This past New Year saw the release of the BBC special episode "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride" but still no word on an official fourth season for the franchise. However, in a recent interview with Zap2It, PBS President Paula Kerger gave fans a small tease on when "Sherlock" season 4 could finally premiere.

Speaking at this year's Television Critics Association, Kerger stated that they do have season 4 up and announced but that it wouldn't be released until 2017. This falls in line with the rumors that production for season 4 won't begin until summer of this year.

"As you know, Benedict has gotten to be somewhat popular since we began our work with him," Kerger explained, "and he very much wants to continue with 'Sherlock.' As you know, they are produced almost like films, and we're hoping the next one will be about a year from now."

Benedict Cumberbatch is currently locked for multiple films with Disney and Marvel Studios as he is portraying the superhero Doctor Strange in "Doctor Strange" and "Avengers: Infinity War" parts one and two. Martin Freeman, who plays Watson in the series, will also be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but his role remains to be a mystery.

Delays on season 4 have also been brought on by Cumberbatch's involvement with several film projects such as "Jungle Book: Origins" and "The Current War." Freeman has also been busy with the "Fargo" series and both actors spent several years with the "Hobbit" trilogy, where Freeman played Bilbo Baggins and Cumberbatch portrayed the dragon Smaug.

As stated in a report from Screen Rant, season 4 of "Sherlock" is expected to be darker and grittier than past seasons, based on the themes and plots of the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories, and may even see a few key character deaths. Filming will begin later this year with a possibly January 2017 release window in store.