Elementary

What viewers say

Viewers praise this modern New York take on Sherlock Holmes for its sharp writing, the sober, non-romantic partnership between Holmes and Watson, and Lucy Liu's performance, plus a thoughtful handling of addiction and recovery. It won over many people who were wary of it at launch, especially fans comparing it to the BBC's Sherlock. Criticisms include a procedural, case-of-the-week formula that some say turns generic, later seasons that feel repetitive, and darker content such as murders and some sexual references that make it better for older teens and adults.

Best for: Viewers who enjoy character-driven detective procedurals and a Holmes-and-Watson friendship without the romance.

Summary of public viewer reviews, updated November 2026.