Sherlock Holmes: Classic series now free in ARD Mediathek
The hit crime series Sherlock is now available to stream for free in Germany. ARD Mediathek has added all four seasons of the show, complete with German dubbing. Fans can revisit the detective’s adventures—or discover them for the first time—without any cost.
Sherlock first aired in Germany on ARD in 2011 and has remained a favourite among crime fans ever since. The series, produced by BBC’s Hartswood Films and BBC Wales, offers a modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic stories. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the brilliant but eccentric Sherlock Holmes, while Martin Freeman plays his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson. Their investigations involve a mix of sharp deduction, high-stakes drama, and memorable supporting characters like Mrs. Hudson, Molly Hooper, and Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade.
Andrew Scott’s portrayal of the villainous Jim Moriarty earned critical praise and multiple awards. The show itself has a near-perfect 9/10 rating on IMDb, cementing its place as one of the best crime dramas in years. Cumberbatch’s performance even won him a 2014 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor.
While the original version of Sherlock is available on Netflix, MagentaTV, and Amazon Prime Video, these platforms require a subscription or rental fee. ARD Mediathek’s free offer now gives German viewers an easy way to enjoy the entire series at no charge.
The free release on ARD Mediathek lets fans rewatch Holmes and Watson’s most gripping cases without barriers. All four seasons are available now, complete with German dubbing. The move makes one of the most acclaimed crime series of the past decade more accessible than ever.