Sherlock’s disappointing season 5 update makes a revival for the mystery series way too risky, with one key factor likely diminishing its quality. TheSherlock Holmesadaptationwas created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, adapting the detective’s classic stories into the modern era. The series, which started in 2010, ran for four series, with theend ofSherlockcoming in 2017 withits last episode, “The Final Problem.“The show has since ended, with stars like Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman moving on to other projects.
Since then, though,there have been rumblings about a potentialSherlockseason 5happening, with Gatiss and Moffat even having ideas for where the story could go into the future. However, as of 2025, these plans still haven’t come to fruition, leaving the series concluded for the last eight years. Although it would be exciting to see its lead actorreturn as Sherlock Holmesfor one last batch of episodes, a recent update from one of the show’s creators signals this probably isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
Sherlock Season 5 & Movie Chances Got A Disappointing Update From Its Creator
The Show’s Potential Return Isn’t Looking Very Likely
During the Italian Global Series Festival (IGSF), Gatiss offered a disappointing update onSherlockseason 5, along with any potential movie follow-up plans the show would have. The creator explained thatthe show would not be coming back because, according to him, both Cumberbatch and Freeman aren’t interestedin continuing the series. The actors portrayed Sherlock and Watson respectively on the show, both of them having lead the series throughout its entire four-season run. This means, without them, the series can’t return in any capacity.
This update is somewhat disappointing given how,just last year, Harstwood Films producer Sue Vertue toldDeadlinethere was still a possibility forSherlockto return in the future. However, based on what Gatiss is saying, it sounds like neither of the starring actors in the show are keen on coming back. This makes the chances of a return slim, but it also emphasizes a harsh reality about the series if it actually did end up returning with the original actors in their starring roles.
A Sherlock Revival Wouldn’t Be Good Without Passion From The Main Cast
It doesn’t make sense to try revivingSherlockif neither of the lead actors are interested in returning to the show. If the show did come back with both Cumberbatch and Freeman in the lead roles, thenthe quality would likely diminish if they weren’t interested in the roles anymore.The British detective showwould obviously suffer from its two leading cast members having little interest in continuing, since their lack of passion would be apparent. It could negatively impact their performances, alongside the direction of the series.
Even though this news from Gatiss is bittersweet, it’s also for the best that neither actor come back if they don’t want to return as their detective characters.
Even thoughit would be interesting to see Sherlock and Watson team up once moreafter the events of “The Final Problem,” the actors would need to be prepared to do so while genuinely wanting the show to continue. If they didn’t then the series would suffer immensely, since their classic banter and interactions with other characters may ring hollow. Even though this news from Gatiss is bittersweet, it’s also for the best that neither actor come back if they don’t want to return as their detective characters.
If Benedict Cumberbatch & Martin Freeman Aren’t Interested, A Sherlock Revival Is Too Risky
It’d Be Better To Let The Show Rest Than Give It Unrequited Life
Even though aSherlockrevival could still happen even if Cumberbatch and Freeman weren’t enthusiastic about it,it would make more sense for the show to remain dormant if they’re uninterested.It would likely be obvious that neither actor holds a genuine interest in continuing their roles, something that could carry over into how the series gets presented. Since the series doesn’t work without either of them, it would only exacerbate the issue, leading to a revival that’s only a fraction as exciting as its predecessor.
