Watson Trailer Introduces Morris Chestnut as John Watson With a Twist

Morris Chestnut‘s upcoming CBS series Watson differentiates itself from other medical shows by adding an unexpected twist.

The network has released the official trailer on Wednesday, November 27, introducing Chestnut as the latest version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‘s iconic fictional character: John Watson. (The first footage will air during the Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions NFL Thanksgiving game on Thursday, November 28.)

“The story of our lives, who we are [and] where we come from is written into us before we were ever born. But everything has its breaking point,” Chestnut’s character says in the voiceover. “Everyone’s faces and bodies are clues. Pay close attention and he will tell you exactly where to go.”

Although Watson remains in the medical field, his methods push boundaries.

“Everyone who comes into this clinic is a mystery. Solve a mystery, save a life,” Watson tells the staff at his medical clinic. You four are the smartest doctors I could find, but our patients don’t need doctors. Our patients need investigators.”

Based on Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, Watson is set six months after James Moriarty kills the legendary detective. Watson must deal with the loss of his best friend and partner by resuming his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare diseases.

“Watson’s old life isn’t done with him yet, though: Moriarty and Watson are about to write their own chapter in a story that has fascinated audiences for more than a century,” the synopsis reads. “Watson is a medical show with a strong investigative backbone, featuring a modern take on one of history’s greatest detectives as he shifts his focus from solving crimes to solving medical mysteries.”

In addition to Chestnut as Watson, Eva Harlow plays a highly skilled neurologist named Ingrid, who has a questionable past Peter Mark Kendall plays twin brothers – Stephens and Adam – who are infectious disease and functional medicine specialists at the clinic. There is also Inga Schlingmann in the role of Sasha, specialist in rheumatology and immunology. Ritchie Coster rounds out the cast as Shinwell, aka a former criminal acquaintance of Holmes and Watson Rochelle Aytes plays Watson’s ex-wife, Mary.

According to the teaser, this version of Watson isn’t afraid to think outside the box. He’s also not afraid to break the rules, regardless of the consequences.

“[We look for] something that shouldn’t be there. We eliminate the impossible and what remains – no matter how improbable – must be the truth,” Watson explains in the trailer before another clip shows him being called “reckless” but “a genius.”

Watson is the second CBS series to adapt the Holmes stories. Elementaryaired from 2012 to 2019, played the lead role Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. Liu’s iteration was a former surgeon and was hired by Sherlock’s (Jonny Lee Miller) father to help him with his rehabilitation as a recovering drug addict and former Scotland Yard consultant.

Watson premieres on CBS following the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 26 at 10pm ET. It will air in its regular time slot on Sunday, February 16, with new episodes streaming on Paramount+ the following day.