Watson, which has been renewed for season 2, Kendall shared that the cast was often in the dark about major plot twists and character outcomes until the very last minute. Kendall's comments underscore the intense pace of network TV production. With quick turnarounds and minimal prep time between episodes, actors must rely on instinct and trust in the writing team.
That constant state of discovery brings a raw, unscripted energy to the screen, something fans of Watson have clearly responded to. It's also something that Kendall himself responded to, as he relished the mystery of discovering what would happen to his characters along with the viewers. In a candid moment during an interview with Screen Rant, Kendall described the process of learning things on the fly throughout the season:
"I was finding out [their fates] as we went. I think the shooting schedule for these shows is so demanding, and so tough, and so much comes down right to the wire. So, shooting an episode, and then while we're at work all getting the script for the next episode, and very, very quickly scrolling through your phone, you're like, "What happens? What happens? What happens?", because we're finding out just as we're getting these scripts. So, it's like reading the best novel of the world, because it's being written as you're reading it."
What This Means For Watson
A Script As Surprising As The Show Itself
Kendall's behind-the-scenes insight reveals a creative process that mirrors the tension and uncertainty baked into Watson's storytelling, right up to episode 13, the season finale. For a show that thrives on mystery and unexpected twists, even the actors being unaware of their character arcs adds an extra layer of authenticity to the performances. When actors experience the plot in real time, their reactions can feel more genuine, emotionally raw, and unpredictable; key ingredients for a show built around intellectual puzzles and psychological stakes.
Watson trusts its actors to adapt quickly and stay grounded in their characters, even when the next page might upend everything.
This approach also highlights the high-wire act writers and showrunners perform to keep each episode gripping and emotionally grounded. Instead of spoon-feeding the cast every detail up front, Watson trusts its actors to adapt quickly and stay grounded in their characters, even when the next page might upend everything. It's a gamble, but one that often pays off in shows like Watson where suspense and character evolution go hand in hand, as the Watson season 1 finale showed.
Our Take On Kendall's Revelation
Acting In Real Time, Feeling Every Twist
Kendall's comment speaks to the collaborative and intricate nature of great television today. While some series benefit from long-term character roaps, others like Watson thrive on the energy that comes from discovery, both for viewers and actors. Kendall's enthusiasm for playing both Adam and Stephens in Watson makes it clear that the uncertainty of the process wasn't frustrating, but rather thrilling and creatively fulfilling.
Moriarty's Fate In The Watson Season 1 Finale Confirmed By Showrunner: “That Decision Will Have A Lot Of Ramifications”
Watson showrunner Craig Sweeney addresses Randall Park's Moriarty's fate in the season 1 finale, and how the twist will be felt in future seasons.
This method might not work for every show, but it's a perfect fit for one like Watson. The actor's real-time engagement with the material aligns with the show's tense, cerebral, and constantly shifting tone. It's like solving a mystery as you live it, and that energy clearly makes its way from script to screen. Kendall's experience just might explain why the performances in Watson feel so present and immediate: the actors are on the journey with us, one twist at a time.
- Showrunner
- Craig Sweeny
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