Prime Video’s new series ‘Young Sherlock’ has quickly made waves, surpassing Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ films in audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
Following its premiere on March 4, Young Sherlock has achieved an audience score of 86 per cent, beating both of Downey Jr.’s movies, which each held a score of 77 per cent. The series has also topped the films in critics’ ratings, with an 84 per cent score.
Critics praised the series as an energetic and fast-paced retelling of the young detective’s origin story. The chemistry between Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Sherlock and Dónal Finn as James Moriarty received particular acclaim, highlighting the show’s fresh take on the pair as college friends at Oxford.
Some reviewers, however, noted that the series deviates from the traditional essence of Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels. The show is adapted from Andrew Lane’s series of novels, offering a modern pastiche rather than a direct recreation of Doyle’s work.
Unlike most adaptations that depict Sherlock at the height of his investigative career, Young Sherlock follows him during his early years at university. The plot centres on Sherlock being accused of murder, prompting him to uncover a global conspiracy to clear his name.
The series joins a growing list of recent adaptations that have reimagined the detective in new contexts. Benedict Cumberbatch’s BBC series, set in modern times, remains a notable success, although its final season received mixed reviews, scoring 54 per cent from critics and 46 per cent from audiences.
Young Sherlock marks a long-awaited return to the franchise for director Guy Ritchie. Plans for a third Sherlock Holmes movie starring Downey Jr. have yet to materialise, with Downey currently focused on upcoming Avengers projects.
While the Prime Video series serves as a prequel and is not canon to Ritchie’s films, it allows him to revisit the Sherlock Holmes universe in a new form.
