Earlier this week, it was reported that CBS had given the go-ahead for a new modern version of Sherlock Holmes called Elementary.
If that premise sounds a bit familiar, you’re right. The BBC currently has a version of that called Sherlock. (And it’s brilliant, by the way. If you haven’t seen it, go and watch the first series NOW on Netflix streaming.)
Turns out BBC America thinks the concept is a bit too close to what the BBC is doing and they’re not happy about it.
BBC America chiefs have labelled the project as a “blatant… copy” of UK drama Sherlock, claims The Mirror.
“We want Sherlock to rate big in the States and this could take the shine off it,” an unnamed source apparently told the tabloid.
A ‘US TV source’ added: “The success of Sherlock in the UK has been major factor of bringingElementary to life. We believe this modern twist will appeal to viewers. We want fresh American faces in the role.”
For fans of the UK version of Sherlock, don’t fret–the series has already been given an order for a third season. And producer Steven Moffat has promised we won’t have to wait a year and a half between new episodes this time around.
It’s elementary. Don’t support this sort of thing by avoiding it when it airs. Make a point to watch Sherlock when it runs on BBC America, instead, and keep up the word of mouth to make as successful as it should be.
American TV is only good for American Idol and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Our networks should leave the Sherlock stuff alone. It will be a disaster just as America’s Being Human is.
When it come to TV the BBC rules. There comedy’s much better too.
how are they supposed to “Americanize” the Holmes universe, when it takes place in London?
Much as I hate to say it two words deflate the BBC’s argument about CBS’s blatant rip-off: “Public Domain”
Anyone can write a modern Holmes tale.
Now, if specific elements of the broadcast version of “Sherlock” are mimicked or copied… now that’s another story altogether.
I thought we already had an American Sherlock Holmes. It’s called “House”.
It’s called competition…if the BBC version is better it will do better. As good as most of the BBC television is I don’t think they have anything to worry about.
For those without BBC America, people must resort to whats available. Sherlock can be seen on PBS. But honestly, who even knows PBS exists, let alone smart enough to understand the material on that channel.
Once again we have Americans stealing British ideas. They have taken so many ideas and the rate of failure is overwhelming and I do not give CBS much of a chance.
I have to agree that you cannot Americanize Sherlock, as if anyone even knows what that means yet alone fresh American Faces- Really!!!!???? Holmes and Watson with no accent either???
In reality this means dumming it down for the American audience. If CBS is doing a blatant rip off without paying for the rights then I hope they fail. If not, I hope it is good but am not counting on it yet alone it going for the long haul
Okay K9, take it easy. After all we did take Life on Mars and give it a wonderful ending in America. Thankfully, we have left Doctor Who alone. I hope that we don’t pick up The Fade; that should tank very well on its own, and only on British TV (it’s like a depressed Buffy). But lets not forget the Star Gates, Star Treks, Fringe, Firefly and many other decent US shows. I just hate to generalize all of this and talk with snobbery about either the British or the American audiences and productions. I actually enjoy the British TV (sci-fi and mysteries) just fine … they do not have to be “dummed down” for me. Yours truly across the pond.
CBS is going to make the same mistake STNG made, namely thinking Sherlock Holmes is in the public domain, it isn’t. They’ll have to get permission from the Conan-Doyle estate, just like the recent movies did. Something tells me they might not get it.