Production for "Sherlock" season 4 has been delayed. Showrunner Steven Moffat reportedly said that the filming for the new adventure of the greatest detective of all time was moved to early 2016. The massive change in the timetable was caused by schedule conflicts.

"I think we're shooting next year, April-ish," Moffat told Collider. The creator of the hit BBC drama also promised that writer Mark Gatiss will begin penning the episodes soon. "He may have started," Moffat added.

As for Moffat, he says that he has to finish a "Doctor Who" Christmas special first before finally and completely focusing his energies on "Sherlock" season 4. In turn, his team is yet to fully start work on the new season. He, however, stated that they already have plans for the story they will do this season.

He quipped, "We know what we're doing. Or we think we know what we think we're doing." Teasing fans about what to expect, he said "There are a couple of things we've got lined up that are really quite strong surprises, but we'll see."

Previously, it was reported that the hectic schedules of lead stars Benedict Cumberbatch, who just performed in Broadway and was tapped by Marvel to play the eponymous role in the upcoming film "Doctor Strange." Martin Freeman reportedly also contributed to the push back of the production.

Movie Pilot estimates that "Sherlock" season 4 won't be out until 2017 if production will commence April next year. This will mark the fourth year the show isn't on air after season 3, not counting this year's Christmas special, which sees the protagonists in the Victorian era.

A massive and ardent following is the only element that will keep a show with such a gap breathing.

To further aid fans with the long wait, a coloring book made especially for fans of the series and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories is being set for a Nov. 5 release. The book is called "The Mind Palace."