The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter is seen writing a story in his blog titled "The Geek Interpreter". In the 2014 episode "The Empty Hearse", Sherlock and his brother Mycroft have a casual competition over analyzing a certain knitted hat, a reference to the discussion in this short story on analyzing a man they see on the street through the window of the Diogenes Club. In the 2015 special, The Abominable Bride, a Mr Melas is also referenced as waiting to see Mycroft after he has discussed a case with his brother and Dr. Watson. In the seventh episode of the NHK puppetry Sherlock Holmes, Sherman,
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother accompanied by a disguised Sherlock and Watson. Wilder was having lunch with producer Roth when it was suggested that Wilder spoof Sherlock Holmes. Roth approached Wilder again a week later and inquired if Wilder had given any more thought to the idea of a Sherlock Holmes film. Wilder replied "No, but I have given a great deal of thought to Sherlock's insanely jealous brother Sigi." In his autobiography, Wilder explained that he was further motivated by the experience of working with his "Young Frankenstein" co-stars Madeline Kahn and Marty Feldman and he wanted to write parts for both of them