‘Sherlock’ Season 5 Release Date, Spoilers: Backlash From ‘The Final Problem’ Leads to Series Cancellation?

As millions of fans around the world know, the fate of “Sherlock” season 5 is still hanging in the balance. However, it is picking up from quite a controversial season 4 finale that begs the question does the negative reception of “The Final Problem” permit a series cancellation?

The title of season 4 episode 3 “The Final Problem” makes it seem like it was the end of the series. And, quite honestly, how things ended in the said episode are giving fans the same implication that “Sherlock” season 5 might not be necessary.

Fans have also been adamant that it could have been written better as others argue that the series seemed to skip on so many crucial details and jumped right into a happy ending for both Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman). As of this writing, the fourth season has a 55 percent approval ratings from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The power of social media is undeniable and fans airing their concerns online about shows they are very passionate about can sometimes make or break a show’s fate. The same could be said about “Sherlock” season 5.

After season 4 concluded, series co-creator Mark Gatiss told the Guardian that they had already expected the backlash that they even joked about titling one of the episodes as “Backlash.” “It goes for any artistic endeavour – all you can do is your best. Sometimes you have to have an unpleasant amount of attention,” Gatiss explained who once said he is not closing doors on making “Sherlock” season 5. “But I’m stopped in the street two or three times a day by people saying how much they’ve enjoyed it. What more could you want?”

Other than Gatiss, co-showrunner Steven Moffat and lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch have also both express their willingness to do “Sherlock” season 5. Unfortunately, in the end, it is the BBC's call, but the network remains mum about it.