Additional Coverage:
- Hollywood can ‘eat people and spit them out.’ Morris Chestnut refuses to be one of them (newsbreak.com)
Actor Morris Chestnut, known for playing doctors on television, is taking on a new medical role in the CBS drama “Watson.” This time, he’s Dr. John Watson, Sherlock Holmes’s partner, now leading a rare disorders clinic after Holmes’s death.
This role is a significant career milestone for Chestnut. While he’s had consistent work since his debut in “Boyz N the Hood,” he’s primarily been in supporting roles. “Watson” offers him a chance to be a leading man.
CBS is heavily promoting “Watson,” giving it a premiere after the NFL playoffs. The network believes in the show’s potential and sees Chestnut as a classic leading man.
Chestnut describes “Watson” as a unique medical drama with a detective element. The doctors investigate cases outside the clinic, blending medicine with Sherlock’s investigative style.
The actor maintains a healthy lifestyle, crediting it for his youthful appearance. He prioritizes his well-being and avoids the Hollywood party scene. He also serves as an executive producer on “Watson.”
Chestnut was drawn to the show’s strong pilot script, but acknowledges the controversy surrounding a Black actor playing a traditionally white character. He hopes viewers will focus on the character and the story, rather than the casting.
“Watson” joins a crowded field of new medical dramas this season. The series features a team of young doctors assisting Watson, along with a complex personal life involving his ex-wife and Sherlock’s nemesis, Moriarty.
The show marks CBS’s second Sherlock Holmes reboot. The showrunner, Craig Sweeny, had Chestnut in mind for the role, praising his empathy, intelligence, and commitment to accuracy.
Chestnut finds playing a doctor challenging, especially mastering the medical terminology. He’s grateful for the opportunity, reflecting on his career trajectory from “Boyz N the Hood” to “The Best Man” franchise. He feels these roles prepared him for this leading role.