TV fans are being urged to binge a mystery series that has been described as having "zero boring episodes". The show, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in March, has become a firm favourite for many viewers.
The series was highlighted on social media by Anubhuti Navin, who regularly features films and TV programmes available to watch now through her Instagram account The Watchlist Club. She called the series a "must watch" and "an absolute gem", adding: "One of the finest series with zero boring episodes." With just eight episodes, the whole series could be binged in a weekend. The programme in question is Young Sherlock.
What is Young Sherlock about?
The series tells the story of a 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes, who is yet to become the world-famous mastermind detective. Teaming up with friend James Moriarty, later to become his most dastardly foe, Holmes becomes embroiled in a murder mystery at Oxford University.
It is based on a series of novels about Holmes' younger years written by Andy Lane, while also taking inspiration from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original tales. Starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin as the titular detective and Dónal Finn as Moriarty, the first series also features Zine Tseng as Xiao Wei, Joseph Fiennes as Holmes' father Silas, and Colin Firth as Sir Bucephalus Hodge.
Behind the scenes and season two
The series was developed by Guy Ritchie, who created Netflix hit The Gentleman and directed iconic gangster films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. He also helmed two Sherlock Holmes films in 2009 and 2011 starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law, and directed the first two episodes of Young Sherlock. It was filmed in Bristol and Cardiff, as well as in Spain.
The programme was renewed for a second series in April. Filming has been seen taking place in Bristol and Italy. Aidan Gillen and Indira Varma, both known from Game of Thrones, are joining the cast of the second season, along with Olivia Williams from The Crown and Outlander's Sophie Skelton. It is expected to be released in 2027.
What have people said about Young Sherlock?
The series has an 84 per cent critics' rating on reviews site Rotten Tomatoes, and an 83 per cent rating from viewers. One said: "This was way more fun than I expected. A little over-the-top at times, but I liked the energy and the mystery kept me interested."
Another wrote: "With a talented cast, skilled direction, and intelligent writing, Young Sherlock is as compelling as it is intriguing. Every episode deepens your curiosity, not just about the mysteries, but about the journey of seeing how a young Sherlock Holmes evolves into the legendary detective."
Someone else said: "Great chemistry between the lead actors with the pace, excitement and wit you'd can expect from Guy Ritchie. If you love Ritchie's stuff you'll love this."
But others were less enthusiastic. One said: "Not a terrible show, pretty straightforward mystery. However most of the episodes are shot so dark, and poorly, you can barely see what is happening on screen. It would probably be three stars if it were shot better."
