"Sherlock" season 4 has officially begun production and it has been widely speculated that the season will premiere on the BBC network by Jan. 1 2017, with a U.S. release in the weeks to follow. However, according to actor Martin Freeman, who plays Dr. John Watson, the season might premiere earlier than expected.

Speaking to the Independent, Freeman hinted that the show may be released as early as this Christmas. This is often a date reserved for a Christmas Special episode, a special episode set in between seasons. However, the studios already released "The Abominable Bride," a period piece which also reveals events between season 3 and 4.

"We are back filming now and the three shows will, I imagine, be out around Christmas," Freeman explained in the report. It is also indicated that they may premiere on Friday night, teasing a possible Dec. 23 premiere for the first episode of the new season. 

However, it is important to note that Freeman may only be referring to the U.K. premiere. It is undetermined at this point when season 4 may premiere in the U.S. but if the show does get an early launch in the U.K. then it may get an early release in the US as well. Fans speculate that the usual Jan. 1 launch may be given to the U.S. audience. 

Despite the news coming directly from Martin Freeman, the release window should still be taken with a grain of salt as the BBC has yet to make an official announcement when season 4 would premiere in the U.K. and the U.S. 

The report also teases specific plot points that fans can look forward to in "Sherlock" season 4 such as John and Mary (Amanda Abbington) having their first child and Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) dealing with the apparent return of Moriarty (Andrew Scott), a villain who shot himself in the head back in the finale of season 2.