TV Talk: 'Watson' filming locally, 'The Deliverance' dated

CBS’s upcoming Pittsburgh-set medical/investigative procedural “Watson,” slated to air Sunday nights in spring 2025, will film predominantly in Vancouver, British Columbia. But star Morris Chestnut and some other cast members are in Pittsburgh this week to film exterior scenes over several days that will be inserted into episodes of the series, which was created by Squirrel Hill native Craig Sweeny (“Limitless”).

“It’s an honor and a joy to launch production of ‘Watson’ in Pittsburgh,” Sweeny said in a prepared statement. “The show aims to capture the city’s unique character and its importance to modern medicine. The polio vaccine was invented here; human organ transplantation was refined and perfected here … and now the adventures of John Watson will happen here, too. Like every Pittsburgher, I love my hometown and I’m proud to be shooting here today.”

The crew took over the Roberto Clemente Bridge from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Chestnut stars as Dr. John Watson who, a year after the death of best friend Sherlock Holmes, resumes his medical career at the Holmes clinic, which is dedicated to the treatment of rare diseases.

In recent weeks “Watson” added to its cast which now includes Peter Mark Kendall (“Kaleidoscope”) as twins, academic-minded Dr. Stephens Croft and charming-if-needy Dr. Adam Croft; Ritchie Coster (“Tulsa King”) as Shinwell Johnson, the clinic’s administrative aide with a dark history of using coercive tactics to achieve his goals; Eve Harlow (“The Night Agent”) as neurologist Ingrid Derian, who reminds Watson of his old friend Sherlock; Inga Schlingmann (“So Help Me Todd”) as Dr. Sasha Lubbock, who thrives in bifurcated conditions, having grown up torn between her birth parents in China and her adoptive, religious family in Texas; and Rochelle Aytes (“S.W.A.T.”) as Dr. Mary Morstan, ex-wife of Watson and medical director of the hospital that houses Holmes Clinic.

“We’re all really excited to be here,” said Larry Teng, executive producer and director of the first two episodes. “The geography, architecture and history are so unique to Pittsburgh. This show is Craig’s love letter to the city he grew up in and I’m excited to be tasked to make good on that. The crew and the locals have all been amazing, and thanks to them Pittsburgh will always be in the show’s DNA.”

‘Deliverance’ dated

Netflix finally set release dates for “The Deliverance,” which originally filmed in Pittsburgh 2022 and returned in spring 2023 for reshoots. The film, directed by Lee Daniels, will play in select theaters beginning Aug. 16 and release on Netflix on Aug. 30.

Inspired by real events, “The Deliverance” is the story of Ebony Jackson (Andra Day), who Netflix describes as “a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, [who] moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children.”

Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Mo’Nique also star in the film.

You can reach TV writer Rob Owen at rowen@triblive.com or 412-380-8559. Follow @RobOwenTV on Threads, Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky and Facebook. Ask TV questions by email or phone. Please include your first name and location.