"Sherlock" has been a phenomenal series by far and it's largely because of its two main players, Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) and Martin Freeman (Dr. John Watson). However, it was reported that the Season 4 of the series just might be its last instalment or even be possibly cancelled due to reasons which are mostly concerning the actors who are both busy with other film projects.
In an interview with Variety, Steven Moffat, who is the showrunner/executive producer of both "Sherlock" and "Doctor Who," talks about the format of the two shows. "Doctor Who" unlike the detective series, has a format which assures longevity, being on air since the early 60's. Its longevity is due to the flexibility of the main character who changes his face and personality every once in a while, allowing actor replacements every few years. Moffat describes the Time Lord series as "the all-time perfectly evolved television show." Now on its ninth season since its reboot in 2005, the series looks to be far from over especially with the current Doctor, Peter Capaldi, being well-received by fans. "It's a television predator designed to survive any environment because you can replace absolutely everybody. Most shows you can't do that with," the showrunner adds.
As for "Sherlock," Moffat shares that there is no way that they would replace Cumberbatch as the title character. Without the actor, there is no show because he is mainly the reason for the show's success. His portrayal of the socially dysfunctional detective is unmatched. The same goes for Martin Freeman, removing him will disintegrate the show further. The equally talented actor is also busy with other critically successful film projects.
Cumberbatch is currently filming Marvel's "Doctor Strange." His big role in the Marvel franchise might limit his availability for "Sherlock" even more. Though the actor recently told Queen Eizabeth a bit about his schedule after receiving his CBE from the Queen, "Her Majesty asked me what I was doing at the moment, and I told her I had finished a three month run at the Barbican, which she knew of. And I told her I had just got back last night from filming in Nepal, Doctor Strange for Marvel, then I'll be going straight into the fourth series of Sherlock."
Nevertheless, both Cumberbatch and Freeman are still very excited to return to "Sherlock" Season 4 even with their busy schedules. The series has made them widely celebrated actors and they owe their careers to the series. Cumberbatch shares that he loves playing Sherlock and is very happy that viewers love his portrayal as well.
Even if the actors decide to quit the show later on, fans are still assured of a fourth season to air sometime in 2017.
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