The feature-length episodes will explore the origins of Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic characters Sherlock Holmes, Moriarty, Dr Watson and Mrs Hudson

Will Kemp and Oli Higginson are set to lead the cast in a hefty new TV adaptation of True Sherlock, adapted from Nicholas Sercombe’s books.

Harry King Television is producing the four, feature-length episodes, with filming due to begin in the UK in January 2026.

The series is based on Sercombe’s original book series The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; he will also serve as showrunner. Nigel Wooll, Mark Sandell and Jon Turtle produce alongside Sercombe.

Higginson will play Sherlock Holmes with Kemp as Moriarty; casting is ongoing for Dr Watson and the production team is in final talks for Mrs Hudson. Mary Jo Slater is the casting director.

Each film is an original Sherlock Holmes story with a contemporary twist, exploring the origins of the key Conan Doyle characters and how they came to be the literary icons they are today.

In the first film, A Balls-Up in Bohemia, Sherlock Holmes embarks upon an adventure of blackmail and romance for an esteemed royal client whilst Watson tries to extricate himself from an embarrassing marriage.

Sercombe, CEO of Harry King Television, said: “Sherlock fans… get ready! We are excited to reintroduce Conan Doyle’s iconic characters and stories, with a very human touch and modern twist. The stories are ripe for re-discovery and True Sherlock is the perfect opportunity to re-engage audiences.

“With plenty of action, humour and romance we are delighted to deliver these new adaptations played by a talented young cast. More news to come soon – this case is wide open!”

Harry King TV is an independent television company based in London and LA. Harry King TV CEO Sercombe has created TV series and formats including Top Tips with Reeves and Mortimer, Two Old Farts in The Night with Barry Cryer and Willie Rushton, and Bob’s Fab Ads with Bob Monkhouse.