Classic Detectives Return: Adult Animated Sherlock Holmes and Young Hercule Poirot Series Announced

"Animated Sherlock": A Bold, Uncensored Vision

The upcoming "Animated Sherlock" (working title) from Harry King Television and producer David Lipman is poised to offer a radically different interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective. Drawing inspiration from Nicholas Sercombe’s "The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," the series will explore the original cases as they were supposedly *before* being "sanitized" for Victorian sensibilities by Dr. Watson. This "adults-only" approach promises a "grander, more imaginative and risqué scale," diving into the "full, sordid truth" of the detective's world.

Each season will feature a overarching mystery, while individual episodes will delve into specific cases from Doyle's canon, expanding on the backstories of beloved characters like Dr. Watson, Mrs. Hudson, and the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty. The involvement of animation veterans like Lipman (known for *Shrek*) along with Michael Ryan (*Planet 51*) and Tim John (*A Street Cat Named Bob*) suggests a visually dynamic and creatively ambitious series. While no release timeline has been announced, this adaptation is set to inject newfound energy into the ever-popular Sherlock Holmes universe.

"Hercule": Charting the Belgian Detective's Rise

Meanwhile, the BBC and BritBox are taking a different yet equally compelling route with "Hercule," a new live-action drama series. Edward Bluemel is cast as the young Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, tracing his first investigations in London. This six-part series aims to be an intimate character study of Poirot while simultaneously painting an "epic portrait of Britain between the wars."

The show, written by Benji Walters and with Jonny Campbell directing the initial episodes, will re-examine three of Agatha Christie’s most celebrated stories. Crucially, it will also focus on Poirot's burgeoning friendship with Captain Arthur Hastings, his early encounters with Scotland Yard’s James Japp, and introduce viewers to a significant nemesis. Filming is scheduled to commence this summer in Liverpool, with the series slated to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and BritBox in North America. This adaptation offers fans a chance to witness the evolution of one of fiction's greatest minds, exploring the foundations of his legendary deductive prowess.

What makes the new "Animated Sherlock" different from previous adaptations?

It's an adults-only animated series based on "The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," promising a "risqué" and "unexpurgated" portrayal of cases and character backstories, moving beyond traditionally sanitized versions.

Will Benedict Cumberbatch or Robert Downey Jr. be involved in the new Sherlock series?

No, "Animated Sherlock" is a new animated production with a different creative team and voice cast. Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr. are associated with previous, separate live-action iterations of the character.

What period will the "Hercule" series cover?

"Hercule" will be set in Britain between the World Wars, focusing on Hercule Poirot's initial cases and his development as a detective in London, before he achieved widespread renown.

Where can I watch "Hercule"?

"Hercule" will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and on BritBox in North America.

Are you excited for these new takes on Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot? Which series are you most looking forward to and why? Do you think an "adults-only" animated Sherlock is the right direction for the character? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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