Netflix is getting on the Sherlock Holmes bandwagon. The streaming site is also coming up with its version of the crime-solving drama based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, after the successful adaptations of the iconic character's stories in both television and film.
"My Mad Fat Diary" scribe Tom Bidwell will develop the Sherlock series for Netflix. He revealed plans to bring "The Irregulars" on the small screen, while promoting his other show, "Watership Down," which just premiered on the same streaming platform.
Speaking with BBC's Writersroom, Bidwell said that he has been pitching his story idea about Sherlock Holmes to TV networks for the last ten years. He also said that Netflix had given its full support for the kind of crime-solving series he plans to bring to the platform.
"The Irregulars" will center on a bunch of street kids whom the famous detective pays to help gather clues and leads for his cases. But the writer's take on this latest Sherlock Holmes adaptation will have a drug dependent detective who employs street urchins to solve his cases while he takes the full credit.
Conan Doyle called these street kids the Baker Street Irregulars in his book series, and they first appeared in "A Study in Scarlet" published in 1887. The critically-acclaimed "Sherlock" series on BBC and the CBS Sherlock adaptation "Elementary" also featured the Irregulars throughout its run.
In "Sherlock" with Benedict Cumberbatch, the Irregulars were London's homeless. They were never referred to as a specific group, but the detective has been shown giving them money and food in exchange for information. This was also the group of people who helped Cumberbatch's character fake his death after his confrontation with Moriarty (Andrew Scott) in the second season.
In "Elementary" the Irregulars were adults who had immense experience and knowledge in different fields. Jonny Lee Miller's version of Sherlock Holmes called on their help for his cases but this usually entailed doing things that could humiliate him. In one episode, the Irregulars involved a group of hackers known as Everyone, and before they granted the detective a favor, Miller's character had to sing "Let it Go" in a viral video.
Netflix hasn't made any comment about the planned series inspired by Sherlock Holmes. There's also no word on the show's casting details and release date for now.
Meanwhile, "Sherlock" on BBC is currently on a long hiatus after four seasons. On the other hand, CBS confirmed that "Elementary" would end its run after the current seventh season.
