After Watson became a success for CBS, fans learned that the TV network had renewed the series for a 2nd season. Since then, those same fans have gotten good news about the plans for Watson's return, including that season 2 would start earlier than expected and that an NCIS: Hawai'i actor had joined the show's cast.
As exciting as that news was, it pales in comparison to when it was announced that a celebrated actor would join the show as an iconic character.
Even though the character was supposed to have died before the events of Watson's first episode, it was announced that Sherlock Holmes would be portrayed during the show's second season. Not only that, it was revealed that Watson's version of Sherlock will be unique and portrayed by one of the best actors of his generation. Now, CBS has released the first photos of Robert Carlyle's portrayal of Sherlock from Watson season 2.
Robert Carlyle as Sherlock Holmes from Watson teased in new photos
In July 2025, Deadline reported that Robert Carlyle was joining the cast of Watson's 2nd season in a recurring guest star as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic character, Sherlock Holmes. Robert is best known for his roles in shows like Once Upon a Time and Stargate Universe as well as for starring in films like Trainspotting, The Full Monty, and 28 Weeks Later. At the time that Robert's casting was announced, there was no way for fans of Watson and the actor to know what his version of Sherlock would look like.
Now, fans are able to get their first look at Robert's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, and the newly released images are a fascinating look at what the show's version of the character. Two of the images of Robert from Watson that CBS released show the actor's version of Sherlock Holmes looking relaxed.
On the other hand, CBS released three images of Robert's version of Sherlock Holmes depicting the actor with very different expressions on his face. Instead of looking relaxed or even happy, the three photos of Robert feature the actor's version of Sherlock looking tense, surprised, or annoyed.
Historically speaking, Sherlock Holmes has almost always been depicted as a character who anticipates things before they happen. As a result, people are used to seeing Sherlock as a character who is unlikely to sport the kind of expressions on his face that the latter group of photos show.
With that in mind, I am fascinated to learn what Watson's version of Sherlock will ultimately be like during the show's 2nd season.
Watson season 2 premieres on CBS on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10 pm ET.