YOUNG SHERLOCK
Review Scores (how we rate) Watch trailer →
Young Sherlock follows a teenage Sherlock Holmes as he’s drawn into a dangerous mystery involving stolen artifacts, murdered scientists, and a hidden government conspiracy, all while forming an unexpected early bond with Moriarty.
He Said / She Said
“Period pieces are not usually my thing, but this one pulled me in. The biggest surprise is the Sherlock and Moriarty dynamic. Making them friends at this age is such a smart hook, and it gives the whole show a fresh angle. I also really liked Sherlock’s relationship with Mycroft, and by the end of episode three the mystery feels satisfying while still leaving enough unanswered that I’d keep going.”
“This moves better than most historical mystery shows. It has that quick, modern rhythm that keeps the story from ever dragging, and the Sherlock-Moriarty setup gives it a strong identity right away. It almost plays like a music video version of a Victorian mystery, with style, momentum, and just enough weirdness to keep it fun. If you like smart mysteries with energy, this one is easy to stick with.”
Critical reception (so far)
- Strong style and pacing
- Fun Sherlock–Moriarty dynamic
- Some uneven execution or depth issues
What it’s about
Young Sherlock imagines the early days of Sherlock Holmes before he becomes the legendary detective everyone knows. After his brother Mycroft gets him a scouting job at Oxford, Sherlock is accused of stealing valuable scrolls and quickly gets pulled into a bigger web of murder, secrets, and government corruption.
Sherlock teams up with a young Moriarty to uncover who is framing him, who is killing scientists, and what larger conspiracy is hiding underneath it all.
Overall vibe
Gritty, atmospheric, and a little playful. It has the tension and shadowy intrigue you want from a Sherlock story, but it also moves with more speed and swagger than a lot of historical dramas.
The tone balances mystery, danger, and dry humor, with enough emotional backstory to give Sherlock a little more depth without slowing the show down too much.
Episode-by-episode (1-3)
Sherlock arrives at Oxford thanks to Mycroft and makes friends with a student named Moriarty. Almost immediately Sherlock lands in trouble when he is accused of stealing important scrolls.
After being broken out of prison, Sherlock and Moriarty work together to investigate the murders and the forces behind them.
Sherlock and Moriarty discover who the real killer is and the motive behind the killings.
Content warnings
- Violence
- Adult themes
- Mental Health Issues
- Death of a child
Who will love it / who should skip it
Will love it if:
- You like Sherlock stories and whodunnits
- You enjoy twisty mysteries with fast dialogue and strong momentum
- You like period settings but want a more modern storytelling rhythm
- You are curious about a Sherlock origin story with a different take on Moriarty
- You enjoy moody, stylish mysteries that still know how to have fun
Should probably skip it:
- You want a very traditional Sherlock and Watson setup right away
- You do not enjoy period pieces at all
- You dislike fast-talking dialogue
- You want deeply layered character work immediately instead of a stronger plot-first approach