Revitalizing a well-trodden tale is always a challenge, yet “Sherlock & Daughter” accomplishes just that. Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes, has been brought to life repeatedly over more than a century, with numerous adaptations gracing the screen. To make an impact, a fresh perspective is necessary. This is something that Netflix’s “Enola Holmes” demonstrated by introducing Sherlock’s sister and altering his story. Similarly, “Sherlock & Daughter” pairs the iconic detective with a family member, a move that has resonated positively with audiences.

The series premiered on The CW on April 16, 2025, and has shown impressive ratings. By early June 2025, its viewership had risen by 20% since the first episode aired. It currently stands as the network’s top-performing scripted show in traditional broadcasting and is ranked second digitally. Similar success is seen on HBO Max, where U.S. viewers can stream the show. “Sherlock & Daughter” made a notable entry on the platform, securing the fourth spot in the top 10. Overseas, the reception has been equally strong, particularly in Australia. Broadcasting on SBS, the series has witnessed a staggering 150% growth in viewership during its first four episodes.

The plot of “Sherlock & Daughter” involves Sherlock Holmes (played by David Thewlis) dealing with the Red Thread, a dangerous criminal group. Enter Amelia Rojas (portrayed by Blu Hunt), an American girl asserting that Holmes is her father. In the aftermath of her mother’s murder, she travels to England seeking justice. Although Holmes initially rejects the idea of paternity, he soon recognizes Amelia’s sharp intellect and permits her to join him as a partner. Together, Sherlock and Amelia work to solve the mystery and dismantle the Red Thread’s operations.

Fans of the source material will be glad to know that Sherlock’s longtime partner Dr. John Watson (Seán Duggan) appears in the series on a recurring basis. Several other important characters from the books also show up, including Sherlock’s nemesis Professor James Moriarty (Dougray Scott), who is banged up in Newgate Prison when the story commences. Moriarty actually has an estranged child of his own, Daniel “Dan” Moriarty (Joe Klocek), a former offender who is attempting to walk the straight and narrow. He goes by the alias Michael Wylie and ends up trying to charm Amelia.

Critics have largely been kind about “Sherlock & Daughter.” At the time of this writing, the first season of the show has a solid 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes. David Thewlis has been getting plenty of praise for his turn as Doyle’s beloved detective, but people are also impressed by Blu Hunt, who superhero movie fans will recognize as Danielle Moonstar (aka Mirage) from “The New Mutants.” In his review for the Los Angeles Times, television critic Robert Lloyd wrote: “Thewlis, who has the ranginess and sharp profile one associates with the character, is a fine Holmes, caustic with a comic edge, and Hunt holds her own as his problematic partner.”

Some reviewers have criticized Hunt for her modern approach to her character, made all the more jarring by the 19th century setting. “Amelia carries herself and delivers her lines as if she’d wandered off the set of one of those teen dramas The CW used to regularly produce,” wrote Nina Metz of the Chicago Tribune. However, that’s kind of the point. This isn’t supposed to be “True Detective,” after all. “Sherlock & Daughter” is a cozy watch made for those who enjoy the easy-going nature of CW offerings, and in that respect, it’s a huge success. Hunt may come across as a bit too Gen-Z for 1890s century London, but, as noted by Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter, she’s “bright and charming enough to make you want to hang out with Amelia regardless of the century.”