The enduring allure of Sherlock Holmes has sparked a creative renaissance, with new interpretations like 'Young Sherlock' capturing our imaginations. If you're captivated by the whip-smart deduction and stylish period setting of 'Young Sherlock,' you're in luck. The world of detective fiction and compelling historical dramas offers a wealth of equally engaging series that delve into complex characters and intricate mysteries. These shows, like 'Young Sherlock,' often feature sharp dialogue, atmospheric settings, and protagonists who navigate dark secrets with wit and determination.
The Artful Dodger: A Twist on a Classic
Dive into the underbelly of Victorian London with The Artful Dodger, a series that picks up years after the events of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. Jack Dawkins, now a skilled surgeon with a penchant for escaping trouble, finds his past catching up to him when his old mentor, Fagin, reappears. Thomas Brodie-Sangster shines as the adult Dodger, wrestling with his criminal impulses versus his desire for a respectable life. It's a surprisingly funny and engaging watch that proves nimble fingers are good for more than just picking pockets.
Stream The Artful Dodger on Hulu.
The Irregulars: Supernatural Secrets of Baker Street
While seemingly a mere Sherlock Holmes pastiche, The Irregulars unfolds into a surprisingly poignant supernatural mystery. Set in Victorian London, a group of resourceful, albeit troubled, street urchins are hired by a desperate Dr. Watson to help solve occult crimes and locate a missing Sherlock Holmes. Led by Thaddea Graham, this series offers a darker, more emotionally resonant take on the Holmes universe, reminiscent of a Victorian Stranger Things. Its premature cancellation left many wanting more, but it provides a satisfying, albeit unfinished, narrative arc.
Stream The Irregulars on Netflix.
Murdoch Mysteries: Whimsical Victorian Crime-Solving
For a more lighthearted yet equally captivating mystery experience, look no further than Murdoch Mysteries. This long-running Canadian series, set in Toronto starting in 1895, follows Detective William Murdoch and his team as they tackle baffling crimes. What sets it apart is its charming blend of historical figures, anachronistic inventions that border on steampunk, and delightful chemistry among the leads. While perhaps cozier than the high-stakes drama of Young Sherlock, its consistent quality and inventive storytelling have sustained it for nearly two decades.
Murdoch Mysteries is available on Tubi.
A Thousand Blows: Victorian Gangland Drama
From the creator of Peaky Blinders comes A Thousand Blows, a visceral dive into 1880s London's East End. This series spotlights the Forty Elephants, an all-female crime syndicate led by the formidable Mary Carr (Erin Doherty). Their world of shoplifting and confidence schemes collides with the brutal realm of bare-knuckle boxing run by Henry "Sugar" Goodson (Stephen Graham). The arrival of Jamaican immigrant Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) introduces further complexity to this gritty narrative of competing factions and survival. If you enjoy the tough, character-driven crime sagas, this is one of the most anticipated shows like 'Young Sherlock'.
A Thousand Blows is expected on Hulu.
Vienna Blood: Freudian Psychology Meets Murder
Fans of Young Sherlock will appreciate the intricate plotting and psychological depth of Vienna Blood. Created by Steve Thompson, who also wrote for the acclaimed Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock and Young Sherlock itself, this Edwardian-era procedural is steeped in Holmesian DNA. Dr. Max Liebermann, a student of Sigmund Freud, partners with Police Commissioner Oskar Reinhardt to solve gruesome murders by employing psychological insight rather than just physical clues. The show masterfully blends period detail with thrilling mystery, offering deductions based on character analysis that are as compelling as Holmes's forensic observations.
Stream Vienna Blood on PBS Passport or buy from Prime Video.
Death Comes to Pemberley: Jane Austen Gets a Murder Mystery
For those who enjoy a period drama with a sharp mystery at its heart, Death Comes to Pemberley offers a delightful spin on classic literature. Adapted from P. D. James' novel, this series imagines life for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy several years into their marriage. Their seemingly idyllic existence is shattered when a murder occurs during a grand ball at Pemberley. The investigation draws Lizzie into a web of deceit and danger, proving that even in the most refined settings, dark secrets can fester. It's a sophisticated mystery that fans of shows like 'Young Sherlock' will find utterly absorbing.
Stream Death Comes to Pemberley on PBS Passport or buy from Prime Video.
Perry Mason: A Gritty Prequel
Matthew Rhys, who also stars in Death Comes to Pemberley, delivers a powerhouse performance in the gritty reboot Perry Mason. This series reimagines the iconic defense attorney as a hard-living, traumatized private investigator in Depression-era Los Angeles. Rhys embodies Mason's brilliance and his personal demons as he takes on a high-profile kidnapping case that exposes corruption at the highest levels of the city. With a dark, noir atmosphere and complex characters, this show offers a compelling look at the origins of a legal legend, making it a strong contender for those seeking shows like 'Young Sherlock'.
Stream Perry Mason on HBO Max.
Monsieur Spade: Hammett's Detective Returns
From creators Scott Frank and Tom Fontana comes Monsieur Spade, a neo-noir mystery that brings Dashiell Hammett's legendary private investigator Sam Spade out of retirement. Clive Owen stars as the aging Spade, seeking peace in the South of France, until a series of brutal murders at a local convent pulls him back into the world of crime. This series captures the weary cynicism and sharp intellect of classic detective fiction, offering a moody and atmospheric experience for fans of intricate mysteries. It's a perfect watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted crime story with a seasoned protagonist.
Monsieur Spade is available on Prime Video and AMC+.
The Gentlemen: Criminal Underworld and Aristocracy
Guy Ritchie's signature style explodes onto the small screen with The Gentlemen, a spin-off series that expands his criminal universe. Theo James plays Eddie Horniman, an army officer who unexpectedly inherits his father's vast estate, only to discover it's a front for a massive marijuana empire. Forced to navigate the dangerous world of drug lords and eccentric criminals to protect his family's legacy, Eddie must embrace his darker side. The show is packed with sharp wit, stylish action, and the kind of intricate plotting that makes it one of the more entertaining shows like 'Young Sherlock'.
Stream The Gentlemen on Netflix.
Sherlock & Daughter: A New Generation of Detective
Heralding a fresh take on the Holmes canon, Sherlock & Daughter introduces a compelling new dynamic. David Thewlis portrays a characteristically broody and brilliant Sherlock Holmes, whose emotionally distant facade is challenged when Amelia Rojas (Blu Hunt) arrives, believing him to be her father. Together, they embark on a thrilling investigation into an international criminal cartel, seeking answers about Amelia's mother. This series promises a unique blend of classic Holmesian deduction with modern storytelling, exploring the challenges faced by an Indigenous American woman in Victorian London. It's a must-watch for fans looking for shows like 'Young Sherlock' with a fresh perspective.
Stream Sherlock & Daughter on HBO Max.
