The BBC’sSherlockis one of the best adaptations of Sherlock Holmes in recent years, and Netflix had a failed replacement for it that did one thing better than the BBC. Sherlock Holmes continues to be one of the most popular literary characters, and he and his cases have been adapted to other media multiple times.
Among the most successful adaptations of the Great Detective in recent years is the BBC’sSherlock, created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat.Sherlockbrought the detective and his accompanying characters to modern-day London, adapting his stories to modern technology and social issues. Despite a weak final season,Sherlockwas a big hit with critics and general audiences.
WhileSherlockwas still airing, another adaptation, titledElementary, was released. WhileElementaryis widely considered the bestSherlockreplacement, Netflix attempted to have another one, and though it failed, it did one thing better than the BBC’s adaptation.
Netflix’s The Irregulars Properly Explored Holmes’ Street Network
In 2021, Netflix releasedThe Irregulars, created by Tom Bidwell.The Irregularsis a British adventure crime drama series loosely based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and more specifically, on the Baker Street Irregulars. As such,The Irregularsis set in Victorian London, and it follows the title group of teenagers.
In the books, the Baker Street Irregulars are a group of street urchins employed by Sherlock Holmes. Whenever Holmes needed information on something or to track something or someone down, he paid these kids to do so. Holmes said the Irregulars were able to go everywhere and hear everything, and recognized their intelligence.
The Netflix show, then, focuses on the group, led by Bea (Thaddea Graham), who works for John Watson (Royce Pierreson). The twist is that the Irregulars are the ones solving the cases, as Sherlock Holmes (Henry Lloyd-Hughes) is no longer who he used to be.
InSherlock, the Baker Street Irregulars were Holmes’ “Homeless Network”, who, in the supposed explanation ofhow Sherlock faked his death, were key to executing the plan. However,Sherlockonly casually mentioned the network a couple of times, whileThe Irregularsproperly explored this group, their dynamics, and their talents.
Why The Irregulars Was Canceled After 1 Season
Unfortunately,The Irregularsjoined the list of Netflix shows that were canceled after just one season.The Irregularswas well-received by critics, holding an 80% critics' score onRotten Tomatoes, granting it a “fresh” certificate, but general audiences weren’t so welcoming. Among the main reasons forThe Irregulars’ cancellationwas a drop in viewership after its first week.
Netflix has become known for canceling original TV shows after one or two seasons, no matter if they were well-received, andThe Irregularsbecame part of this.The Irregularscould have been a greatSherlockreplacement, but, on the brighter side of its cancellation, it’s an easy show to watch with just eight episodes.
Sherlock
Cast
In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.
The Irregulars
The Irregulars is a series set in Victorian London, where a group of troubled street teens is drawn into solving crimes for Doctor Watson and his enigmatic partner, Sherlock Holmes. As these crimes become infused with supernatural elements, the group must unite to confront an emerging dark power threatening the world.
