Check out this first look of the fourth season of the Sherlock TV series from the BBC. Stateside, the detective drama airs on PBS. With John Watson (Martin Freeman) and Mary Morstan (Amanda Abbington) settling into connubial bliss and preparing for the arrival of their own bundle of joy, it seems elementary our boy Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) would be on the case with a new mate.

Don’t worry, Watson fans. As the picture above shows, Sherlock’s new sidekick is a bloodhound. What remains to be seen is just whom Sherlock and his furry friend are tracking. In May, the BBC announced Toby Jones would star in the second episode of Sherlock, season four. Nick Hurran, who directed the season three episode, “His Last Vow,” will helm season four, episode two. The Sherlock cast also includes: Louise Brealey, Mark Gatis, Rupert Graves, and Una Stubbs.

RELATED: Will Sherlock end after season four?

In the US, the Sherlock season three finale aired on February 2, 2014, but on January 1, 2016, both PBS and BBC One aired the Victorian era special, Sherlock: “The Abominable Bride,” which has just landed six Emmy nominations.

Star Benedict Cumberbatch has been nominated as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. The special also received nominations in the follow categories: Outstanding Television Movie; Outstanding Cinematography in a Limited Series or Movie (Suzie Lavelle, ISC D.P.); Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special; Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie; and Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role.

While no official premiere date has been announced by either the BBC or PBS, on an episode of Graham Norton, Freeman said he expects season four to debut in the year 2029. He then said he believes they’ll be out at Christmastime or in January.

Check out all of our Sherlock TV show coverage.

What do you think? Does the Sherlock hiatus feel endless to you? Do you think season four will be the end of the Sherlock TV series? Tell us.