Sherlock vs. Elementary: Who played the better Holmes - Benedict Cumberbatch or Jonny Lee Miller?

Sherlock Holmes is a character portrayed by many actors, but two TV adaptations sparked serious debate among fans about who performed better: the BBC’s Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, and CBS’s Elementary, starring Jonny Lee Miller.

The two actors brought a unique twist to the character. So much so that it left audiences divided over who played the role better. Was it the slick, tech-savvy genius of Cumberbatch’s Holmes? Or the emotionally complex and rehabilitating Holmes of Miller?

Let’s break down the battle of the Holmes and see who wore the deerstalker (metaphorically, of course) better.

Who played the better Sherlock - Benedict Cumberbatch or Jonny Lee Miller?

Benedict Cumberbatch: Sherlock

Sherlock, played by Cumberbatch, was set in the 21st century in London. His version of Holmes talked fast as he knew what he was talking about to the tea, was extremely intelligent, and unapologetic in whatever he said or did, even if he was showing arrogance for his intelligence.

From the very first episode, Cumberbatch brought an electric energy that made being a genius look cool. His deductions were rapid, and his chemistry with Martin Freeman’s Watson grew on the audience.

One of the major strengths of the portrayal of Cumberbatch was how it was so close to Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Holmes. In personality, he was socially awkward, on the brink of rudeness, but possessed of a certain inescapable brilliance. His version was stylish, emotionally detached, and always five steps ahead of everyone in the room.

While this made for thrilling television, it sometimes made people feel that he was unrelatable. But when you're the smartest guy in London, who needs relatability?

Jonny Lee Miller: Elementary

Then came Jonny Lee Miller in Elementary, offering a very different take. The series was based in New York, and it featured a gender-swapped Dr. Joan Watson, who was played brilliantly by Lucy Liu. Elementary explored the vulnerabilities of Holmes more. Miller's Holmes was a recovering addict with more emotional quotient and personal growth, which was seen throughout the series.

Where Cumberbatch’s Holmes dazzled with intellect, Miller’s Holmes connected through humanity. He was a genius, but he felt more pain, loved, and was lost, and even evolved emotionally over time. His version was a little less flashy and a bit more grounded, often solving crimes with more empathy. And unlike Sherlock, Elementary had over 150 episodes, giving Miller more room to explore the character's many layers.

Verdict: Genius or Growth?

If you love your Holmes mysterious, lightning-fast, and dangerously charming, Cumberbatch is your guy. If you prefer a more nuanced, emotionally complex detective who grows with each case, Miller takes the cake. Both actors brought something special to the table - Cumberbatch wowed us with brilliance, Miller surprised us with heart.

In the end, it’s less about who’s better and more about which Holmes fits your taste. Either way, Sherlock fans truly got the best of both worlds.