Netflix’s 1 Streaming Series Worldwide Is Showing Sherlock How Quality Is Done
A New Mystery Rival
Sherlock Holmes remains a major influence on television, with Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock among the latest versions of the character. Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern portrayal is also described as a benchmark.
Netflix’s Lupin takes inspiration from a different literary figure: Arsène Lupin, a gentleman thief and master of disguise. The French series follows Assane Diop, played by Omar Sy, as he pursues an elaborate heist and revenge plot.
Lupin’s Streaming Success
The article says Lupin season 4 premiered on October 23, 2026, and that the series is Netflix’s number-one show worldwide. It also reports a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score for the series, with seasons 3 and 4 each at 100%.
Sherlock is listed at 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, while its fourth and final season received a 54% score. The article contrasts those ratings with Lupin’s continued critical and streaming success.
Sherlock’s Early Strengths
Sherlock initially brought its famous detective into the 21st century while retaining his literary character. Cumberbatch played him as sharply intelligent and eccentric, while Martin Freeman’s Dr. John Watson served as a steady moral presence.
The article credits the lead actors’ chemistry and the show’s early episodic format with making its mysteries enjoyable and easy to binge. It argues, however, that Sherlock’s later cleverness became excessive and made the detective seem almost superhero-like.
Different Paths Across Seasons
The article says Sherlock’s quality varied over four seasons and criticizes the repeated return of Andrew Scott’s Moriarty for weakening the later story. It describes the series finale as disappointing.
Lupin, by contrast, is praised for changing its circumstances without losing its direction. Its first two seasons focus on Assane’s effort to expose Hubert Pellegrini, who framed Assane’s father for theft; season 3 makes Assane a wanted man, and season 4 begins with him behind bars after a time jump. The article says family remains central to the story.
Key points
- Lupin is described as Netflix’s most-watched series worldwide.
- Omar Sy plays Assane Diop, who draws inspiration from Arsène Lupin.
- Lupin has a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, according to the article.
- The article argues that Sherlock lost quality in its later seasons.