'Just incredible' BBC series with excellent writing is based on 1887 classic book

Mystery crime fans are heaping praise on the BBC's reimagined version of the classic detective Sherlock Holmes. Featuring an "amazing" cast, many viewers found the series to be "absolutely incredible".

Sherlock depicts detective Sherlock Holmes (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) as a "consulting detective" operating in present-day London. He unravels complex mysteries with the help of his flatmate and close friend, Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman), who has recently returned from serving as a doctor in Afghanistan with the Royal Army Medical Corps. Initially met with skepticism by Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade (Rupert Graves) and other members of the Metropolitan Police, Sherlock gradually earns their trust through his remarkable intellect and keen observational skills.

Dr. Watson chronicles their adventures in a popular blog, unintentionally turning Sherlock into a reluctant celebrity, with the media closely following his cases and unconventional lifestyle. Sherlock is frequently called upon by both ordinary citizens and the British government for assistance.

While the series showcases a range of crimes and villains, Sherlock's ongoing rivalry with his nemesis, Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott), remains a central storyline. Sherlock also receives occasional help from Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey), a pathologist at Barts Hospital.

Other notable recurring characters include Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubbs), the duo's landlady, and Mycroft Holmes (Mark Gatiss), Sherlock's elder brother and a high-ranking government official.

Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective stories, the series was created by Scottish television writer, television producer and screenwriter Steven Moffat and English actor Mark Gatiss.

A total of 13 episodes of Sherlock were produced, spanning four three-part series that aired between 2010 and 2017, along with a special episode broadcast on January 1, 2016. Nevertheless, you can still stream the series now on BBC iPlayer.

While the main series is set in contemporary times, the special transports the characters to a Victorian-era setting, paying homage to the original Sherlock Holmes stories. The first three series were widely acclaimed for their writing, performances, and direction, though the final series received more mixed reviews.

Sherlock garnered numerous accolades, including nominations and wins at the Emmys, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. At the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, the show won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie (Benedict Cumberbatch), Outstanding Supporting Actor (Martin Freeman), and Outstanding Writing (Steven Moffat).

It later secured the award for Outstanding Television Movie and was honoured with a Peabody Award in 2011. A handful of satisfied viewers shared their honest opinions, as a person wrote in a Google review: "I usually never write reviews for anything, but after watching this spectacular and brilliant series about Sherlock Holmes I am compelled to write about how amazing and spell binding the series was!!

"So if you ever come across this series then without any second thoughts just go for it!! Once you start watching it, you'll surely be thrilled and just be pulled into the show's brilliance, it's storyline, the characters and the richness the series possesses.

"I must say, the casting for each character was just perfect in all ways. You gotta love Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and nobody else could've played the part of the titular character more perfectly and spectacularly.

"Martin Freeman's role as the second most important character of the story- Dr. John Watson was also top notch and he justified the friendship, the bonding and the understanding between Sherlock and John so beautifully. And I must say about this most sweetest and kindest character of the show- the landlady Mrs Hudson, played by Una Stubbs!

"It's really saddening that she is no longer among us... But she will always be remembered dearly as the amazing and innocent Mrs Hudson.

"Apart from this Rupert Graves was best for the role of inspector Lestrade, along with Louise Brealy as Molly Hopper and Andrew Scott who shook our hearts as the ever mortal antagonist of the show- Jim Moriarty. Another lovely character was of Mary Morstan played by Amanda Abbington and she is another sweetest character of the show!

"The on-screen wife of John Watson was not only kind, brave, funny and smart, but was also very affectionate towards Sherlock and the way he loved and protected Mary like an older brother is sure to warm your hearts! The dialogues are another reason why this show is so captivating.

"Hats off to the writers and more praise to Benedict Cumberbatch in delivering those lengthy, continuous and complicated dialogues of the deduction theory with nothing but at most precision and I am sure this will leave you awe struck! And once you listen to the theme song of the series which is composed by David Arnold and Michael Price it is sure to be struck in your head for a long time!

"It's really a must watch and binge worthy series which will definitely be worth watching no doubts about that. It is available in Amazon prime video and I'll say this will be one of the best shows you'd have ever watched."

Another reviewer shared: "Sherlock is easily one of the best series ever made. Moffat and Gatiss are genius writers who will have you falling in love with the characters the moment you meet them.

"The cast is amazing. Benedict Cumberbatch is absolutely incredible in this.

"The way he moves, talks, facial expressions all are so incredible and easily the best depiction of Sherlock Holmes yet. The dynamic between John and Sherlock is truly a special one.

"Throughout the show you learn how important they are to one another and that they are truly their best selves when together. Also if you are like me you might say there is a little more than friendship going on...

"Benedict and Martin really do work well together and are just fantastic throughout the show. Andrew Scott who I had never heard of before watching this is one of the best villains on the screen yet.

"Often you find yourself hating the villain and hoping they die but in this case he gave such a unique take to Moriarty I couldn't help want to see more. Mark Gatiss is outstanding as Mycroft and as a writer.

"The dynamic between the two brothers is just amazing. They are so funny whenever together and are constantly causing me to laugh out loud."

However, some people were not completely convinced, as someone else admitted: "Total garbage that does not respect the source material.

"Sherlock Holmes is all about solving mysteries using information given, it was fun reading the books because the author provided all the puzzle pieces for us but Holmes would complete the picture by figuring out what to do with the pieces, it was addicting and enjoyable.

"This show took that and chucked it out of the window, this show is about Sherlock and how he is a super genius who has access to puzzle pieces that we cannot see. How is it fun to watch a detective show if we can't even see all the pieces of evidence/information?"

Nevertheless, a vast majority of the feedback were positive, as a separate individual chimed in: "W O W To: Benedict Cumberbatch as SH and Martin Freeman as Dr. JHW!!!! I will never be able to see SH and Dr. JHW without Benedict and Martin!

"They remain a wonderful choice for the series it's like they are the definition of those characters and the characters can't exist without them!!! I shall probably watch it again I mean the whole 4 season....

"It was all so apt that it felt real. I lived every single episode!!!

"It was wonderful. Although the special epi got me all confused but I guess you gotta appreciate the actors for making it look how it did along with the creators namely Steven Mofatt and Mark Gatiss!!!

"I urge people with a detective mind or a mind of probabilities and deduction to watch it!"

You can stream Sherlock now on BBC iPlayer.