Sherlock Holmes is one of the most iconic detectives in literary history, but Prime Video’s upcoming series Young Sherlock aims to explore a side of the character audiences have rarely seen—who he was before the legend was born. Executive produced and directed by Guy Ritchie, the mind behind the Robert Downey Jr.-led Sherlock Holmes films, the series promises a bold, energetic reinvention of the famed sleuth’s early years.
The first teaser for Young Sherlock introduces viewers to a version of Holmes that feels refreshingly unexpected. Played by After star Hero Fiennes Tiffin, this young Sherlock is far removed from the composed, pipe-smoking genius audiences know. Instead, he comes across as a charming, smooth-talking troublemaker—a rebellious intellectual navigating ambition, arrogance, and chaos. Set in the 1870s, the series places Sherlock at Oxford, where he is described as a “disgraced” student whose sharp mind quickly entangles him in dangerous territory.
According to the official synopsis, Sherlock becomes embroiled in a murder case that threatens not only his reputation but his very freedom. What begins as an academic life derailed soon spirals into a high-stakes mystery, forcing him to rely on instinct, intelligence, and raw nerve. From there, the series expands into a globe-trotting adventure, complete with explosions, fistfights, gun battles, and the kind of kinetic action Guy Ritchie is known for.
Adding further intrigue is the introduction of James Moriarty, portrayed by The Wheel of Time actor Dónal Finn. Rather than beginning as sworn enemies, the teaser suggests an unexpected friendship between Sherlock and the man who will one day become his greatest adversary. Their dynamic adds emotional weight and raises compelling questions—what goes wrong, and how does camaraderie turn into rivalry?
One of the teaser’s standout moments comes with a playful nod to Sherlock’s future. As Holmes reaches for the iconic deerstalker hat, Moriarty warns him, “If you start wearing a hat like that, I will no longer be friends with you.” The line cleverly signals the show’s awareness of the character’s legacy while teasing how these early choices shape the man he will become.
The ensemble cast includes Zine Tseng, Joseph Fiennes, Natascha McElhone, Max Irons, and Colin Firth, further elevating expectations. With its blend of origin story, action spectacle, and character-driven drama, Young Sherlock looks set to reintroduce the world’s greatest detective—before the myth, before the legend, and before the hat.
