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Elementary (TV series)

Elementary is an American procedural comedy-drama television series that offers a modern update of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Elementary is an American procedural comedy-drama television series that offers a modern update of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. Created by Robert Doherty, it starred Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. The series aired on CBS for seven seasons from 2012 to 2019, consisting of 154 episodes.

Premise

The series follows Sherlock Holmes after he relocates to New York City and works as a consultant for the NYPD. Joan Watson becomes his sober companion and later his investigative partner.

Production and broadcast

Elementary was created by Robert Doherty and premiered on CBS on September 27, 2012. It concluded after seven seasons on August 15, 2019.

Setting and reinterpretation

Unlike the original Holmes stories, the series is set in the present day and primarily in New York rather than London. It also changes Dr. John Watson into Dr. Joan Watson.

Reception and distribution

The series was distributed on major streaming platforms and on international broadcasters after its CBS run. In Canada, it aired on Global and was later available through Canadian streaming and TV platforms. Listings describe it as a drama/crime series focused on mystery-solving and character development.

Key facts

  • The series is a contemporary adaptation of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle.
  • It reimagines Dr. Watson as Dr. Joan Watson, played by Lucy Liu.
  • The show is set primarily in New York City.
  • It aired for seven seasons and 154 episodes on CBS.
  • The main cast also included Aidan Quinn and Jon Michael Hill.
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Canadian context

Elementary aired in Canada on Global, according to the French-language Wikipedia entry, and was also available through Canadian streaming and TV platforms in later distribution windows.[13][11]

Frequently asked questions

What is Elementary about?
It follows Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson as they solve crimes for the NYPD in modern-day New York City.
Who created Elementary?
Elementary was created by Robert Doherty.
Who played Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson?
Jonny Lee Miller played Sherlock Holmes, and Lucy Liu played Dr. Joan Watson.
How many seasons and episodes does it have?
The series ran for 7 seasons and 154 episodes.
When did Elementary air?
It premiered on September 27, 2012, and ended on August 15, 2019.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elementary_(TV_series)
    Supports: Created by Robert Doherty; starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu; CBS run from 2012 to 2019; 154 episodes; New York City setting.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Elementary_episodes
    Supports: Series premiered on September 27, 2012; ended after seven seasons on August 15, 2019; 154 episodes total.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2191671/
    Supports: Modern adaptation premise; Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu casting; Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson relationship.
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Afr.wikipedia.org+Elementary+s%C3%A9rie+t%C3%A9l%C3%A9vis%C3%A9e
    Supports: Canadian broadcast on Global; adaptation of Sherlock Holmes; 154 episodes over seven seasons.
  5. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/elementary/1030561039/
    Supports: 2012-2019 run, 7 seasons, CBS, genre and New York crime-solving premise.