Watch How Sherlock Changed the World

How Sherlock Changed the World is a fascinating and informative documentary from PBS that delves into the revolutionary impact that the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes has had on the real-life world of criminal investigations. Narrated by actor Andrew Lincoln, the documentary begins by introducing us to the character of Sherlock Holmes as created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late 19th century. Through interviews with experts in literature, history, and forensic science, the film explores how the character of Sherlock Holmes single-handedly changed the way we think about detective work and criminal investigation.

One of the most significant ways in which Sherlock Holmes revolutionized criminal investigations was through the use of scientific methods. In the late 1800s, the police force in England was struggling to keep up with the increasing number of crimes being committed in the rapidly growing cities. However, the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes showed that by using scientific techniques such as fingerprinting and blood analysis, crimes could be solved more quickly and accurately.

The documentary features interviews with forensic scientists and crime scene investigators who credit Sherlock Holmes with inspiring their careers and techniques. They explain how the methods that were portrayed in the fictional stories of Sherlock Holmes laid the groundwork for modern forensic science, and how the character himself was something of a pioneer in the field.

Another way in which Sherlock Holmes changed the world was through the creation of the detective as a hero figure. Prior to the character's creation, detectives were not typically viewed as heroic or admirable figures - they were often seen as corrupt and untrustworthy. However, the character of Sherlock Holmes was portrayed as a brilliant, virtuous, and even romantic figure who was dedicated to solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice. This portrayal of the detective as a hero figure helped to elevate the status of detectives in society and paved the way for the popular culture depictions of detectives that we see today.

The documentary also explores the role of Sherlock Holmes in the entertainment industry. The character of Sherlock Holmes has been portrayed in numerous films, TV shows, and other media over the past century, and has become one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time. The documentary features interviews with actors who have played the character, including Benedict Cumberbatch, who starred in the hit BBC series Sherlock from 2010 to 2017. They discuss the challenges of portraying such a complex character and how the popularity of the character has led to a renewed interest in the original stories.

Overall, How Sherlock Changed the World is a fascinating and well-researched documentary that sheds light on the far-reaching impact of the character of Sherlock Holmes. Through interviews with experts in history, literature, and forensic science, the film shows how the character has revolutionized the way we think about criminal investigations, inspiring new techniques and inspiring generations of scientists and investigators. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the character or simply someone interested in the history of criminal investigation, this documentary is sure to fascinate and enlighten.

How Sherlock Changed the World is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between November 19, 2013 and on PBS