# Elementary (2012)

> A recovering eccentric genius and his sober companion crack the NYPD's most impossible cases in modern Manhattan.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/1331

## Facts

- Seasons: 7
- Episodes: 154
- Episode runtime: 43 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: crime, drama, mystery
- Created by: Robert Doherty
- Network: CBS
- Cast: Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu, Jon Michael Hill, Aidan Quinn, Sutton Foster, John Noble, Nelsan Ellis, Manny Perez
- TMDB rating: 7.9/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2191671/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: mild
- Tone: witty, cerebral, warm, character driven

## What critics say

Viewers broadly rate Elementary as a well-crafted, character-driven modern take on Sherlock Holmes, with its lead chemistry and emotional recovery storyline drawing particular praise.

## Synopsis

Elementary (2012-2019) is a American network crime drama series created by Robert Doherty for CBS, running seven seasons and 154 episodes. Jonny Lee Miller plays eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes, a brilliant man who fell from grace in London and now lives in Manhattan under the watchful eye of his wealthy father. Lucy Liu plays Joan Watson, the sober companion his father hires to keep him in line, and she becomes his partner in unraveling the NYPD's most baffling cases. Jon Michael Hill plays Detective Marcus Bell, and Aidan Quinn plays Captain Thomas Gregson, both working alongside the pair. Each season leans on a case-of-the-week structure, with forensic puzzles and deductive reasoning driving each investigation, while a longer arc tracks Sherlock's struggle with addiction and his fraught relationship with his family. The tone is witty and character-focused, with a warm chemistry between the leads and a steady undercurrent of recovery and loyalty. Fans of Sherlock, Monk and The Mentalist will find resonance in its blend of sharp detection and personal growth. The show balances clever mysteries with genuine emotional stakes across its long run, offering a comfortable yet intelligent watch for viewers who enjoy modern reinventions of classic detective fiction set in a bustling city.

## Shows like Elementary

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- [High Potential (2024)](https://ember.film/tv/145084)
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- [CSI: NY (2004)](https://ember.film/tv/2332)

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