‘Sherlock’ 2016 Special Release Date And Time Revealed; US And UK Will Have Same-Day Premiere

The detective is in. “Sherlock” will finally air a new episode after nearly two years on hiatus. PBS’ British import will return in 2016 with a 90-minute special called “The Abominable Bride,” and fans can officially mark their calendars for its debut.

Despite previous speculation that it would premiere Christmas Day, the “Sherlock” special will be shown on PBS Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at 9 p.m. EST, according to a press release. Although the mystery series has typically aired in the U.S. on Sundays, the change has been made so U.S. and U.K. audiences can enjoy the latest adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic character on the same day for the first time.

This episode of “Sherlock” will be the closest thing viewers have seen to something out of the original stories. The special takes Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and John Watson (Martin Freeman) to 1890s London. It isn’t quite clear what the men are doing in the past, but they won’t be alone. Mary Morstan (Amanda Abbington), Inspector Lestrade (Rupert Graves) and Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubbs) will also be in the Victorian era.

Executive producer Steven Moffat previously warned that the characters would be slightly different in the historical installment. At a Television Critics Association press conference in August, the showrunner explained what fans should expect.

“[Sherlock has] the manners of the Victorian gentleman, which he doesn’t have in the modern version,” IGN quoted Moffat as saying. “So he is a lot less brattish when he’s back then. And Dr. Watson is a bit more upright. They’re the same people, seen through the prism of a different time and fitting into a different society. I would say this Sherlock is a little more polished, and he operates like a Victorian gentleman instead of a posh, rude man, which he does in the modern [version].”

Viewers can see whether they find any other hints about the special in the new trailer for “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride.” Watch the promo below:

Fans should know that this program is not the “Sherlock” Season 4 premiere but a stand-alone special. PBS revealed that the actors will start filming the fourth season in spring, but no airdate has been set yet.