First Look: 'Sherlock' Finds Man's Best Friend in Season Four

Benedict Cumberbatch appears to ditch Martin Freeman in favor of a canine companion.

Sherlock may have already battled the Hounds of Baskerville in season two of the hit BBC show, but in the upcoming fourth season it seems the detective has found a less monstrous four-legged friend.

In a first-look image from the next outing of Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch crouches alongside a docile-looking dog — which appears to be a bloodhound — on the streets of London. Martin Freeman's Doctor Watson, however, is nowhere to be seen.

Shooting on the fourth season started in April, with Toby Jones having joined the cast of the show, produced by Hartswood Films for BBC One. Jones will star in the second episode of the three-part season, which is due to hit screens in 2017.

On Thursday, Christmas special Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, picked up six Emmy nominations, including one for Cumberbatch as lead actor in a limited series.