If you’re searching for a perfect example of the wild landscape of television in 2025, look no further than CBS’ show, “Watson,” which takes inspiration from Sherlock Holmes.

The new series features Morris Chestnut, a familiar face in network dramas, and it’s as nonsensical and absurd as it is derivative. It combines elements of “House,” presenting a medical mystery where Chestnut’s Watson and a team of attractive young doctors tackle puzzling health issues at a clinic in Pittsburgh, using their diverse quirks. Then you remember Chestnut is portraying Dr. John Watson, Sherlock Holmes’ faithful companion, and your mind begins to spin.

The two main components of “Watson” (debuting Sunday at 10 EST/PST, ★½ out of four) don’t quite mesh. The medical procedural aspect is alright—standard fare for CBS. However, when you combine a patient-of-the-week storyline with a half-hearted take on Sherlock lore, it becomes a chaotic mix.

At times, it’s outright ridiculous and even somewhat amusing, particularly towards the end of the premiere where it veers in a predictable direction—but executed in an unexpected way. This isn’t a harmonious blend of two series; it’s more of a forced coexistence between differing concepts, held together by Chestnut’s smooth voice. It shouldn’t succeed, but maybe it does on occasion? It’s hard to determine even after watching six episodes because it’s so disjointed, resembling a jumble of ideas compiled by producer Craig Sweeney (who explored Holmes’ world in Jonny Lee Miller’s “Elementary”) and approved by CBS for a potential ratings boost. After all, television is unpredictable; they’ve already tried “NCIS” in locations like Australia.

You might wonder how Sherlock’s famous companion made it from London to Pittsburgh. The story goes that Watson and Sherlock were having adventures in London, solving crimes and battling their nemesis Moriarty until they found themselves at the edge of Reichenbach Falls—a location well-known to Holmes fans. While three men fell over the falls, only Watson emerged unscathed. Returning to his hometown of Pittsburgh, he deals with a significant head injury that should probably have barred him from being a doctor. Luckily, Sherlock left him some money and a plan to open a medical clinic focusing on diagnostic puzzles! How considerate.

Watson’s journey is supported by his former associate Shinwell Johnson (played by Ritchie Coster), who is a stereotypical Cockney character, along with a handpicked team of medical prodigies. Additionally, Watson receives some medical cases from his ex-wife, Dr. Mary Morstan (Rochelle Aytes), who is the head of a prominent local hospital.

This sounds strikingly similar to Fox’s drama “House,” which aired from 2004-2012, featuring an injured genius doctor and an ex-spouse in a hospital leadership position. (It also mirrors Fox’s new show “Doc,” featuring a doctor with a traumatic brain injury and an ex at the top of the hospital hierarchy.) “House” was undeniably superior to “Watson”; the medical mysteries in the new show feel lackluster and the supporting cast is unremarkable. However, the charm of Chestnut often salvages the day, as he comes across as charismatic and distinct from previous interpretations of Watson by Martin Freeman or Jude Law. He simply embodies a suave, captivating version of himself while occasionally referencing his friend Sherlock.

As the show attempts to delve into various elements of Sherlockian lore, it becomes comically absurd. Without revealing the main twist of the premiere, it’s worth noting that adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters have had much more inventive takes in series like “Sherlock” and “Elementary.” It turns out, Sherlock plays a crucial role in the narratives surrounding Sherlock Holmes!

Viewers tuning into “Watson” will have a clear idea of what to expect. I anticipated formulaic narratives, appealing doctors in scrubs and lab coats, and an abundance of ludicrous medical terminology. What I didn’t foresee was the boredom. I also didn’t expect to feel so confused. “Watson” may be the most monotonous show of the year, yet its sheer oddity keeps drawing my thoughts back to it.

But perhaps this is a concept that was never meant to thrive as a television series. You don’t need Sherlock Holmes to realize that.