"Watson" Review: A Wild Ride That Combines Sherlock Holmes and "House" — But Does It Work?

"Watson" Review: A Wild Ride That Combines Sherlock Holmes and "House" — But Does It Work?  

If you’re looking for the ultimate example of chaotic TV in 2025, CBS’s Watson might just take the cake. This Sherlock Holmes-inspired procedural, starring the ever-charming Morris Chestnut, is an audacious blend of a medical drama like House and a dash of Sherlockian intrigue. The result? A mismatched, often baffling series that’s as wild as it is hard to define.  

The premise is ambitious, to say the least. Imagine Dr. John Watson—not as Sherlock Holmes’ loyal London-based partner—but as a brilliant diagnostician running a quirky medical clinic in Pittsburgh. Yes, you read that right. The show fuses patient-of-the-week medical mysteries with half-baked Sherlock mythology, resulting in a jarring cocktail of tones and ideas.  

A Tale of Two Shows Colliding  

On paper, the concept of Watson is intriguing. Watson and Sherlock’s adventures lead to the infamous Reichenbach Falls showdown, but only Watson survives. With a head injury that should probably keep him from practicing medicine, he relocates to Pittsburgh to fulfill Sherlock’s last wish: running a diagnostic clinic for bizarre medical cases.  

Joining him is Shinwell Johnson (played by Ritchie Coster, leaning heavily into cockney caricature) and a group of young, genius doctors. Oh, and his ex-wife, Dr. Mary Morstan (Rochelle Aytes), conveniently happens to be the chief of a prestigious hospital nearby.  

If that sounds like a mash-up of House, Doc, and a bad Sherlock spin-off, you’re not far off. Watson borrows liberally from its predecessors but fails to capture the charm, intelligence, or cohesion of those shows.  

Morris Chestnut Shines in a Confusing Role  

The saving grace of this messy series is undoubtedly Morris Chestnut. As the titular Watson, Chestnut brings charisma and swagger that are hard to ignore. However, his portrayal feels more like a suave leading man than the nuanced, complex Watson we know from other adaptations. He’s not channeling Martin Freeman or Jude Law—he’s just being himself, and sometimes that works.  

Yet, as charming as Chestnut is, the series can’t overcome its identity crisis. The medical drama portions are formulaic and bland, while the attempts to sprinkle in Sherlock Holmes references often feel shoehorned and unnecessary. Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s work may find themselves frustrated by how disconnected the show feels from its source material.  

The Good, the Bad, and the Ridiculous

One thing Watson does succeed at is being unpredictable—if only because of how absurd it gets. The premiere episode includes a twist that’s so over-the-top, you’ll find yourself questioning how it even made it past the writers’ room. While the medical mysteries occasionally deliver intrigue, the series struggles to balance the two wildly different tones it’s juggling.  

To its credit, Watson does occasionally lean into its ridiculousness in a way that’s entertaining. But for every moment of unintentional comedy, there are several others that fall flat, leaving viewers bored and confused.  

Is Watson Worth Watching?  

If you’re a fan of Morris Chestnut or curious about how Sherlock Holmes’ lore could possibly merge with a Pittsburgh-based medical drama, you might find Watson worth a watch. However, don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling or a cohesive narrative.  

Ultimately, Watson is a series that feels like it was born out of a desperate attempt to combine popular TV trends. It’s derivative, chaotic, and, at times, laughably bad. But it’s also so bizarre that you might not be able to look away.  

For fans of the Sherlock Holmes mythos, this show is unlikely to satisfy. But if you’re looking for something to hate watch or just need a break from the usual TV fare, Watson is there—waiting to perplex you.  

Final Thoughts 

Watson is the perfect example of how some ideas are better left on paper. While it has moments of charm and absurdity that might draw a curious audience, it’s ultimately an uneven and perplexing viewing experience. As TV trends continue to evolve, this show might go down as one of the more memorable misfires of 2025.  

What do you think of Watson? Is it a bold experiment, or should it have stayed in development purgatory? Share your thoughts in the comments!