Harry King TV unveils True Sherlock toon with Shrek producer David Lipman

The scripted division of London-based Harry King Television is developing an animated television series as part of its forthcoming True Sherlock franchise.

Nicholas Sercombe

The series is based on Nicholas Sercombe’s original book series The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, but the company says it will be distinctly different from the live-action format.

Leading the creative team with Sercombe is David Lipman, the producer behind the first two instalments of the Shrek franchise. He is also known for his animated credits on The Ren & Stimpy Show and The Tale of Despereaux, as well as live-action features Serenity and The Professor.

Joining Sercombe and Lipman are Michael Ryan (Planet 51, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank) and Tim John (A Street Cat Named Bob), who bring their experience in both animated and live-action family entertainment to the series.

Animated Sherlock (working title) takes Sercombe’s behind-the-scenes premise one step further by crafting the tone for an adult audience. Each season explores a main whodunnit mystery, and the episodes relate to an original Sherlock Holmes from Arthur Conan Doyle’s universe.

As in True Sherlock, the series will delve into the origins of Holmes, Watson, Mrs Hudson and Moriarty.

Sercombe, CEO of Harry King Television and producer of True Sherlock, said: “Taking the animation route allows us to reimagine Sherlock Holmes on a grander, more imaginative and risqué scale than before. Having David, Michael and Tim steering the series with us combines their legacy in animation with the well-loved classic IP. Together we are creating our very own Sherlock Holmes universe that feels both timeless and completely fresh – rich in character, humour and adventure.”

The series continues Harry King TV’s growing scripted slate, following the launch of its unscripted division earlier this year with the format Curiosity.