Prime Target, the new brainythriller series starring Leo Woodall, appears to be Apple TV+’s take on BBC’s classic,Sherlock. Following thetwo-episode premiere ofPrime Targeton June 12, 2025, the new series already feels like it’s taking inspiration from the beloved Benedict Cumberbatch’s beloved project, which has spanned just 15 episodes across four seasons from 2010 to 2017.Sherlockis often considered one of the greatest TV shows of all timeand has won nine Emmys.
Sherlockco-creatorSteven Moffat has recently confirmed his interestin making a highly-anticipated season 5. While there’s been no official word on that front, the iconic and heady style ofSherlockhas been emulated by several shows that have attempted to repeat its success, such as the CBS Sherlock Holmes seriesElementary(2012-2019). WhilePrime Targetalso draws comparisons to classics such asA Beautiful Mind(2001)andThe Imitation Game(2014), it’s hard not to see the tonal and narrative similarities to BBC’sSherlock.
How Prime Target Works As Apple TV+’s Sherlock
Edward Brooks is an unparalleled genius with little social regard
AlthoughPrime Targetis more of an academic thriller than a true detective story, there is a mystery and a greater conspiracy to unravel at the heart of it. Since the protagonist, Woodall’s Edward Brooks of Cambridge University is an unparalleled genius who is also less than great in social situations, he immediately draws a likeness to Cumberbatch’s version of Holmes.
The audience sees Brooks figuring out equations and envisioning theorems in a way that feels a bit evocative of Sherlock’s detection.
Brooks is often so consumed by the math problems in front of him that he doesn’t really see or have time for anything else. This is reminiscent of Sherlock with his cases. The audience sees Brooks figuring out equations and envisioning theorems in a way that feels a bit evocative of Sherlock’s detection.
Prime Target Cast & Character Guide
Prime Target not only grips viewers with its thrilling mysteries but also keeps them engaged with its well-written characters and cast performances.
Perhaps the biggest reason for the connections and similarities between Edward Brooks and Sherlock Holmes is thatPrime Target’screator, Steve Thompson, wrote three episodes ofSherlock. Thompson has a knack and proven track record for these scholarly types of protagonists and series. Apart fromSherlock, Thompson has written episodes of the Sigmund Freud-era period pieceVienna Blood(2019 - ), the biographical Leonardo da Vinci seriesLeonardo(2021), and the celebrated sci-fi epic seriesDoctor Who.
Will There Ever Be More Of Sherlock?
Sherlock’s co-creator have expressed recent interest
Although it’s been more than eight years since season 4 ended,there has been little movement for a potentialSherlockseason 5. Cumberbatch recently disclosed facetiously toVarietythat it would take “a lot of money:” for him to return. Subsequently, he answered the question more earnestly, saying:
“It would take it to be better than it ever was. You leave them or yourselves wanting more. There’s always that itch to scratch, but I think it would have to be the superlative version of what we’ve already achieved.”
That being said, aSherlockseason 5 or even a feature film is not entirely out of the question. Moffat andSherlockco-creator expressed interest in moving forward with another Sherlock chapter as either a movie or a new season. The problem appears to be navigating the limited availability of Cumberbatch and co-star Martin Freeman. Until then,Sherlockderivative series likePrime Targetwill have to suffice.
Prime Target
Cast
Prime Target follows Edward Brooks, a brilliant mathematician, in his pursuit of a prime number breakthrough that could blow open the door to international cybersecurity. Teamed with NSA agent Taylah Sanders, he confronts a hidden conspiracy threatening his discovery and life.
