8 Exciting Dramas Premiering Fall 2012

Elementary isn't the first recent attempt to modernize Sherlock Holmes — BBC favorite Sherlock tackles the same task — but its execution is unique enough to be worth a shot. Semi-procedural in format, Elementary's biggest strength is Jonny Lee Miller, whose version of the iconic detective shows an intriguing hint of vulnerability under the oddball genius mask. And we love Elementary's biggest twist on the classic tale: the casting of Lucy Liu as "Joan" Watson. We just hope she eventually shows the same brilliance here as she did on Southland.

-Rebecca Martin

Elementary premieres Thursday, September 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.