Sherlock was announced as a single 60-minute drama production at the Edinburgh International Television Festival in August 2008, to be broadcast in Autumn 2009, with the intention of producing a full series should the pilot be successful. The BBC decided not to transmit the pilot, as is common industry practice, but commissioned three 90-minute episodes. This is the 60 minute pilot.

Anderson believes that Sherlock is still alive after the Reichenbach fall. He confides in Lestrade and tells him his theory for his existence. Anderson believes a string of events ranging from Tibet to India to Germany involve Sherlock's assistance, and this is due to Sherlock not being able to stop investigating. Lestrade tells him Sherlock is definitely dead and goes to visit John, who has moved out of Baker Street following his death. He gives him some of Sherlock's old items, including a video message from John's birthday. In the message Sherlock states that he will see John very soon and tells him to have a good birthday without him as he is 'busy'.

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson investigate a mysterious ghostly bride who appears to have committed murder from beyond the grave.