There's still a long way to go before "Sherlock" season 4 is aired, but executive producer Steve Moffat already has a plan in place and that is topping the previous season. Season 3 of the series was an ultimate success and there's an Emmy Award victory to prove that. 

"We have a plan to top it. And I do think our plan is devastating. We've practically reduced our cast to tears telling them the plan," Moffat said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "We're probably more excited that we've ever been about 'Sherlock'." 

Part of this grand plan is employing darker elements in season 4 and going "somewhere we've never been before," as he described. He said that they might actually be "going darker [from the outset]," adding that they already have "a very, very good set of ideas" ready. 

The success of the hit series featuring the most popular sleuth of all time is also owed to the casting. However, Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the role of Sherlock Holmes on the show, wasn't initially up for the idea of giving life to the detective. 

In an interview with Talk Asia on CNN, the actor, who is set to play the role of Marvel hero "Doctor Strange" in a standalone MCU film, revealed that he was "very wary" in accepting the stint as its wide popularity will require him to "step into the limelight." 

"Hopefully I haven't left being a respected actor behind by playing Sherlock," the actor said, adding that the previous characters he played didn't enjoy as much spotlight as the character. 

Cumberbatch recalled that upon reading the script, which he praised during the interview, he realized that he had to be the face of Sherlock. Now, the show is on its fourth season and a legion of fans are waiting for the detective's return.

"Sherlock" season 4 is scheduled to premiere in 2017.