"Sherlock" returning with new special for season 4
"Sherlock" is on the case once again.
The hit British series -- which airs on BBC One in the U.K. and PBS in the U.S. -- is returning for a fourth season, it was announced Wednesday, and this time there will be more of Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and John Watson (Martin Freeman) to go around.
A special episode will kick off the new installments, then followed by the three episodes for season 4.
Series co-creator, writer and executive producer Steven Moffat said of the return, "A special, plus a new series of three episodes -- it's a record-breaking run! Of course, it's far too early to say what's coming, but we're reasonably confident that the very next thing to happen to Sherlock and John, is the very last thing you'd expect..."
Filming on the "Sherlock" special will begin in January 2015, while shooting on season 4 will happen later that year.
The return was teased on a day earlier on Twitter with a cryptic message referencing Sherlock's nemesis, Jim Moriarty (played on the series by Andrew Scott):
"Did you miss me?" #221back. #Sherlock http://t.co/sJXE1VeFaG
— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 1, 2014
More tweets relayed the official announcement on Wednesday:
"Miss me?" #Sherlock, the hit @BBCOne drama, will return for a Special, followed by a series of three new episodes. #221back
— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014
After the briefest of exiles, #Sherlock will return to face one of his biggest mysteries yet... #221back
— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014
...why is Moriarty’s face being broadcast on every television in the land? #Sherlock #221back pic.twitter.com/q39RHTrmB0
— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014
Shooting on the #Sherlock special will begin in January 2015, with the series shooting later next year. #221back
— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014
We're ready to unleash the most shocking and surprising series of #Sherlock yet. The only thing is to expect is the unexpected... #221back
— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014
The Game is on - again! #Sherlock #221back
— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014
*Dons deerstalker in anticipation* #Sherlock #221back pic.twitter.com/VhFNqIrLSx
— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014
"It's taken a little while to get the dates sorted as none of the boys are exactly sitting back twiddling their thumbs," said Sue Vertue, executive producer at Hartswood Films, "but there was unanimous goodwill to make this work so we're thrilled that 221b is going to be inhabited again."
Tell us: Are you excited for a new season of "Sherlock"?