--- title: "Sherlock: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/sherlock/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/sherlock" critics_score: 82 critics_reviews: 8 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Sherlock (2010): what the critics said Critics' score 82 from 8 reviews: 7 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative. The reviews lean firmly positive, and they agree on where the credit belongs. Nearly every critic singles out the pairing of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, whose Holmes and Watson are described as the reason the series works. Steven Moffat’s script draws praise for wit and efficiency, and Paul McGuigan’s direction of the opening episode is repeatedly named, particularly the filmic camerawork and the on-screen text that flashes clues as Holmes reads a room. The move to the present day is judged a success rather than a gimmick. The spread is narrow, with one mixed review and none negative. The Guardian is the outlier, finding the opener’s plot muddled and the whole thing slick but too clean, and less frightening than the stories it draws on. Smaller doubts appear elsewhere: that this Holmes is easier to read than earlier portrayals, and that the second episode is a step down from the first. ## The Hollywood Reporter — David Rooney Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 21 October 2010. The review commends the inventive contemporary update, with particular praise for the chemistry between Cumberbatch and Freeman and the direction of the pilot episode by Paul McGuigan, calling it superior sleuth TV. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/sherlock-2-32003/) ## The Telegraph — Serena Davies Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 23 July 2010. The critic finds the series electrifying thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch's charismatic, sociopathic Holmes and praises the witty script, fast pace, and successful transposition to the present day. A minor caveat is that Holmes feels too legible compared to classic portrayals. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7907566/Sherlock-BBC-One-review.html) ## Variety — Brian Lowry Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 11 November 2010. The critic praises the clever modern reboot of Sherlock Holmes, highlighting the strong performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman and the witty adaptation that captures the essence of the original with flair. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2010/tv/reviews/sherlock-1117944032/) ## The Guardian — Sam Wollaston Fi1m's normalised score 65/100 (inferred from the text). 26 July 2010. The critic praises the clever modern update, strong performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, and the spot-on Holmes-Watson relationship. The plot of the opener is criticised as muddled and less scary than the originals, making the series feel slick but overly clean. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/jul/26/sherlock-orchestra-united-tv-review) ## Paste — Shane Ryan Fi1m's normalised score 95/100 (inferred from the text). 16 January 2012. The critic declares the BBC series the best show on television for its seamless blend of entertainment, intelligence, humor, and narrative. They single out the direction by Paul McGuigan, innovative visuals and text effects, and the pitch-perfect interplay between Cumberbatch and Freeman. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/sherlock/sherlock-why-its-the-best-show-on-tv) ## Collider — Laura Kelley Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 24 November 2010. The review calls the modern BBC adaptation incredibly good and suspenseful, with standout chemistry between Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. It singles out the strong performances, supporting cast, and the thrilling third episode with its Moriarty reveal as highlights of the first series. [Read the review](https://collider.com/sherlock-dvd-review-benedict-cumberbatch/) ## Den of Geek — Simon Brew Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 25 July 2010. The critic praises the fresh modern-day update of Sherlock Holmes, highlighting Steven Moffat’s witty and efficient script that introduces characters and plot threads while delivering engaging entertainment. McGuigan’s direction stands out for its unfussy, filmic camerawork, effective on-screen text, and steady handling of key scenes. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/sherlock-a-study-in-pink-review-2/) ## NME — NME Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 5 August 2010. The critic praises Steven Moffat's work on the series for delivering addictive narrative puzzles and intellectual thrills that stand out from typical TV. They single out the visual clue-flashing technique and clever mysteries for making viewers active participants, while noting the second episode feels slightly less exhilarating. [Read the review](https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/steven-moffats-sherlock-the-saviour-of-sunday-night-tv-40074) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/sherlock.md