Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (2016)
Kernel Score: 86% · 2,323 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie
Released: 2016-01-01
Runtime: 90 minutes
Is Sherlock: The Abominable Bride worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A Victorian-set special that plays with the Sherlock formula, and it's clever and funny. It works best if you know the series, and the central trick is divisive.
Watch it if you
- have watched the modern Sherlock series
- enjoy clever, playful mysteries
- like Victorian-era atmosphere
Skip it if you
- haven't seen the series
- want a straightforward whodunit
Best for: Fans' evening in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
- Stream: PBS
- Free with ads: KQED
- Buy: Prime Video
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves in 1890s London in this holiday special.
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Sherlock: The Abominable Bride is a mystery thriller special involving a homicide investigation.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Centers on a homicide investigation typical of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, PG-13 rated.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
If you liked Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) — 80%: Fast, witty Holmes adventure with a clever villain.
- Enola Holmes 2 (2022) — 83%: Fun Holmes-family mystery with a lighter tone.
- Chinatown (1974) — 87%: Classic, twisty detective story.
- L.A. Confidential (1997) — 89%: Sharp, twisty detective story with great dialogue.
- Lucky Number Slevin (2006) — 84%: Twisty crime mystery with sly humour.
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009) — 85%: Dark, absorbing modern mystery.
Director
Douglas Mackinnon
Cast
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes
- Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson
- Una Stubbs as Mrs. Hudson
- Rupert Graves as DI Lestrade
- Mark Gatiss as Mycroft Holmes
- Andrew Scott as Professor Moriarty
- Louise Brealey as Molly Hooper
- Amanda Abbington as Mary Watson
- Jonathan Aris as Anderson
- Yasmine Akram as Janine Donlevy
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride FAQ
Is Sherlock: The Abominable Bride worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A Victorian-set special that plays with the Sherlock formula, and it's clever and funny. It works best if you know the series, and the central trick is divisive.
Where can I watch Sherlock: The Abominable Bride?
In the US you can stream Sherlock: The Abominable Bride on PBS, watch it free with ads on KQED and buy it from Prime Video.
Is Sherlock: The Abominable Bride OK for kids?
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Sherlock: The Abominable Bride is a mystery thriller special involving a homicide investigation.
What movies are like Sherlock: The Abominable Bride?
If you liked Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, try Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Enola Holmes 2, Chinatown and L.A. Confidential.