Sherlock: The Best Episodes, Ranked
Sherlock has been mesmerizing viewers since it first aired in 2010 as a retelling of the classic stories and characters from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. With its complicated storylines, intense sequences, intriguing characters, and intriguing dialogue, Sherlock is one of the most captivating and beloved mysteries on television. The series has long been hailed by critics and viewers alike, making it all the more difficult to rank the show’s best episodes. So if you’re a Sherlock fan who’s ready to see rankings for all the best episodes, here’s a comprehensive list.
Top 10 Best Sherlock Episodes
- “A Study in Pink”
The first episode aired in 2010, and it’s still considered one of the best. “A Study in Pink” is a perfect introduction to this mesmerizing series, introducing us to the complicated relationship between Sherlock and Watson and all the mysteries they come to solve. The episode is full of suspense, suspenseful dialogue, and a fantastic ending.
- “The Reichenbach Fall”
The finale of the show’s second season, “The Reichenbach Fall,” is a gripping episode, with Sherlock racing to save Watson and himself from the clutches of their nemesis, Moriarty. The plot is intense, and fans were left guessing until the very end.
- “The Great Game”
This episode of “Sherlock” contains some of the show’s best action scenes and truly intense plot movements. Sherlock competes against equally brilliant villains to find out who has planted bombs around London.
- “The Hounds of Baskerville”
Although a classic Sherlock story, “The Hounds of Baskerville” creates even more suspense and tension when it retells the story for a modern age, with alien conspiracy theories at the heart of the episode.
- “The Blind Banker”
The second episode of the show’s first season features some very suspenseful scenes, as Sherlock and Watson try to decipher a coded message while being chased by a killer.
- “The Final Problem”
The series finale, “The Final Problem,” is an emotional rollercoaster, as we bid farewell to Holmes and Watson, leaving the pair to face their greatest enemy in a fairytale-like final showdown.
- “The Empty Hearse”
The season three premiere was full of fun, with a delightful introduction that has Sherlock being shocked by the sight of his own supposed death.
- “The Sign of Three”
Sherlock’s best man speech for Watson’s wedding is at the heart of this episode full of wit, romance, and drama.
- “The Lying Detective”
The second episode of season 4, “The Lying Detective,” is filled with unexpected plot twists and a deep exploration of Sherlock’s psyche. It’s the perfect way to dive deep into the show’s main character.
- “The Six Thatchers”
The first episode of season 4, “The Six Thatchers,” is intense and full of suspense, as Sherlock and Watson try to solve a case while faced with a personal tragedy.
Notable Runner-Ups
Even with a top 10 list, it’s impossible to include all the great episodes of Sherlock. Here are some of the runner-ups that almost made the main list.
• “The Abominable Bride”
• “A Scandal in Belgravia”
• “The Adventure of the Empty House”
• “The Great Hiatus”
• “The Blind Banker”
Trivia About Sherlock
If you’re a die-hard Sherlock fan, here are some fun facts to remember:
• The show is based on the classic stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson.
• The show has earned 13 Primetime Emmy Awards, along with three BAFTA awards, two Hugo awards, four National Television Awards and one Edgar Award.
• Sherlock is the highest-rated British drama in history, with over 20 million viewers worldwide.
• The show’s theme song, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson,” was written by composer David Arnold.
• Sherlock has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.
• All of the episodes have been filmed in the UK.
• The show’s costume designer, Sarah Arthur, has cited Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Paul Smith as inspirations.
Sherlock has truly been a captivating show, and it’s no surprise that its episodes have earned so many awards and nominations. All of the episodes are special in their own way, but those featured in this list are the best of the best. So if you’re looking for some of the most exciting, suspenseful, and thrilling Sherlock episodes, this list has you covered.
