While there are similarities that exist between Fox drama (2004-2012) and the new CBS takes on Arthur Conan Doyle characters-invollers both first-class doctors and a team that solves medical mysteries- Watson is not House. Executive Craig Sweeny points to his leading man, Morris ChestnutAs a brilliant, the iconic doctor John Watson plays, for why is the case.

While I first wrote the series premiere, “for the role of Watson, was one of the artists I imagined Morris,” sharing Sweeny as part of TV Insider’s latest digital cover history In front of the show’s return with its second section on February 16. “It was the charisma and the belief that I could see him both in a partnership and as his own leading man. Obviously he is dazzling handsome and his leading man is incredibly obvious, but there is something with him that is very cooperative and who also fits into a partnership or a team situation. It could not have worked much better that he very, very early in our casting process, expressed his interest, and we had a meeting and CBS said yes, and it was done. “

It was in working with Chestnut that Sweeny saw what he had heard: that he is “a really good partner at the production level and someone who is kind and easy to work with.” Sweeny also saw “This extraordinary empathy he has. Apparently risks the concept of having too much overlap with House potentially. And Morris was really, in my opinion, the final ingredient to get away from it for me. Morris cares about everyone he comes into contact with and is very aware of being kind and treating everyone in the same way he comes into contact with. When you write a long-term television program, you inevitably start writing to the characteristics of the artists, and then it became a really defining feature of Watons also in a good way that, I think, really works for the show. “

Rochelle Aytes (Watson’s Ex, Dr. Mary Morstan) and Randall Park (The villain Moriarty) Rave also about these characteristics of Chestnuts and works with him.

“I had never met him before this show, and I heard amazing things about him. And when I met him, all these things were so true. He was just so down to earth, so sweet, so kind and curious, “shares Aytes. “We brought well outside the camera. He was just interested in knowing who I was. And as an actor he gives you everything. He’s like, “Hi, do you want to run lines? We can run lines over and over again. Let’s talk about it. Let’s figure this out. ‘And he’s so open.”

Adds Park, “Morris is the best. He is just such an ideal number one on the conversation sheet in the sense that he really sets the tone of professionalism and kindness and just so down to earth, so accommodating. He checks in on you: ‘How are you? Is there anything I can get you? “I’m like,” You’re number one on the call sheet. Why would you get me something? I should get you something. “But he’s just so. He’s just so thoughtful and kind.”

What do you think of Morris Chestnut like Dr. John Watson so far after the premiere? Let us know in the comments below.

WatsonTime Period Premiere, Sunday 16 February 9/8c, CBS