Summary

• Two Sherlock Holmes TV shows are in development at HBO, with Robert Downey Jr. involved.
• Millie Bobby Brown will likely return for Enola Holmes 3.
• A new CW TV show, Sherlock & Daughter, is also in development, starring David Thewlis.

The various Sherlock Holmes movies and TV shows in development demonstrate how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective still captures the imaginations of people everywhere a century after he was created. Sherlock Holmes has proved to be a successful property, which can be adapted by anyone since it is in the public domain. Despite the problems with Sherlock seasons 3 and 4, the show was undeniably a hit at first. On the other hand, Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock Holmes movies and Millie Bobby Brown's Enola Homles movies are generally well-liked.

Sherlock Holmes is also a versatile source material, which transitions well into different times and settings. Side characters such as John Watson and Mycroft Holmes are interesting enough to merit their own spinoffs, while characters such as Sherlock's sister or daughter may be created by present-day writers who wish to tell new stories. It is no surprise that several properties are in development, even if some of them may never come to fruition. For instance, Sherlock season 5 has been stalled since 2017 and seems to have been forgotten.

5 Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock Holmes TV Shows

Two Sherlock Holmes TV shows are reportedly in development at HBO.

In early 2022, it was announced that Sherlock Holmes actor Robert Downey Jr. is developing two Sherlock Holmes TV shows for HBO Max. Downey Jr. previously starred as Holmes alongside Jude Law as Watson in the 2009 and 2011 Sherlock Holmes movies, which made the material a staple of modern pop culture. Plans for Sherlock Holmes 3 were shelved as Downey Jr. became busy with the MCU. The proposed HBO TV shows are allegedly a continuation of Downey Jr.'s Sherlock Holmes movie universe.

It is still unconfirmed which characters or plotlines these TV shows will focus on, as well as if Downey Jr. will be reprising his role as Holmes. However, there is plenty of material from the movies themselves, including Rachel McAdams' underused character Irene Adler. The Sherlock and Elementary series have proven how lucrative Sherlock Holmes TV shows can be, and cinematic universes have become increasingly popular. Therefore, it would be surprising if HBO abandoned its Sherlock Holmes shows, despite no news about them since their announcement.

4 Enola Holmes 3

Millie Bobby Brown will likely return for a third Enola Holmes movie.

There is still plenty of material left for the Enola Holmes movie series to adapt, and Millie Bobby Brown is still a popular star — therefore, it is inevitable that Enola Holmes 3 is on the way. Enola Holmes and its sequel are based on Nancy Springer's book series, which follows the adventures of Sherlock's teenage sister, an aspiring detective herself. The first two movies were popular and well-reviewed, featuring stars including Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, Sam Claflin, and more. Despite Netflix having yet to confirm it, another Enola Homes sequel seems likely.

Enola Homes 3 is expected to be based on the third book in Springer's series, The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets. In this book, Enola finds herself investigating the disappearance of one Dr. John Watson. Netflix would need the main stars to return for Enola Holmes 3 to be a success, which could prove difficult as Brown's career continues to grow with no signs of stopping. However, Brown's upcoming Netflix movie Damsel suggests that she will always be loyal to the streaming service that kicked off her career.

Enola Holmes and Enola Holmes 2 are available to stream via Netflix.

3 Sherlock & Daughter

The CW is working on a TV show featuring Sherlock Holmes' daughter.

In February 2024, the CW announced that a new TV show titled Sherlock & Daughter is in development, starring David Thewlis as Holmes. Alongside Thewlis is Dougray Scott as the detective's famous rival James Moriarty and Blu Hunt as a young woman who seeks out Holmes, believing he might be her father. No other cast members have been confirmed, leaving fans wondering who will play characters such as Watson and Adler.

Sherlock & Daughter's development may have been prompted by the success of Enola Homes, as they share the common element of a female character related to Holmes but not originating with Doyle's works. Both HBO and the CW are probably hoping to replicate the success of previous Holmes-centric TV shows. However, the premise of Sherlock & Daughter seems to be placing the great detective in a new conflict that will challenge the traditional character dynamics of the franchise.

2 Watson

CBS is working on a medical drama series about John Watson.

Also announced in early 2024 is a medical procedural series about John Watson, who will be played by Morris Chestnut. This TV show will show Watson continuing his work after the death of Holmes, centering around medical mysteries. The Watson TV show already sets itself apart from Sherlock and Elementary by writing Holmes out of the story and focusing on the doctor, with the potential to expand Watson's character like never before.

Watson's plot will derive conflict from Watson's ongoing battle with Moriarty, who survives his final confrontation with Holmes in this version of the story. This opens up the possibility of an emotionally charged storyline about Watson, typically the level-headed counterpart to Holmes, seeking revenge. While Holmes will likely only appear in flashbacks at most, it is unclear if other characters from the canon will appear. However, this could potentially drag the story away from Watson and back to Holmes. Other characters, including Moriarty, have yet to be cast.

1 Sherlock Holmes 3

Robert Downey Jr.'s third Sherlock Holmes movie is not officially dead yet.