For many fans of , the bond between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson never felt purely platonic. Over the years, interpretation of their relationship — ranging from deep friendship to full-on romance — has become one of fandom’s biggest perpetual debates. That speculating on Sherlock’s sexual orientation or the pair’s relationship status combines identity politics, personal resonance, and pure fan emotion makes it powerful click bait.

Creators of the show have explicitly addressed the issue: in a now-famous quote, co-creator Steven Moffat said of Sherlock: “He’s not gay.
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