A Newbie's Guide To 'Sherlock'

By Meghan O'Keefe

January 19, 2014 / 10:00 AM

sherlock

Maybe you've been reading about the British crossover hit, Sherlock, for years and haven't had time to give the first two seasons a chance. Or maybe you've become a massive Benedict Cumberbatch fan in the last year and want to watch him in the role that made his career. Or maybe you know you'll be too much in a wine and cheese coma to change the channel after Downton Abbey is over. No matter what your excuse has been, tonight is the perfect time to start watching Sherlock, and we've got your primer to who's who and what's what.

Sherlock became a massive hit in the U.K. the moment it premiered, but it's taken a few more years to find its footing on American television. However it's never too late to jump in and discover its appeal.

We've put together a handy-dandy, easy-peasy primer on all the show's major players and major moments. Find out how this Sherlock and Watson are different from others you've seen on screen, and how they're closer to the original Arthur Conan Doyle characters. Learn who Sherlock's friends and adversaries are. Oh, and get the dirt on the major mystery that's been driving Sherlock fans mad over the past two years.

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Sherlock airs on PBS tonight at 9:58 PM.

[Photo Credit: PBS]