More than a century after being brought to life on the pages of "A Study in Scarlet," Sherlock Holmes is still capturing the attention of readers and viewers.

Sherlock's ongoing popularity can be credited to a number of factors; but as of late, Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal in BBC's "Sherlock" should receive all of the credit.

Sherlock Holmes, the reigning king of London-based sleuthing, continues to attract the attention of fans since he first appeared in print in 1887. The fictional character, best known for his discerning logical reasoning, was penned by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After 128 years, four novels, 56 short stories and hundreds of television, stage and film adaptations and mentions, one would think that the world would tire of Holmes' adventures.

Enter the stylish and handsome English actor and film producer Benedict Cumberbatch, who's added an attractive and "sociopathic" edge to the character.

Cumberbatch's portrayal of Holmes in BBC's "Sherlock" has garnered the approval of show runners, skeptics and fans. The series' co-producer Mark Gatiss has been quoted, remarking that Cumberbatch has made Sherlock Holmes sexy and alluring. And even as the fourth season of the series promises to be darker, devastating and emotional, Cumberbatch is bound to continue to portray Holmes with the same candor and wit.

Reportedly, the fourth season of the series will deal with consequences, and it will draw in elements of the brighter days of the past, but won't straying away from being frightening. The series' producers have been open about what viewers can expect in the upcoming season (which is expected to be released in early 2016), but they're still keeping their lips sealed about precise plot points.

However, certain things have been made clear. For instance, archenemy James Moriarty (played by Andrew Scott) will not return to the series after his fatal self-inflicted gunshot would.

Sources say that the stand-alone special episode will air on Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Set in Victorian London, the episode will be a departure from the normal setting.

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