Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock Holmes BBC

This consulting detective can deduce us anytime he likes.

After four years, three series, and a hundred thousand highly explicit "Johnlock" fanfiction scenarios, there's no question that Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes is a serious hit with the ladies... and the gentlemen, and also anyone with a pulse. But in a surprising revelation from "Sherlock" creator Steven Moffat, it seems that the actor's unique allure was originally lost on the BBC.

In an interview with Radio Times, Moffat recalled the network's complaints about Cumberbatch's casting, claiming that he was told, "You promised us a sexy Sherlock, not him."

Which, needless to say, the BBC probably feels pretty silly about — considering that this show has been nothing if not a showcase for Benedict Cumberbatch's sex appeal since it premiered in 2010. Below, we look back on all the "Sherlock" moments which approached pants-incinerating levels of sexiness, beginning with...

When he nearly lost his bedsheet in Buckingham Palace.

When he received obscene phone calls from Moriarty.

When he showed this hat who was boss.

When he was the Lord of the Dance.

Every time he played his instrument.

When he came in like a wreeeeeecking ball!

When he did this winky.

When he did this winky.

When he stripped on his way out.

When he does the thing with his collar.

When he almost made out with Moriarty.

When he totally made out with Molly.

When he got drunk and showed us his butt.

When he OMG SOLVED IT.

When he made "covered in blood" the new black.

And of course, when the game was on.

Really, Benedict's hotness isn't hard to pick up on.

But if you haven't noticed by now that he's the sexiest consulting detective alive, it might be...