‘Sherlock’ Season 3: Production Date Set, But Who Isn’t Returning?

Though it had seemed the mystery of BBC 'Sherlock's' "death" might go forever unresolved given the increasingly busy schedules of series stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, production has officially set a date for the long-awaited third cycle of the Steven Moffat series. Not all of 'Sherlock's' players will be present for the third series, however, so what will be different about the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes?

'Sherlock' fans, your high-functioning sociopathic days are about to be made. According to Deadline, 'Sherlock' will officially begin filming its third series of the acclaimed Sherlock Holmes drama on Monday, March 18, following a table read of new scripts early this week. The new series is expected to premiere in the winter, taking a brief hiatus from filming in the summer to accomodate its stars' busy schedules.

Sadly, director Paul McGuigan won't take part in the new series, despite having directed four of the six total episodes to date. Instead, McGuigan will begin work on his first feature 'Frankenstein,' while director Jeremy Lovering will helm the first episode of 'Sherlock' series 3, and Colm McCarthy one of the remaining two. McCarthy may end up directing both, if a third director isn't chosen.

Well, what say you? Have 'Star Trek Into Darkness' and 'The Hobbit' been able to give you a 'Sherlock' fix in the interim? How do you think the big cliffhanger of series 2 will be explained when 'Sherlock's' third year premieres this winter? Check out BBC One's shot of the first table-read below, and tell us what you want to see from 'Sherlock' series 3 in the comments!