Sherlock: 10 moments that proved Benedict Cumberbatch owned the role

When Sherlock first aired in 2010, there was a fair bit of skepticism. Another take on the famous detective? In the modern era? With text messages on screen and a man with cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass?

But within minutes of Benedict Cumberbatch’s first appearance as the world’s most famous consulting detective, doubts evaporated. He wasn’t just playing Sherlock Holmes; he was living him.

From the brisk way he rattled off deductions to the razor-edged wit that could disarm friends and foes alike, Cumberbatch’s performance became the gold standard for 21st-century Sherlocks.

The BBC series wasn’t just a rehash of old Arthur Conan Doyle tales; it was a reimagining, dripping with style, intelligence, and humor. And at the heart of it all was Benedict’s ability to make Holmes both brilliant and deeply human - arrogant yet vulnerable, detached yet oddly caring.

Whether he was dramatically revealing a villain’s plan or sulking over a perceived slight, he made the role entirely his own. Over four seasons (and a Christmas special), there were countless moments where he reminded us why this version of Holmes was unforgettable. So let's take a look at ten of the best!

10 times Benedict Cumberbatch absolutely nailed Sherlock Holmes

1) The first meeting with John Watson

From the moment Holmes sizes up John in “A Study in Pink,” it’s clear Cumberbatch has nailed the detective’s energy. In less than a minute, he deduces John’s military service, his injury, and even his brother’s drinking problem - all while casually whipping out a phone to text someone.

Benedict delivers these deductions so quickly and confidently that you believe Sherlock’s brain really is operating on a different level. It’s the perfect introduction: brilliant, a little smug, and utterly captivating.

2) The “Anderson, don’t talk” moment

Few lines in TV history have been delivered with such pure, unfiltered disdain. In “The Blind Banker,” when forensic expert Anderson tries to chime in, Holmes shuts him down with a single icy command: “Anderson, don’t talk. You lower the IQ of the whole street.”

Cumberbatch’s deadpan delivery and razor-sharp timing made it an instant fan favorite - proof that Sherlock’s insults were as legendary as his intellect.

3) The deductions at Buckingham Palace

In “A Scandal in Belgravia,” Holmes gets called to Buckingham Palace...wearing nothing but a bedsheet. But it’s not the wardrobe (or lack thereof) that stands out - it’s the way he instantly sizes up a complete stranger in the room and delivers an almost machine-gun burst of deductions.

Benedict balances the humor of the scene with the thrill of seeing Sherlock’s mind at work, making it one of the show’s most entertaining brainpower displays.

4) Outwitting Irene Adler

In "A Scandal in Belgravia," Irene seems to be running the show for most of the episode - and Sherlock, for once, looks intrigued...maybe even impressed. Benedict plays it with a mix of curiosity and calculation, holding back just enough so you’re never sure if it’s attraction or strategy.

When he finally cracks her phone’s password, there’s no gloating...just a quiet, knowing smile. It’s a win that feels personal, and Cumberbatch makes it land without overplaying it.

5) The stag night shenanigans

In “The Sign of Three,” Sherlock gets drunk...yes, drunk. And it’s every bit as chaotic as you’d imagine. Cumberbatch shows off his comedic chops here, slurring deductions, flopping onto furniture, and still somehow trying to solve a mystery mid-hangover.

It’s a rare moment of pure silliness from a character usually defined by precision and control, and Benedict milks it for all it’s worth without breaking character.

6) The “Mind Palace” in The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sherlock’s “mind palace” isn’t just a fancy way of saying he remembers stuff - it’s like watching someone sprint through a mental library at top speed. In The Hound of the Baskervilles, Benedict doesn’t just spit out facts; he makes you see the process.

His eyes dart, his breathing shifts, and it’s as if the rest of the room fades away. That small, physical shift turns an abstract concept into something you can almost step into yourself.

7) The fall from the roof

The ending of “The Reichenbach Fall” was one of the most talked-about TV moments of the decade. Holmes standing on the edge of St. Bart’s Hospital, calling John for one final goodbye before stepping off the roof - it’s gut-wrenching.

Benedict strips away Sherlock’s arrogance here, letting raw emotion take center stage. You can hear the weight in his voice, see the flicker of fear in his eyes - it’s a moment that cemented the show’s emotional punch.

8) The “I am a fake” speech

When Sherlock stands there in The Reichenbach Fall and says he’s a fake, you know it’s part of Moriarty’s setup...but there’s this strange second where you almost buy it.

Benedict doesn’t go big - he keeps it small, with a glance that lingers too long and a half-smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. That sliver of doubt he slips in makes the scene stick with you long after the credits roll.

9) The hug in “His Last Vow”

Sherlock doesn’t do hugs...he barely tolerates even handshakes. So when he embraces John after nearly dying, it feels monumental. Benedict keeps the hug awkward, true to character, but his eyes give away a flash of relief before the mask slides back into place.

It lasts only a few seconds, yet those seconds tell you more about their friendship than any long conversation could.

10) The sister reveal in “The Final Problem”

Meeting Eurus isn’t just a shock...it’s a mental ambush. Benedict plays Sherlock’s reaction as a mix of surprise, intrigue, and that uneasy feeling he might not be in control anymore.

Each pause and glance feels heavy with meaning - and by the time the truth lands, you’re right there with him, trying to piece together the puzzle of his past.

Conclusion

Benedict Cumberbatch didn’t just play Sherlock; he practically moved into the guy’s head and redecorated - one moment he’s tossing out a razor-sharp insult, the next he’s hitting you with a look that could stop your heart. It’s the kind of performance that sticks, not because it’s polished, but because it feels lived-in.

Years later, when someone mentions Sherlock, it’s his face, his voice, and his sly half-smile that flash in your mind. That’s when you know the role was his, through and through!