Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock Hailed an ‘Absolute Gem’ as Viewers Praise Prime Video Mystery Filmed Across Wales
A fresh take on one of literature’s most famous detectives is winning praise from viewers, with Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock described as an absolute gem and a must-watch. The eight-part Prime Video series takes audiences back to Sherlock Holmes’ teenage years, when an unexpected friendship with his future greatest enemy draws him into a dangerous murder investigation.
Released on Amazon Prime Video in March 2026, the series stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin as a 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes and Dónal Finn as James Moriarty.
The first season has attracted positive reactions for its fast-paced storytelling, humour and performances, while its filming locations across Wales have also drawn attention.
All eight episodes are available to stream, and a second season is already in production.
A Young Sherlock Holmes Investigates His First Major Murder Case
Rather than following the established detective familiar from Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, Young Sherlock explores Holmes’ life before he becomes a legendary investigator.
The drama centres on a 19-year-old Sherlock who becomes caught up in a murder investigation at Oxford University.
As the mystery develops, he forms an unexpected partnership with James Moriarty, played by Dónal Finn.
The relationship offers an unusual twist on the classic Holmes story because Moriarty is not yet the notorious enemy audiences know.
Instead, the two young men work together as Sherlock begins developing the abilities that will eventually define his career.
The series takes inspiration from Andy Lane’s novels about the detective’s early years while also drawing on elements of Conan Doyle’s original stories.
Alongside Fiennes Tiffin and Finn, the cast includes Zine Tseng as Xiao Wei, Joseph Fiennes as Sherlock’s father Silas and Colin Firth as Sir Bucephalus Hodge.
Dónal Finn and Hero Fiennes Tiffin star in the Prime Video mystery. Photo: Daniel Smith/Prime Video
Guy Ritchie Brings His Signature Style to Sherlock Holmes
Guy Ritchie developed the series and directed its first two episodes, bringing his distinctive approach to the famous detective’s origins.
The filmmaker is known for projects including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and Netflix’s The Gentlemen.
He also has previous experience adapting Sherlock Holmes, having directed the 2009 film and its 2011 sequel starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.
For Young Sherlock, Ritchie combines energetic storytelling, sharp humour and a fast-moving mystery.
The result is a fresh interpretation that focuses on Holmes before he becomes the confident, highly skilled detective recognised around the world.
Young Sherlock Filmed at Several Locations Across Wales
Although the story is largely set around Oxford University, much of the production took place in Wales.
Filming locations included Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, Monmouth, Bridgend and Margam Park near Port Talbot.
Additional scenes were filmed in Bristol and Spain.
The locations helped recreate the historical world of the young detective, with Welsh landmarks providing backdrops for several scenes.
The production’s connection to Wales has become another point of interest for viewers familiar with the areas used during filming.
Prime Video Has Already Confirmed Season 2
The first season contains eight episodes, but the story will continue.
A second season was commissioned in April 2026, with filming subsequently spotted in Bristol and Italy.
Several new actors are joining the cast, including Game of Thrones stars Aidan Gillen and Indira Varma.
Olivia Williams, known for The Crown, and Sophie Skelton from Outlander are also set to appear.
The next season is expected to arrive in 2027, continuing Sherlock’s early adventures and his developing relationship with Moriarty.
Viewers Praise the Series as an Absolute Gem
Young Sherlock has received a generally positive response, holding an 84% critics’ score and an 83% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes at the time reported.
Television commentator Anubhuti Navin, who shares recommendations through her Instagram account The Watchlist Club, described the series as a must-watch.
She also praised the consistency of the storytelling, claiming there were zero boring episodes.
Other viewers highlighted the chemistry between Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Dónal Finn, particularly the way their characters interact before becoming rivals.
The series’ direction, humour and pacing have also attracted compliments.
One viewer described the drama as more entertaining than expected, while another praised the performances and writing for maintaining curiosity throughout the episodes.
Others enjoyed the recognisable Guy Ritchie style, particularly the combination of action, comedy and mystery.
Not Every Viewer Was Convinced
Despite the enthusiastic response, the series has also received criticism.
Some viewers complained that certain scenes were filmed or presented too darkly, making the action difficult to follow.
Others felt the central mystery was relatively straightforward and lacked the complexity they expected from a Sherlock Holmes story.
Nevertheless, the combination of familiar characters, a new perspective on their origins and Ritchie’s energetic filmmaking has helped the drama attract attention.
Where to Watch Young Sherlock
All eight episodes of Young Sherlock Season 1 are available on Amazon Prime Video.
The series offers a different perspective on the famous detective by placing him at the beginning of his journey and introducing Moriarty as an ally rather than an enemy.
With its Welsh filming locations, recognisable cast and distinctive storytelling, the mystery has earned praise from viewers looking for an entertaining crime drama.
And with Season 2 already underway and expected in 2027, Sherlock Holmes’ early adventures are set to continue.