Sherlock Holmes director Guy Ritchie has returned to the world of the iconic literary sleuth, telling an origin story that, while it seemed to be a little misguided (especially as audiences are still eagerly awaiting a straight-up Sherlock Holmes 3), has instead proven itself to be not just far better than expected but a more than worthy addition to the long-running franchise. The first reviews for the prequel series, titled Young Sherlock, have now emerged, with the action-adventure crime thriller landing a surprising score that shows the game is well and truly afoot.
Led by Hero Fiennes Tiffin as a 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes, with Matthew Parkhill on board as showrunner while Guy Ritchie helps guide the series as director and executive producer, Young Sherlock details the legendary origin story of Sherlock Holmes in what promises to be an irreverent, action-laden mystery that follows the iconic detective’s early adventures.
Truly, Young Sherlock has proven itself to be far from elementary, with the origin story debuting with a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Screen Rant kicks things off with a near-perfect 9/10, hailing Young Sherlock as “an incredibly clever and imaginative retelling” of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic.
“Overall, Young Sherlock is an incredibly clever and imaginative retelling of a classic story that manages to preserve the best aspects of the source material, while also boldly breaking new ground and redefining the characters involved.”
Collider commented on the lack of accuracy to the source material but found that immaterial when the series more than makes up for it in “pure entertainment.” JoBlo’s Movie Network, meanwhile, hopes that Young Sherlock will spark a new series of ongoing adventures for the famous detective, saying, “With a solid decade of space between where we find the character in this first season and when he finally comes into his own, the game is afoot for Young Sherlock to give us lots of mysterious adventures for seasons to come.”
Alongside a near-perfect 4/5, ComicBook.com declared Young Sherlock “an exciting new addition to a very familiar universe, unconcerned about making a pure adaptation, but faithful enough that the bolt-ons are very welcome.” Finally, Variety called the series nothing less than “Perfect,” commending how it adapts the 139-year-old character for the modern world.
“A terrific mystery wrapped in intrigue, family drama and delightful wit, “Young Sherlock” is a compelling origin story that brings a classic character to life. This time, though, he is spry and bold enough for our fast-paced 21st-century world.”
Amazon Prime Video
Starring Zine Tseng (3 Body Problem), Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale), Natascha McElhone (Halo), Max Irons (Condor), Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), and Dónal Finn (The Wheel of Time) as James Moriarty, Sherlock’s future nemesis, all eight episodes of Young Sherlock will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on March 4, 2026, and you can check out the official synopsis below…
Sherlock Holmes is a disgraced young man – raw and unfiltered – when he finds himself wrapped up in a murder case that threatens his liberty. His first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy, culminating in an explosive showdown that changes his life forever. Unfolding in 1870s Oxford and adventuring abroad, the series will expose the early antics of the anarchic adolescent who is yet to evolve into Baker Street’s most renowned resident.
Release Date
March 4, 2026
Network
Prime Video
Showrunner
Matthew Parkhill
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Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Sherlock Holmes
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Zine Tseng
Princess Gulun Shou’an
