Goalhanger’s Hit Audio Drama Sherlock & Co. Now Available on BBC Sounds
Podcast production company Goalhanger has announced a major licensing agreement with the BBC for Sherlock & Co., the critically acclaimed narrative audio drama that has captivated listeners worldwide since its October 2023 launch. As of July 3, the series is now available on BBC Sounds, marking a significant milestone for the show’s continued growth and reach.
Produced by Holy Smokes Audio in partnership with Goalhanger, Sherlock & Co. reimagines Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories for the modern era. The series stars Paul Waggott as Dr. John Watson—reimagined as a former British Army doctor turned true-crime podcaster—alongside Harry Attwell as Sherlock Holmes and Marta da Silva as Mariana “Mrs Hudson” Ametxazurra. Written by Joel Emery and directed by Adam Jarrell, the show delivers an inventive, witty take on the beloved source material that has resonated with audiences across the UK, Ireland, North America, and beyond.
Impressive Growth and Industry Recognition
The impact of Sherlock & Co. speaks volumes about the quality of scripted audio drama in the podcast landscape. Since launch, the series has accumulated over 20 million lifetime streams and downloads, with approximately 800,000 downloads per month. This consistent engagement has built a passionate international fanbase complete with fan art, online communities, and dedicated listener events.
The show’s reception within the industry has been equally strong. Sherlock & Co. won the People’s Voice Webby Award for Scripted Fiction Podcast in 2025, an ARIA Award in 2024, and claimed first place in the Pod Bible Listener Polls 2023 audio drama category. It was also shortlisted for Best Fiction and Best New Podcast at the British Podcast Awards 2024—recognition that underscores the craftsmanship and storytelling excellence behind the production.
Creative Leadership and Future Expansion
The announcement coincides with writers and director Joel Emery and Adam Jarrell joining Goalhanger on a full-time basis, signaling the company’s growing commitment to original scripted audio content. This move demonstrates how successful podcast projects can attract and retain top creative talent, creating opportunities for podcast professionals to build sustained careers in audio drama production.
The BBC Sounds deal will showcase the show’s existing catalog of more than 40 standalone Holmes cases, with new episodes continuing to release weekly across all other major podcast platforms. This multi-platform approach ensures the series maintains its momentum while gaining exposure through one of the world’s most prestigious broadcasting institutions.
Live Events and Fan Engagement
Beyond the audio format, Sherlock & Co. is expanding into live performance. The show will present its first two full live shows at the Southbank Centre later this year—and tickets have already sold out. This transition to live events reflects broader trends in the podcast industry, where audio creators leverage their audiences to build immersive, multi-format experiences.
“We’re thrilled that Sherlock & Co. will be available on BBC Sounds,” said Tony Pastor, Co-Founder at Goalhanger. “Joel, Adam and the whole team have created something properly special—smart, funny, inventive and with a fanbase that would impress even Sherlock himself. It’s brilliant that the show will now reach new audiences, while future episodes will, of course, continue to be released as usual across all other podcast platforms.”
What This Means for Podcast Professionals
The Goalhanger-BBC partnership exemplifies how high-quality scripted audio drama can achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. For producers, editors, and audio engineers working in the podcast space, Sherlock & Co. demonstrates the value of meticulous production standards, compelling storytelling, and strategic platform partnerships. The show’s 20-million-stream milestone and BBC distribution deal serve as benchmarks for what’s possible when creative vision meets professional execution.
Whether you’re exploring opportunities in podcast production or seeking to collaborate with talented creators, stories like this highlight the growing sophistication and opportunities within the audio drama sector. Interested in joining a project? Visit the Podwires Marketplace to connect with leading podcast producers and studios shaping the industry.
Source: Podwires Newsletter
