Nice as it was to have Sherlock reintroduce us to Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman’s dynamic in a classic era, the stealth prequel couldn’t help whet appetites for Moriarty’s apparent return in Season 4. Sadly, we’ll have to wait longer than ever to catch up with Sherlock and Watson in the modern day, as PBS says Season 4 is at least a year out.

Addressing news of a fourth run at the still-ongoing TCA press tour, PBS president Paula Kerger confirmed that another season was indeed in the works, but given the popularity of its leads, would probably arrive in 2017 at the earliest (Via Zap2It):

We do have the next ‘Sherlock’ announced, that is coming up about a year from now … As you know, Benedict has gotten to be somewhat popular since we began our work with him, and he very much wants to continue with ‘Sherlock.’ As you know, they are produced almost like films, and we’re hoping the next one will be about a year from now.

When last we heard, showrunner Steven Moffat had plotted through a potential fifth season of the series, while the fourth was projected to shoot sometime in 2016. Along with the surprise resurrection of Season 3 finale “His Last Vow,” Moffat also specified that Sherlock Season 4 would likely see increased roles for the women of the series, particularly Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey) and Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubbs).

We’ll at least have Sherlock and Watson join the Marvel Cinematic Universe this year, between Martin Freeman’s role in Captain America: Civil War, and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, but stay tuned for the latest updates. Did you miss me?

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