Young Sherlock is Nothing Like Guy Ritchie’s Movies (but That’s Somehow Not a Bad Thing) [Review]

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Seeing a headline about a Sherlock Holmes series from Guy Ritchie might make you think of Robert Downey Jr.’s popular portrayal of the detective. However, this new series, called Young Sherlock, is a completely different story and isn’t connected to those films. It’s a bit confusing, but this actually gives the new show the freedom to develop its own unique identity.

Hero Fiennes Tiffin plays the 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes, a character notably without the iconic deer-stalker hat often associated with him (a detail even Ritchie skipped in his earlier film with Robert Downey Jr.). This Holmes is a rebellious youth, caught stealing, who’s offered a fresh start by his brother, Mycroft. Of course, things don’t stay peaceful for long, and he soon finds himself back in trouble with the law. While the story isn’t especially original, like most of Guy Ritchie’s films, it’s highly entertaining, and Young Sherlock certainly delivers on that front.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
Both leads are excellent, but Dónal Finn is the stand-out as Moriarty Some tropes feel a little familiar
A new take that feels both fresh and respectful of the wider lore
Great storytelling and character development
Big on fun

Young Sherlock’s Cast is its Best Asset

While the story is important, the casting is truly special, as is often the case with this creator’s work. Hero Fiennes Tiffin delivers a strong performance, Colin Firth is excellent as Sir Bucephalus Hodge—and his mustache is a highlight!—and Dónal Finn offers a particularly compelling take on James Moriarty. The chemistry between the actors is also crucial. This new interpretation requires some changes to the familiar story, with Moriarty and Holmes unexpectedly teaming up to solve a theft at Hodge’s home. It’s a classic mystery perfectly suited to the setting, and it allows the two lead actors plenty of time on screen together. Throughout the eight episodes, we also see the beginnings of the conflict that will define their relationship.

As you’d expect from a Guy Ritchie film, the snappy dialogue and witty, often cutting, remarks are a major highlight – and that’s before even considering the actors! This version of Sherlock is still developing, not yet the confident genius we know from the stories, and he’s not a particularly skilled detective yet. Ritchie cleverly shows Sherlock’s journey towards becoming a legend, and we also see a strong connection forming with someone who will eventually become his greatest rival. While Finn does a great job, Hero Tiffin Fiennes provides a nice balance, avoiding the overly quirky or neurodivergent portrayals that are common in some recent Sherlock adaptations.

Ritchie’s Directing Captures The Right Recipe For Young Sherlock

Guy Ritchie consistently delivers his trademark fast-paced, energetic style, and Young Sherlock is no exception—though Aladdin was a bit different, as Disney had more creative control. The eight episodes of Young Sherlock fly by, feeling like a fun, quirky adventure, and it’s generally lighter in tone than his more mature work like The Gentlemen. Expect plenty of mysteries and at least one major, surprising twist.

I worried going in that Sherlock Holmes might become another classic character – like Robin Hood or King Arthur – that’s been retold so many times it’s lost its spark. I felt the same way before Guy Ritchie’s previous Holmes films, and I should have known better! This new take is fresh and fun, without ignoring what makes Holmes, Holmes. Young Sherlock feels like a great addition to the existing stories – it’s not a strict adaptation, but it respects the source material while adding interesting new elements. I’m already hoping for a sequel.

All 8 episodes of Young Sherlock Season 1 will release on Prime Video from March 4.

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2026-03-02 21:45