Sherlock co-creator and co-writer Steven Moffat has shared an update on the future of the BBC drama, teasing a possible fifth series with a storyline twist. The beloved detective show, which starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson, has been on hiatus since 2017 after four three-episode series and a standalone special, The Abominable Bride.
Moffat's Vision for a Middle-Aged Sherlock
Speaking on the Half the Picture podcast, Moffat expressed optimism about bringing the team back together. "If I can persuade everybody else, of course I'd revisit it," he said. "Can you ever say that you've run out of Sherlock Holmes stories? There are 60 originals. We've done, what is it, 13 or 14?" He added: "There's loads more you could do with Sherlock. I'd quite like to revisit it simply because they would now - our two leads - be the normal age for Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson." Moffat envisions seeing Cumberbatch and Freeman as "more middle-aged, settled versions" of their characters, noting that the show "isn't used up."
Challenges to a Return
Despite Moffat's enthusiasm, a comeback appears unlikely in the near future. In June 2025, co-creator Mark Gatiss revealed that Cumberbatch and Freeman "didn't want to do any more" episodes, according to RadioTimes. Moffat, who also served as showrunner for Doctor Who during Sherlock's run, described the period as a "manic time" when he never stopped working. He praised the show: "I loved that show. I look at it now and I watch it, and I think all of it is excellent. I just think it's really well made, beautifully acted, and dare I say it, [a] beautifully written show. I think it's cracking. And I'm massively proud of it. And I miss it."
Streaming Availability
Sherlock aired on BBC One and is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
