Morris Chestnut To Star As Lead In ‘Watson’ With New CBS Series Order
CBS has officially greenlit the straight-to-series order for "Watson," a medical drama set to premiere during the 2024-25 broadcast season. Morris Chestnut is not only set to play the lead role but will also serve as an executive producer for the series, which draws inspiration from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
In a move that showcases CBS's commitment to the project, Morris Chestnut has been attached to the lead role, and Larry Teng has been enlisted as the director and executive producer for the first episode. The formal greenlight is a testament to the network's confidence in the show's potential success.
"Watson" is a modern take on one of history's greatest detectives, Dr. John Watson, played by Morris Chestnut. The medical drama, conceived by writer Craig Sweeny, explores a universe where Sherlock Holmes has been killed off, a plot point reportedly intended by Conan Doyle in "The Final Problem."
Set one year after the demise of his friend and partner, Sherlock Holmes, at the hands of Moriarty, Dr. John Watson resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders. However, Watson's past catches up with him, as he becomes entangled in a new chapter with Moriarty, promising to captivate audiences with a fresh and unexpected narrative.
Amy Reisenbach, President of CBS Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for featuring such a beloved character at the center of the series. She commended Morris Chestnut for bringing a fresh and unexpected take on the immortal doctor, emphasizing Craig Sweeny's bold vision for the complex character of Dr. Watson.
Craig Sweeny, known for his work on CBS' "Elementary," wrote the pilot and will serve as the showrunner for "Watson." Alongside Morris Chestnut, the executive producers include Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment, Brian Morewitz, and Shäron Moalem MD, PhD.
This venture marks Morris Chestnut's return to the medical genre after his roles as doctors in Fox's "The Resident" and Showtime's "Nurse Jackie." Chestnut is a versatile actor, having played the lead in Fox's crime drama "Rosewood" and winning his second NAACP award for Peacock's "The Best Man: The Final Chapters" in 2023.
Beyond his television roles, Morris Chestnut is actively involved in developing projects for both Netflix and BET through his MC8 Entertainment banner. In 2022, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying his status as a distinguished actor in the industry.
As CBS continues to expand its scripted series lineup for the 2024-25 season, "Watson" joins the ranks alongside "Matlock" and comedy "Poppa's House." Morris Chestnut's involvement adds a layer of anticipation to the medical drama, promising an engaging and unique perspective on the iconic character of Dr. John Watson.
