a great period-piece mystery series.
The mysteries are well done
The show has the overall story arc of the Red Keep and finding Watson and Hudson mixed with smaller mysteries. It’s interesting how a seemingly random crime ends up being linked to the larger story arc and flows together quite well. The best part is all the clues are right there for alert viewers to follow and play along with Holmes.
Any Holmes series needs to maintain its mysteries and this show is no different. It’s enthralling to see it develop and build on the larger plot to pay off down the road. It holds up well with some of the best mystery shows out there today.
The finale is a great wrap-up
Without giving away spoilers, the finale of the show nicely wraps up the main mystery plotline. It also addresses the Holmes-Amelia relationship with a final scene that could serve as a series finale but with plenty of room for another season. It gives a different facet to Holmes with Amelia as a delightful new addition to the mythos.
So, if you haven’t already, you should be checking out Sherlock & Daughter as one of the best Holmes-related series in a long time and a wonderful period piece mystery well worth investigating!
Sherlock & Daughter is available to stream on HBO Max.
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