‘Sherlock’ Season 5 May Not Happen, Co-Creator Mark Gatiss Hints

Sherlock concluded its fourth season in January, and fans are anxious to know when the series will return for Season 5. Although there has been no formal announcement about a new season, fans hold onto hope that it’s going to happen soon. After all, series co-creator Mark Gatiss revealed to RadioTimes in 2014 that he and Steven Moffat already had plans and ideas on what they’ll do for Season 5.

Recently, Gatiss had something to say to fans to quell rumors about Sherlock Season 5. Speaking to the A Stab in the Dark podcast (via Digital Spy), Gatiss set the record straight by telling fans that the future of another season is bleak.

According to Gatiss, the main reason why it’s hard to have another season of Sherlock is the scheduling. He reiterated that Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman’s availability stands in the way. Because of this, Gatiss even said that maybe it’s time to “just leave it.”

“There is always that Fawlty Towers principle of, ‘Let’s just leave it’. We’ve had the keys to Baker Street for a while, but one of the wonderful things is that they’re always shared. They were shared while we were making it. There’s nothing wrong with saying, ‘That was our version, [now] somebody out there go and do their version.'”

One can understand why Gatiss feels that Freeman and Cumberbatch’s availability can pose a problem for the series. Both actors are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – Cumberbatch is Doctor Strange while Freeman also signed up with MCU after his role in The Hobbit trilogy. Both also have upcoming projects with the MCU.

Gatiss and Moffat also have a lot on their plate. Gatiss has Game of Thrones to think about while Moffat constantly works as a writer.

Although Gatiss’ comments about Sherlock Season 5 isn’t something that fans will be ecstatic about, there is still the possibility that the series will continue on, although not so soon.

Sherlock has been known to take long breaks in between seasons, and it shouldn’t be much of a surprise if the show returns after years of being on hiatus. For now, fans can only keep their fingers crossed and wait to see if Gatiss is right about leaving the series be or if Sherlock and Dr. Watson can continue solving more mysteries.

Are you one of the Sherlock fans who want to see Season 5 soon?

[Featured Image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]