According to new reports, 'Sherlock' Season 4 air date has been pushed to 2017 due to star Benedict Cumberbatch's jam-packed schedule. But do not fret, BBC recently announced that a special Christmas episode based on the mystery of 'The Adventure Of The Blue Carbuncle' will air ahead of Season 4 on December 25, 2015.

'Sherlock' fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Benedict Cumberbatch series ever since the Season 3 finale was broadcast on January 12^th 2014. Although media reports have been mixed as to the release date of Season 4, ranging from rumors that it will air in 2015 to the latest speculation that we may not see 'Sherlock' until 2017.

According to CT Entertainment, "The fourth season of "Sherlock" has reportedly been pushed back to 2017. It was initially reported that the season will hit TV screens in 2016. The reason for the delay is Benedict Cumberbatch's alleged casting in the Marvel movie "Doctor Strange."

Are you excited to see Cumberbatch in a huge blockbuster film, or would you rather have them speed up the process of releasing "Sherlock" Season 4? Well, you may not have much of an option. "The British actor is said to have been tapped to play the main character, Stephen Strange, and taping of the movie will reportedly commence next year. Moreover, the actor has a jampacked schedule. Thus, the new season of the series was pushed back so that the actor can accommodate all his other commitments," continued Christian Today.

Nonetheless, despite the sad news that we may have to wait even longer for Season 4, BBC has confirmed that 'Sherlock' will air a special Christmas episode in 2015. The Latin Post reports that the one-episode special will begin filming in January 2015, followed by the three-episode Season 4 production.

Care for some spoilers? The special is rumored to based on the mystery of "The Adventure of the Blue Cabuncle," and will likely address the Moriarty twist that shocked fans at the end of Season 3. Mary and Watson will also be welcoming a baby in the world, and Tom Hiddleston may be joining the cast as Sherlock's brother Sherrinford Holmes.

When asked about the series return, co-creator Steven Moffat excitedly announced, "A special, plus a new series of three episodes - it's a record-breaking run! Of course, it's far too early to say what's coming, but we're reasonably confident that the very next thing to happen to Sherlock and John, is the very last thing you'd expect..."

"Series Four! At last ! It's always special to return to Sherlock but this time it's even more special as we're doing... a Special! Not only THAT, we'll then be shooting three more episodes which will take Sherlock and John Watson into deeper and darker water than ever before. The whole Sherlock team are terrifically excited to return for four new adventures. The Game is on - again!" added co-creator Mark Gattis.

Are you excited to see "Sherlock" Season 2 return despite rumors that the release date has been delayed to 2017? What do you think of the spoilers reveled about the 2015 Christmas special? Sound off in the comments section below!