8 Current TV Shows That Don't Treat Audiences Like Idiots

7. Sherlock

Fresh from it's multiple Emmy wins, we have Sherlock, possibly the cleverest show on television. While you might argue that the cases solved by Sherlock Holmes are beyond the reach of the average human mind, there are definite levels of mystery within the show. From the big (what was the Hound of Baskerville) to the small (cracking the safe code based on Irene Adler's measurements), there are some moments you might solve yourself if you're up to it. One of he key strengths of Sherlock is its ability to absorb you completely in the interplay of its characters, be it Sherlock and John, Sherlock and Mycroft or John and Mary. But most significantly, its central character, like many in this list, isn't someone you can easily sympathise with. The show doesn't insult the audience by softening his personality to enable you to identify with him. Sherlock is far more complex than that and requires the audience to follow his every action even if they don't agree, or understand, with motivations. There are few shows that can thoroughly entertain and push you at the same time; Sherlock is one of those classics that does both. Which is why those rare occasions when a new episode is on our screens is a precious moment indeed.