Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Scary imagery in a fun vintage-style murder mystery.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
What's the Story?
Set in the vintage 19th-century London in which Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote his Sherlock Holmes series, SHERLOCK: THE ABOMINABLE BRIDE concerns a series of murders seemingly committed by mysterious new brides. When Dr. Watson (Martin Freeman) and Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) learn of a strange incident in which a ghostly woman in a lace veil commits suicide and then later appears to murder her husband at gunpoint, they uncover five other dead men, each of whom died in their homes with rice scattered on the floor and "YOU!" written in blood on the wall. What could be behind these terrible crimes? Using old-timey criminal technology and methods, plus a hefty dose of Holmesian insight, Watson and Holmes are on the case.
Is It Any Good?
It turns out that injecting some steampunk-era technology and ghostly imagery into a Sherlock and Holmes procedural is a lot of fun. The vintage clothing, plot contrivances -- retro politics play a big part -- and crime-solving techniques are all things that any self-respecting PBS-watcher has seen on other Mystery! series. But the quick-witted chemistry between Cumberbatch and Watson is as potent in The Abominable Bride as ever, and the swooping camera injects a modern note. When an inspector describes a murder scene, we see Holmes' view: He "fast-forwards" through some parts, then freezes the scene right where he needs to see something -- a detail anyone else would miss.
Having the murderous plot at first appear like a ghost story is a fun Scooby Doo touch, too. It turns out the real culprit isn't those meddling kids but instead a cabal with aims sympathetic to modern tastes (even if their methods are suspect). Already-converted Sherlock fans will be in heaven, while those new to this adaptation are given a self-contained story to lure them in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why murder mysteries like Sherlock: The Abominable Bride are such a popular and venerable staple on television. What is it about murder that interests people? Does it make for good drama?
Sherlock Holmes is portrayed as having an abrasive manner yet given enough positive qualities so audiences will like him. Is he a hero, a flawed hero, or an antihero?
This Sherlock Holmes special is set in the 19th century instead of the modern London which actors Cumberbatch and Freeman usually inhabit as their characters. How does the vintage setting change the characters or plot?
How do the characters in Sherlock: The Abominable Bride demonstrate curiosity and teamwork? What about perseverance and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 1, 2016
- Cast : Benedict Cumberbatch , Martin Freeman , Rupert Graves
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate