Although there is no exact date, "Sherlock" creators have given a time frame for when fans can expect the popular crime drama series to return. It's going to be a long wait, but at least we know the show will be back for a fourth season.

Co-creator Mark Gatiss seemed to be just as excited as "Sherlock" followers in his Season 4 announcement. While the season is set to be released in early 2016, fans will be treated to a Christmas special episode next year, Christian Today reported. This means everyone will have to wait more than a year for the next "Sherlock" episode. That shouldn't be a surprise, given that the series follows a unique format.

Creators will be facing the big challenge of satisfying their audience while limiting the season to just three episodes, a format the series has been following since it premiered in 2010.

The Mirror listed several things fans want to see in Season 4, including Irene Adler, Moriarty, Molly, Mrs. Hudson and of course, more of Sherlock and how he was portrayed in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. Also, Steven Moffat and Gatiss still have many things to explain, such as Sherlock and Mycroft's other brother. Martin Freeman, who plays Dr. Watson, suggested in an interview that the creators will try their best to follow the original stories.

Filming of Season 4 will not begin until January, especially with both lead characters extremely busy with their own schedules. Benedict Cumberbatch is shooting "Black Mass" and then "Blood Mountain," while Freeman is caught up with the filming of the next installment of "The Hobbit."

"Sherlock" Season 4 is still in its early stages of planning, and the creators are working hard on coming up with ideas for the next season. Thus, no spoilers have emerged yet.