The Only Way CBS’ ‘Watson’ Can Be Saved Is if Season 2 Fixes This Major Mistake

Watson has the kind of premise that makes for a great CBS procedural. It’s a fresh take on an iconic character, a serialized mystery layered over case-of-the-week investigations and the always-compelling Morris Chestnut in the lead role. By focusing on Dr. John Watson (Chestnut) in the aftermath of Sherlock Holmes’ death, the show had the opportunity to explore grief, identity, and reinvention, all within the framework of a stylish procedural. It certainly drew strong viewership out of the gate, beating out the ever-popular Tracker as the most watched series on the network. But despite its popularity, the show didn’t land as well with critics, and as the season unfolded, it became clear that Watson didn’t quite know what story it wanted to tell.

While the individual cases offered some intrigue, they rarely carried enough narrative weight to sustain each episode, especially when the show’s real strength was its characters. The emotional throughline was often buried beneath scattered subplots, and Watson missed key opportunities to dive deeper into the relationships and inner lives of its leads. The series definitely had its bright spots, but if Season 2 wants to redeem its uneven debut, it needs to spend less time chasing the plot and more time investing in the characters who actually make the story worth watching.

‘Watson’ Season 2 Should Focus More on Its Ensemble Cast

There’s no denying that Watson came out of the gate with ambition. Casting Morris Chestnut in the lead role was a smart move, as it always is. His performance as a grieving but guarded version of the brilliant Dr. John Watson gave the show both gravitas and emotional weight. The idea of following a world-famous sidekick as he tries to forge his own path after the death of his equally famous partner was compelling, even poignant. With an overarching mystery surrounding Holmes’ death, hints of a broader conspiracy and a core ensemble of supporting characters, the show had all the ingredients for a strong, character-driven procedural.

But characters like Dr. Sasha Lubbock (Inga Schlingmann), Dr. Stephens Croft, Dr. Adam Croft (Peter Mark Kendall), and Dr. Ingrid Derian (Eve Harlow) weren’t given enough space to fully develop, and that made it hard for audiences to truly invest in them, even though the show clearly wanted them to be characters everyone cared about. As the season went on, things began to improve, particularly in the way Derian’s backstory was revealed and in the complex dynamic between Watson and his estranged wife, Mary Morstan (Rochelle Aytes). Still, by the time the finale arrived, much of that progress was undercut by uneven pacing, underdeveloped arcs, and a jarring conclusion that lacked the emotional payoff it was aiming for.

Eve Harlow, Morris Chestnut, and Inga Schlingmann talk over a book in Watson Episode 4

The Fate of CBS’ ‘Watson’ Has Been Decided After a Rocky Start

The series stars Morris Chestnut.

Part of this challenge is structural. With only 13 episodes, a procedural like Watson has limited time to give every character their due. But more and more, even traditional procedural audiences are craving serialized character arcs, and Watson had a unique opportunity to deliver that. The show has already planted the seeds for compelling relationships and layered emotional journeys. All it needs to do now is execute them with more focus and consistency. There were episodes that worked beautifully, especially those that leaned into Watson’s PTSD or Derian’s traumatic past. The problem is, the series rarely stayed in those moments long enough for them to have an impact. It wanted to be a medical procedural, a mystery, and a character drama all at once, but it never truly gave the real estate to its characters to develop and shine.

The Season 1 Finale of ‘Watson’ Sets Up More Character Development for Season 2

Morris Chestnut as John Watson with Peter Mark Kendall in a wheelchair alongside his team in Watson — Image via CBS

If Watson wants to maintain its strong viewership and make the most of its promising premise, it doesn’t need bigger twists or more complex cases. What it needs is a deeper commitment to the emotional and character-driven storytelling that made the concept so intriguing in the first place. Watson still has plenty of room to grow as a character, and he’s surrounded by people who are just as layered and emotionally rich as he is. The more time the show spends on those relationships, the more likely it is to tell a story that truly connects with audiences.

The Season 1 finale left several characters in precarious places, which sets the stage for a potentially compelling second season, and one that digs deeper into whom these people are and why they make the choices they make. Speaking with Collider after the finale, Morris Chestnut hinted that Watson’s own backstory could take center stage next year: “I think we may be doing it in Season 2… lean more into Watson’s past, in terms of what makes him tick. How did Watson become Watson and make the choices and do the things that he does?”

One of the characters most affected by the finale is Derian, who’s being forced out of UHOP. It would be a mistake to let her fade into the background, as she’s one of the show’s most intriguing and emotionally complex characters. Chestnut agrees, calling Derian “one of my favorites,” and praising Eve Harlow’s performance: “She’s doing an incredible job. I love the mystery, the darkness, the secrets, and everything that she’s hiding. Her reveals were some of the best parts of the season.”

It’s also worth noting that CBS has yet to confirm how many episodes Season 2 will have, and the show isn’t expected to return until spring 2026. That gives the creative team time to reflect on the best way to continue the story and, hopefully, new ways to bring their characters to life. Watson still has all the right pieces: a strong lead, compelling dynamics, and a premise that sets it apart from other procedurals. Now it just needs to trust itself — and its characters — enough to really shine.