The worst thing about Sherlock’s series 3 finale yesterday was wondering when the show would return.

As it turns out, series 4 may not be too far away.

Article Continues Below

The Sun (not always reputable) reports that the BBC is fast-tracking Sherlock series 4 for a Christmas Day 2014 premiere.

“The BBC is desperate for a Sherlock Christmas Day special this year. It wants its biggest guns ready,” a source told the British publication.

The only matter that could potentially ruin this plan is the schedules of Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Martin Freeman (Watson). The two actors have skyrocketed to fame over the past couple of years thanks to a slew of films. Looking at their IMDb profiles, both look to have pretty open schedules in 2014 besides promoting The Hobbit finale There and Back Again late this year.

Sherlock series 3 has seen record ratings for the detective drama. Although ratings for last night’s season 3 finale aren’t out yet, it’s expected to have been watched by over 10 million viewers in the United Kingdom. Be sure to read our recap of last night’s grand finale.

Series 3 began filming in March 2013, so presumably Sherlock series 4 would have to start filming around the same time in order to make this rumored Christmas 2014 premiere.

Last week we told you that co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have already met to discuss what could occur in series 4 and series 5.

The wait between Sherlock series 2 and series 3 was painfully long: Two years. To make the wait even worse, everyone was left wondering how Sherlock survived his fall (the answer came in series 3, episode 1 “The Empty Hearse”).

Meanwhile, Sherlock series 3 premieres this Sunday, January 19 on PBS at 10 p.m. eastern/pacific in the United States. It will air after new episodes of Downton Abbey which air at 9 p.m. eastern/pacific.

We’ll be sure to keep a close eye on any and all news concerning the production of Sherlock series 4. Given there’s only three episodes each series, it’s understandable that fans are hoping for a short wait between now and the premiere.