New Sherlock series still a year off

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in Sherlock Holmes.

Fans of British show Sherlock will have to wait more than a year for any new content.

The show's TV executive admits season 4 of the show won't be ready until next year.

"We do have the next Sherlock announced, that is coming up about a year from now," PBS president Paula Kerger told Zap2it.

The huge effort it takes to finish just one episode of the show, which has a running time of 90 minutes, and problems with scheduling, are responsible for the delay.

Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman's commitments to other projects were also a problem.

"As you know, Benedict has gotten to be somewhat popular since we began our work with him, and he very much wants to continue with Sherlock," Kerger admitted.

Martin Freeman as John Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in the Sherlock special: The Abominable Bride.

"They [the episodes] are produced almost like films, and we're hoping the next one will be about a year from now."

Fans were recently treated to a unique Christmas special, where Sherlock was transported back in time to 1890s London, a venture that split fans' opinion.

Showing the TV show's popularity, the special, entitled The Abominable Bride, even had a worldwide cinema release where fans could watch it on the big screen.

- AAP