Following word that Sherlock fans would have to wait until Christmas 2015 to see the series back on television with a new episode -- or special, as it were -- comes a more official update that the BBC mystery drama will be back for a special and then three new episodes.
BBC had been teasing a big update about the series, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the title character, in the form of some very hinty tweets...
That Tweet came after Martin Freeman, who plays Watson in the BBC drama, mentioned that there was going to be a special that "might be for next Christmas." While the Tweets on the official Sherlock Twitter don't confirm Christmas 2015, they do confirm that shooting is expected to begin January 2015, "with the series shooting later next year."
So, the exact timeframe of when the special and episodes will air appears to be unconfirmed, but given the appreciation for Christmas specials in U.K. television, and taking into account Freeman's mention about Christmas, it may not be a stretch to assume the goal would be to get the "special" on the air in time for the holidays next year.
While Christmas 2015 is a long way away, Sherlock fans are used to waiting. The first season of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss' modern-day Sherlock Holmes mystery show premiered in August 2010. It didn't return for Season 2 until January 2012. A Christmas special aired in December of 2013, and then fans were left to wait until January of 2014 for the three-episode third season. It's looking like there will be a big enough stretch between Season 3 and Season 4 (and Christmas Special), but at least fans know they're in the works!
Sherlock airs on BBC One in the UK and on PBS Masterpiece in the U.S.
