The world’s greatest detective wasn’t born fully formed with a deerstalker hat and a violin. Before Sherlock Holmes became the master of deduction at 221B Baker Street, he was just a 19-year-old kid making mistakes at Oxford University. That is exactly the story Prime Video is about to tell with Young Sherlock, and the creative team behind the series has opened up about why going back to the beginning was so important.
Set to premiere on March 4, 2026, this eight-episode series directed by Guy Ritchie promises to show audiences a version of Sherlock Holmes they have never seen before. Hero Fiennes Tiffin steps into the role of the teenage detective, and the showrunner has some very specific ideas about why we need to understand where Holmes came from.
The Big Question That Started It All
Matthew Parkhill, the writer and showrunner behind Young Sherlock, revealed the simple but powerful question that drove him to create this origin story. He always wondered why Sherlock understood the criminal mind so well. That curiosity became the foundation for the entire series.
The showrunner wanted to explore what made this iconic character tick before he became the legend everyone knows. Parkhill and his team looked at Sherlock not as a finished product, but as a work in progress. A young man who was raw, unfiltered, and still figuring out his place in the world.
According to the official description from Prime Video, this version of Sherlock Holmes is described as an “anarchic adolescent” who is yet to evolve into the resident of Baker Street. The series is based on the best-selling novels by Andrew Lane, which reimagine the detective’s teenage years.
Guy Ritchie Returns to Sherlock Holmes With Fresh Eyes
For director Guy Ritchie, coming back to the world of Sherlock Holmes felt completely new. The filmmaker previously directed two Sherlock Holmes films starring Robert Downey Jr. in 2009 and 2011. Speaking at the London premiere, Ritchie explained why this project felt different from his previous work.
“Sherlock Holmes occupies a very unique space, both physical and intellectual, which allows me to delve into an infinite pool of creative juice. For me, there are very few characters in the history of literature that occupy that space. This is an origin story, so it was completely fresh for me.”
Ritchie called making the series “a particularly fun ride” and admitted he tries to keep himself entertained with his projects. The director praised Sherlock Holmes as an “endless resource” and a “creative bounty” that draws from the DNA of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original work.
What Happens in Young Sherlock?
The story takes place in the 1870s and follows a 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes during his time at Oxford University. But this is not the calm, collected detective fans recognize from other adaptations. This Sherlock is described as disgraced, raw, and completely unformed.
The official synopsis from Prime Video sets up the action: When a charismatic and youthfully defiant Sherlock Holmes meets James Moriarty, he finds himself dragged into a murder investigation that threatens his freedom. This first case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy that will change his life forever.
The series promises to expose the early antics of this anarchic adolescent before he becomes the renowned resident of Baker Street. It is an action-packed origin story that combines mystery with adventure across Victorian England and beyond.
The Cast Bringing Young Sherlock to Life
Hero Fiennes Tiffin leads the cast as the young Sherlock Holmes. The actor, known for the After film series, has a personal connection to the material. His uncle, Joseph Fiennes, plays Sherlock’s father Silas Holmes in the series. This is the first time the real-life uncle and nephew have worked together on screen.
The rest of the cast includes some very familiar faces:
- Colin Firth as Sir Bucephalus Hodge
- Natascha McElhone as Sherlock’s mother Cordelia Holmes
- Max Irons as Sherlock’s older brother Mycroft Holmes
- Dónal Finn as James Moriarty
- Zine Tseng as Princess Gulun Shou’an
At the London premiere, Hero Fiennes Tiffin shared some advice he received from Henry Cavill, who played Sherlock Holmes in the Enola Holmes films. Cavill told him: “A man who worries before it’s necessary, worries more than necessary.”
A Different Kind of Sherlock Story
What makes Young Sherlock different from other adaptations is its focus on action and adventure. Guy Ritchie brings his signature style to the series, with quick cuts, dynamic action sequences, and the wit that made his previous Sherlock films so popular.
The show is described as an “irreverent, action-packed mystery” that reimagines the iconic character’s early days. Unlike the BBC’s Sherlock, which placed the detective in modern times, this series stays in the Victorian era but gives it a fresh, energetic feel.
Prime Video promises that the series will balance two worlds. It aims to be relevant to contemporary audiences while keeping the classical elements that make Sherlock Holmes timeless. Ritchie compared it to having a fruitcake with both nutrition and icing on top.
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The London Premiere Transforms Into Baker Street
The world premiere of Young Sherlock took place at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The venue was transformed to resemble 221B Baker Street for the special event. Cast members including Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Joseph Fiennes, and Guy Ritchie walked the red carpet together.
Joseph Fiennes spoke about working with his nephew for the first time. He described the experience as supportive and meaningful, noting that their real-life family connection helped them portray the father-son relationship on screen.
When and Where to Watch Young Sherlock
All eight episodes of Young Sherlock will premiere on March 4, 2026, exclusively on Prime Video. The series will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India.
Viewers around the globe will be able to stream the entire first season on the same day. Prime Video has positioned this series as a major release for 2026, bringing together the star power of its cast with the creative vision of Guy Ritchie.
The show was filmed between the UK and Spain, with production led by Motive Pictures. Guy Ritchie directed the first two episodes and serves as executive producer alongside showrunner Matthew Parkhill and a team of experienced producers.
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