After a long wait, "Sherlock" fans are in for a treat as BBC and PBS Masterpiece have announced premiere dates for the U.K. and U.S. premiere of the Victorian special episode of the critically acclaimed series. For the first time ever, the special titled "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride" will air in both countries on Jan. 1, 2016.
The special features Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman reprising their roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Other characters from Arthur Conan Doyle's classic stories will also be seen in the 90-minute episode, such as Mary Morstan (Amanda Abbington), Inspector Lestrade (Rupert Graves), and Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubbs).
The special is based on Conan Doyle's short story "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle," which is the seventh story among 12 in "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." In the story, the detective goes out in search of a stolen priceless jewel called the Blue Carbuncle, which belongs to the Countess of Morcar.
"Sherlock" fans in the U.S. will also get to see "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride" in theater screenings. According to PBS, the two-night screening engagement will premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, with an encore on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, and screening will begin on both dates at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available starting Nov. 6 and can be purchased online on the Fathom Events website.
Deadline reports the special is also slated for theatrical release in select moviehouses around the world, but details about the international screenings have yet to be released.
Aside from the special, creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss are also working on the fourth season of "Sherlock." On Saturday, Oct. 24, BBC One gave an update about the new season and tweeted that Moffat and Gatiss are "busy writing away right now" and though a premiere date for the new season has yet to be announced, filming for season 4 is expected to begin in spring 2016.
