LOS ANGELES >> For the record, Morris Chestnut is not a real doctor. He just plays one on TV.

To be precise, Chestnut has played multiple physicians in the last several years, scrubbing in as a trauma specialist in “Nurse Jackie” before moving on to pathology in Fox’s “Rosewood.”

The last doctor he played, Barrett Cain in Fox’s “The Resident,” is a standout. Viewers loathed him. Chestnut loved it.

“Cain was more concerned about the money a patient would make for the hospital than the patient’s health,” he said with a mischievous laugh. “Fans loved to hate me. They would approach me and say, ‘You’re so mean.’ I really liked that.”

Chestnut is putting his “bad doctor” days behind him, taking on a new specialty as a compassionate geneticist and internist in CBS’ medical drama “Watson,” a modern reboot of the Sherlock Holmes mythology. He plays Dr. John Watson, Holmes’ partner, who becomes the head of an elite rare disorders clinic at a Pittsburgh hospital after Holmes is murdered.

Reworking the Watson character means more to Chestnut than just expanding his medical resume. While he has enjoyed a fairly consistent career since his acclaimed debut in 1991’s “Boyz N the Hood,” Chestnut has mostly been featured in ensemble or supporting roles, many of them romantic vehicles showcasing his good looks and athletic build.

“Watson” represents his hoped-for ascension into the ranks of leading man.

“This is a significant milestone for me in a number of ways,” he said. “I’ve had lead roles before, but as an actor, I feel I’m hitting my stride in terms of how I approach the work. The opportunity to play this character, and on CBS, is huge. And to play with the Sherlock Holmes mythology is something I never would have imagined.”

CBS is putting heavy promotional muscle behind “Watson.” Before its official premiere Feb. 16, the network launched the drama on Jan. 26 following the NFL playoffs.

“Given our strong belief in the show, it’s only fitting to give ‘Watson’ a high-profile launch with a powerful lead-in immediately following the AFC Championship football game, which is always one of the most viewed television events of the year, and a proven platform for launching some of our most successful series,” Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, said in an email. She called Chestnut “a classic, charming lead star, and his singular take on the iconic doctor is bold, wise and heroic.”

The actor maintained that “Watson” is distinctive from other medical dramas. “We are not just doctors, we are detectives,” he said. “When patients come into our clinic, we don’t solve the medical mystery right there. We go into their homes, we go into the streets. It’s combining the medical aspect of Watson with the influence of Sherlock.”

Making his way through a healthy breakfast at a Beverly Hills hotel, Chestnut was enthusiastic as he discussed the series. He looked much the same as he did in the first “The Best Man” feature in 1999 in which his portrayal of a muscular football star solidified his heartthrob status.

He credited his appearance to his aggressively healthy lifestyle: “It’s a blessing from God. I’ve never made Hollywood my life. It’s just a part of my life. It’s a tough place — physically and emotionally. I’ve seen it eat people and spit them out. I go home and chill after work. I don’t go to parties. That stuff can take a toll on your soul, body and mind.”

Chestnut, who is also an executive producer of “Watson,” was immediately excited when first presented with the pilot script from showrunner Craig Sweeny. “It was so strong. Had everything — action, emotion, wit. It left you with a cliffhanger to see where things were going to go. After I met with Craig and learned where he wanted to take the show, I knew I had to sign on.”

Yet he also is uncomfortably aware that not everyone is pleased with a Black actor taking on a role that has historically been portrayed by white men. The list of past Watsons include Nigel Bruce, Robert Duvall, Jude Law, John C. Reilly and Martin Freeman.

The move has been already met with gripes on social media, mirroring the criticism that greeted the casting of Halle Bailey in the live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” the “Star Wars” franchise and other beloved properties that have embraced more cultural diversity.

“I’m reluctant to discuss it, particularly in the times we’re living in,” said Chestnut, his deep voice registering his disappointment. “I’ve seen some negative comments about me playing this character. And I really don’t want to focus on that — I just hope people see the character in the mythology for who he is. I don’t want to call attention to that.”

Still, he acknowledged that his casting would have attracted less attention several years ago, when the Black Lives Matter movement sparked calls for more equity and inclusion in Hollywood.

Said Chestnut, “It would have been much more seamless, 100%. In these times, people like to point to certain things and bring a negative political spin to it. I’m glad that ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Wicked’ are wildly successful. In my whole career, I’ve never made it about things outside of my work. It is frustrating to have to deal with that. Hopefully we are all successful.”

Distributed by Tribune News Service.