The scripted division of Harry King Television is in pre-production on new drama serial True Sherlock.
Based upon Nicholas Sercombe’s original book series The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The first four feature-length TV episodes are scheduled to shoot in the UK in January 2026.
Mary Jo Slater has cast Oli Higginson (Bridgerton, The Last Five Years) as Sherlock Holmes, and Will Kemp (El Turco, Spinning Out, Reign) as Moriarty. Casting is in progress for Dr Watson and the production team is in final talks for Mrs Hudson.
Each film is an original Sherlock Holmes story and attracts an array of star guests to play the detective’s clients.
Nicholas Sercombe is the showrunner. Nigel Wooll (Tár, Arabian Nights, G.I. Jane), Mark Sandell (A Liar’s Autobiography, Absolutely Anything) and Jon Turtle (Bat 21, Nightmare on Elm Street 3,4,5) will produce the series with Sercombe.
True Sherlock explores the origins of Holmes, Watson, Mrs Hudson and Professor Moriarty. “Who are Sherlock’s parents? How did Mrs Hudson find and lose her husband? How did Moriarty become “the Napoleon of crime?” And where did Watson come from?”
In the first feature, A Balls-Up in Bohemia, Sherlock Holmes “embarks upon an adventure of blackmail and romance for an esteemed royal client whilst Watson tries to extricate himself from an embarrassing marriage.”
The news follows the recent launch of Harry King Television’s unscripted division with new format Curiosity earlier this year.
Nicholas Sercombe, CEO of Harry King Television, says “Sherlock fans… get ready! We are excited to reintroduce Conan Doyle’s iconic characters and stories, with a very human touch and modern twist. The stories are ripe for re-discovery and True Sherlock is the perfect opportunity to re-engage audiences. With plenty of action, humour and romance we are delighted to deliver these new adaptations played by a talented young cast. More news to come soon – this case is wide open!”
Jon Creamer
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