HBO Max’s Top Mystery Series: A Clever Twist on a Timeless Classic
The legend of Sherlock Holmes has been recounted countless times, with the genius detective achieving iconic status in popular culture since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first unveiled him in 1887.
However, every adaptation introduces fresh perspectives, and The CW’s series Sherlock & Daughter is no different.
The show, currently one of the most watched on HBO Max, follows Holmes (David Thewlis) as he probes a criminal organization known as “The Red Thread,” assisted by a young American woman (Blu Hunt)—who might just be his daughter.
Watch With Us encourages you to check out this series — discover the reasons below.
‘Sherlock & Daughter’ Introduces Diversity to the Holmesian Realm
Amelia Rojas, the titular daughter in this series, is a Native American woman from California who suspects that Holmes may be her father. Given that the Sherlock Holmes stories were crafted in 19th-century England, there isn’t a rich history of people of color featured in these narratives—making the authentic chemistry between Holmes and Rojas refreshing.
Incorporating a Native American character broadens the narrative’s appeal and adds essential representation in the Sherlock Holmes universe.
The CW’s New Direction Previewed
The CW, a network renowned for its superhero series and teen dramas, is navigating an identity shift following the sale of most shares to Nexstar Media Group in 2022. For those observing media trends, Sherlock & Daughter stands as one of the first original drama series produced after this ownership change.
This series is a co-production with Discovery+ in the UK and Ireland, as are almost all of The CW’s new scripted offerings. Should it be renewed for a second season—and the prospects are optimistic, as the show currently boasts a 75 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes—Sherlock & Daughter might signal the new storytelling priorities of The CW.
With June upon us, the temptation to step outside and enjoy the sun is strong. However, Watch With Us struggles to shake off those cold-weather habits and remains cozying up to tantalizing British crime dramas. Thankfully, streaming provides these captivating mysteries year-round, and this month is no exception.
David Thewlis Captures the Essence of Holmes
Thewlis, celebrated for portraying composed Brits in films like the Harry Potter series, embodies the quintessential Holmesian traits—aloofness, detachment, and razor-sharp intellect. Yet, he also explores a softer side of Holmes as he forms a bond with Amelia. Though he initially doubts her claim of being his daughter, he agrees to mentor her in his methods and seeks justice for her mother’s murder.
Despite his reservations, Holmes finds himself becoming fond of this astute young woman. As series creator Brendan Foley noted, “Sherlock Holmes is typically an unemotional character, but he’s also a major experimenter. So, could it be that, just once in his vast experimenting life, he pondered, ‘What’s all this human emotion about?’”
