More than two years and six months — that’s how long it has been since the latest season of “Sherlock” went on air in the United Kingdom and the United States. With this ongoing hiatus and without any official word from the BBC, is it time for fans to stop expecting “Sherlock” season 5?
‘Sherlock’ season 5: What are the odds of it coming back?
The season 4 finale might have been a polarizing episode for the show’s fanbase, but its TV ratings and viewership still proved it is one of the most watched shows in recent years. After “The Final Problem” was released, the BBC confirmed that the episode was watched by 8.1 million and 5.9 million viewers in the U.K. and in the U.S., respectively. Overall, the network reported that the fourth season had an average of 10 million viewers. By the traditional standards, these numbers alone could have secured the production of “Sherlock” season 5.
However, shortly after the fourth season concluded, it was confirmed that series co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss are taking another major project — the TV adaptation of another literary classic “Dracula.” The showrunners have since been honest that making this new series would take a great deal of time and their undivided attention. Additionally, series main stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are both popular movie actors with very hectic schedules. The possibility of seeing “Sherlock” season 5 in the near future then became quite impossible.
‘Sherlock’ season 5: Showrunners would like to do it again
Despite the backlash, Moffat and Gatiss faced for how “The Final Problem” was written and concluded, the duo have always had a positive response when asked about making “Sherlock” season 5. In every interview, it seems like the series has been part of the conversation. Moffat and Gatiss were always gracious to answer them and even giving fans hope that the series could still be renewed in the future.
The thing is, even if they wanted to, their schedule would not permit them to jump back into Baker Street soon to create “Sherlock” season 5.” Filming for “Dracula” only started in March and the first teasers have just been released this week. The lack of release date announcement also suggests that Moffat and Gatiss will still be tied to this project for a significant amount of time.
