Just recently, CBS announced Watson, an upcoming series that shifts the focus from Sherlock Holmes and pushes his personal friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson, into the spotlight. While those unfamiliar with Arthur C. Doyle‘s literary works might question why Watson deserves his own series, the fans of the novels are excited, especially considering that the show received a straight-to-series order at CBS.
The answer is simple: Watson is more than just a sidekick — he’s a rather complex character and plays a pivotal role in the Sherlock Holmes stories. All of them. Actor Morris Chestnut has been cast for the role of the eponymous hero, putting a fresh twist on the character. Chestnut has been a household name for many years now, as he successfully captivated audiences with his on-screen charm, versatility, and undeniable talent. Here are five reasons why we’re excited to see Morris Chestnut in CBS’s Watson.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Role
Historically, cinematic adaptations of Sherlock Holmes were fairly rigid when it came to casting the main roles, most notably Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. From 1921’s The Hound of Baskervilles with Hubert Willis to Andre Morell’s portrayal in the same-name movie from 1959, the representation within the Holmes’ universe was mostly white-and male-dominated.
However, casting an African American as Watson is the right step towards diversifying iconic stories and opening the door for new perspectives. It also adds layers of cultural nuance and opens the door to addressing issues of race, class, and systemic biases, laying the foundations for relevant storytelling. This shift could provide a more multidimensional take on Watson’s qualities from the novels, which are often overshadowed by Sherlock’s brilliance in cinematic adaptations.
A Fantastic Actor
As previously stated, Morris Chestnut has been a household name for quite some time, and he’s no stranger to fast-paced and high-stakes storytelling, as well as commanding and relatable roles, such as those in The Enemy Within, Legends, The Best Man, and Rosewood.
From what we know about Watson, the series will be a mixture of mystery and action, and it promises to explore Watson’s own life and what it might look like outside of Holmes. This is particularly important since Watson’s medical career, personal relationships, and past adventures have been largely unexplored in most adaptations. And considering Chestnut’s previous roles, there’s very little doubt that he’ll deliver an exceptional performance.
Modern Narrative
One of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming series is its modern take on the world of Sherlock Holmes. The series is set in a contemporary setting, with the narrative centered on Watson’s life following the murder of Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty. This allows it to address current social and technological issues, making the show more relatable to modern audiences.
Morris Chestnut’s portrayal of Watson will undoubtedly contribute to the modern feel of the character, balancing the character’s values as both the doctor and war veteran with the challenges of modern life. Chestnut’s magnetic presence might just be the perfect vehicle to bridge the gap between the classical iteration of Watson and a modern one.
Exploring Watson as the Lead
In both the novels and their cinematic adaptations, Watson has been relegated to the role of Sherlock Holmes’s chronicler and biographer, as well as his trusty aid in investigative work. This also means that he was always in the shadow of the world’s greatest detective. However, by placing Watson at the center of the narrative, the series is finally granting the character the spotlight he deserves.
The upcoming Watson will deal with Watson’s personal and professional struggles, including dealing with the death of his friend, and with Morris Chestnut helming the role, we can expect his interpretation of Watson to be not just capable but also multifaceted. This type of adaptation could finally do the character justice by showcasing his complexity.
A New Team
While the series will focus on its eponymous character, it will also feature a rich supporting cast, including Rochelle Aytes, who will portray Mary Morstan —Watson’s ex-wife — while Peter Mark Kendall takes on the dual role of Adam and Steven Croft, identical twins working at the Holmes clinic. Other cast members include Eve Harlow, Inga Schlingmann, and Ritchie Coster.
Morris Chestnut has a history of exceptional performances in ensemble casts, as seen in The Best Man and Rosewood, as well as the ability to establish chemistry with his co-star. This makes him a perfect choice for the role, as these qualities would ensure that the character relationships in Watson feel authentic to the audiences.
Final Thoughts
Morris Chestnut is bringing his signature Charisma to CBS’s Watson in January 2025, and as you can see, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the show. From his fresh take on the iconic character to the intriguing spin the show puts on the Sherlock Holmes universe, the series promises to be a must-watch for the fans.
Watson premieres on CBS on January 26th.