It looks as if Sherlock Holmes and John Watson will be back to solve crimes as the popular TV show Sherlock has officially been renewed for a fourth season, which means that fans have three more episodes and a special to look forward to.

Past seasons have all featured only three episodes, so Season 4 already promises to be different with its added special.

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Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman will of course be filling the lead roles of Holmes and Watson, respectively. Producers were also offering tintillating hints that Sherlock Holmes' arch-nemesis James Moriarty (Andrew Scott) might also make a comeback in the show's next season.

Sherlock co-creator Steven Moffat offered a rather enthused statement, promising fans that what the dynamic detective duo would be facing "is the very last thing you'd expect."

Season 3 ended with Holmes coming out of exile to see Moriarty's face being broadcasted across the UK.

Reportedly, the special is scheduled to begin filming in 2015 and may not air until around Christmastime of that same year. Production on the three episodes of Season 4 are slated to begin later in 2015.

The excruciating wait between Seasons 2 and 3 lasted about a year-and-a-half and it looks like aficionados of the BBC show will have to wait it out for about the same length of time between 4 and 5.

It's been a bit difficult for producers to settle filming dates as both the series' stars have been busy with various movie productions lately.

Freeman still has one more "The Hobbit" film to do and will possibly be making the rounds during award season for his role in "Fargo." Cumberbatch is also quite the busy actor as he holds a role in the final "The Hobbit" film and will be filming "Black Mass" alongside Johnny Depp.

As each Sherlock episode is 90-minutes long, filming Season 4 amounts to around three films, making it a definite time commitment for all those involved. 

TagsSherlock Holmes, John Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch