elementary

Elementary is an American crime drama television series developed by Robert Doherty for CBS. It offers a modern retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, relocating the detective to New York City and recasting his investigations for a contemporary audience. The series stars Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes, a recovering drug addict who works as a consulting detective for the New York City Police Department. Lucy Liu plays Dr. Joan Watson, a former surgeon who becomes Holmes's sober companion and, over time, his partner in crime solving.

Set in New York, the show follows Holmes's methods—observation, deduction, and science—while exploring his history, addictions, and sometimes stormy relationship with Watson. The ensemble also features Captain Thomas Gaines and other law enforcement personnel, as well as a rotating slate of recurring criminals and allies.

Elementary premiered on September 27, 2012, on CBS and ran for seven seasons, totaling 139 episodes. It concluded in 2019. The series was praised for the performances of Miller and Liu and for its fresh, accessible reinterpretation of the Holmes canon, particularly the reversal of the Watson role. It received mixed critical responses over its run, with some viewers and critics noting cross-genre conventions and canon deviations. The show is noted for its urban setting, character-driven storytelling, and its engagement with themes such as addiction, mentorship, and partnership in a modern detective framework.