BBC To Sue CBS Over New Sherlock Holmes TV Show ELEMENTARY?

BBC To Sue CBS Over New Sherlock Holmes TV Show ELEMENTARY?

After the recent announcement than American television network CBS would produce their own Sherlock Holmes TV series set in New York, fans were outraged because of the similarites to BBC's Sherlock.

By MovieMaster - Jan 21, 2012 12:01 PM EST
Filed Under: Sherlock Holmes
Source: The Independant
BBC's Sherlock is, undoubtedly, a huge success globally. It has launched it's two lead stars, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, to fame and landing major Hollywood roles. The announcement of CBS's Elementary caused an uproar in fans of the show, and now executive producer (and wife of the show's head writer, Steven Moffat) has spoken out on the matter.

We understand that CBS are doing their own version of an updated Sherlock Holmes. It's interesting, as they approached us a while back about remaking our show. At the time, they made great assurances about their integrity, so we have to assume that their modernised Sherlock Holmes doesn't resemble ours in any way, as that would be extremely worrying. We are very proud of our show and like any proud parent, we have to protect the interest and wellbeing of our child.

The main reason for possible legal action is because of the modern day setting and the addition of regular uses of laptops, smartphones etc. Margaret Tofalides, a copyright specialist at law firm Manches, had this to say.

The concept of a new Sherlock Holmes is unprotectable. But if the unusual aspects of the BBC series - Modern settings, characters, clothes, plots and distinctive visual style - were closely reproduced in the CBS series, then that could form the basis of a potential copyright claim.

What do you think of this? Are you glad that the BBC are pursuing legal action, or are you interested in what CBS has to offer? Sound off in the usual place.
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jazzman
jazzman - 1/21/2012, 12:38 PM
im glad they are taking action at this stupid CBS's Elementary. they need to just expect BBC Sherlock as the best and show it to American audience.
Talontd
Talontd - 1/21/2012, 12:40 PM
Hahaha, i assumed they bought the rights! Fcukin thieves...
DaenerysTargaryen
DaenerysTargaryen - 1/21/2012, 12:50 PM
Good do it! I freaking hate the idea of ripping off Sherlock. I love that BBC show like there is no tommorow
PaulRom
PaulRom - 1/21/2012, 1:01 PM
Yeah, I hope Elementary gets scrapped. Sounds ridiculous.
imnotahero
imnotahero - 1/21/2012, 1:22 PM
Do it Do it Do it. It will give Sherlock some more publicity.
AutobotCommander84
AutobotCommander84 - 1/21/2012, 1:23 PM
I hope Elementary still comes out.
AC1
AC1 - 1/21/2012, 2:05 PM
just yesterday i was thinking about how Sherlock is one of the few British properties that can't be remade in America, since Sherlock is firmly rooted in London.

But not only are CBS planning on making an American version of the character any way, they're also ripping off one of the best shows on TV. I love the originality of American media.

I hope the BBC sue the shit out of this.
Jolt17
Jolt17 - 1/21/2012, 7:56 PM
Yes please, because this Elementary it's totally a NOT creative way...and it's just wrong. Putting Holmes in New York? And another modern day setting? Come on, cancel this.
Phlegmbot
Phlegmbot - 1/22/2012, 11:20 PM
All you people are crazy! Look how AWESOME CBS's current dramas are like the completely forgettable Unforgettable, or the incredibly uninteresting Person of Interest, or the no-pun-on-this-one A Gifted Man...which never fails to give me a good night's sleep.

Can't blame CBS tho'. All of the crappy shows I mention above -- save for Gifted Man -- are procedurals, and they're kicking ass in the ratings. (As is their one GOOD show -- The Mentalist).
mstaley3000
mstaley3000 - 1/22/2012, 11:59 PM
Let's see. Sherlock Holmes in a modern day setting? Did the Brits come up with that 1st? NO!

The Return of the World's Greatest Detective - 1976 - Larry Hagman plays a police detective who suffers a head injury and thinks he is Sherlock Holmes.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes - 1987 - Michael Pennington plays a Sherlock Holmes who froze himself so that he could be revived in the future.

That's right BBC, US tried to bring Holmes into the modern world twice. Both were essentially failed comedy pilots.
ElDarkside
ElDarkside - 1/23/2012, 8:43 AM
This show is already on in America in the form of a medical mystery. It's called HouseMD. The HouseMD wiki even references the similarities between the characters.

Ther is nothing original anymore, it's all spin-offs and retreads and reboots.

Bring on The Incredible Hulk TV Series, which is pretty much a rip-off of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde...

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