Waiting fans are biting their nails as they wait for the next season of "Sherlock," which is bound for release in 2016. Some of the fans are frustrated because of the alleged delay in the showing of season 4.

Reports claim that the fourth season of BBC's "Sherlock" will be back on air in early 2016. The series will also offer a Christmas special planned in late 2015 to save the anticipating fans from despair.

The reason behind the long waiting time is because the main actors of the series are working on other projects.

"Benedict and Martin are making some movies. If you say 'Who cares about movies?' I agree with you, but they are doing them so we've got to schedule around that," says writer and director Steven Moffatt.

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is part of the following projects: "The Imitation Game," "Penguins of Madagascar," "The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies," "Black Mass," "Magik," "The Yellow Birds," "Jungle Book: Origins" and "Flying Horse". Meanwhile, Martin Freeman is also working on "The Hobbit" and FX's "Fargo".

Fans find two years way too long to wait for each new season of "Sherlock" to arrive.  Nonetheless, the episodes are irresistible and once they are shown, viewers simply can't help but be drawn in.  At any rate, the long wait is always worth it.  According to reports, the fourth season of "Sherlock" will feature three movie-long episodes, which has been the pattern of the hit crime drama since it began.  

Other rumors claim that showrunner Steven Moffat said that the characters of the TV series will be taken to another place. The executive producer did not specify this place or whether he meant it metaphorically. Moreover, Moffat hinted about a re-introduction that will lead to a darker climax.

"Sherlock" season 4 is returning to BBC in early 2016 with no official date yet. However, the series will also hold a Christmas special planned in December 2015 and will be based on the mystery "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle."