USA Network developing Sherlock Holmes spin-off series

USA Network and Versant are developing a new procedural series titled "Sherlock’s Secretary," inspired by the real-life history of individuals who managed fan correspondence for the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.

The series will follow an eccentric woman in London who, after years of responding to letters addressed to 221B Baker Street, begins using the detective's methods to investigate real mysteries independently. The concept was inspired by the fact that 221B Baker Street became a physical address used by Abbey National, a British building society, which hired staff to answer the high volume of mail sent to the fictional character.

Andy Berman, known for his work on the series "Psych," is writing the story and is expected to serve as both producer and showrunner. The project originated from producer Bruce Nash, who noted, “When I learned there was an actual person whose job was answering letters sent to Sherlock Holmes, I knew there was a television series hiding inside that story.”