Watch How Sherlock Changed the World
- 2013
- 1 Season
-
7.6 (110)
"How Sherlock Changed the World" is a special by PBS. Over the course of two hours and with narration by Andrew Lincoln, this documentary examines how the deductive talents of the fictional character Sherlock Homes have influenced modern forensics and criminal investigation over 120 years after the character's creation. Some of the examples it cites include chemical analyses, fingerprinting and even blood evidence. The special makes use of archived content, as well as reenactments of Holmes' various cases, occasionally by airing a clip from other contemporary films and television series about Sherlock Holmes. Notably, "How Sherlock Changed the World" features some rare video content of creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as offers insight into Joseph Bell, the inspiration for Doyle's Holmes. Several interviews are held with scientists, detectives, and criminals, all people who were inspired by the fictional consulting detective. Among the scientists consulted, Dr. Henry Lee, a top forensic scientist, admires Sherlock Holmes as the "grandfather of forensics" and tackles every crime scene with the mindset of how Holmes would approach it. How Sherlock Changed the World is produced by PBS, through Love Productions, and in association with Channel 5 and National Geographic UK.