Sunday, July 13, 2025
79.0°F

'Sherlock' makers sticking to abbreviated seasons

LYNN ELBER/AP television writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 5 months AGO
by LYNN ELBER/AP television writer
| January 24, 2014 8:00 PM

PASADENA, Calif. - The makers of TV's "Sherlock" say even a lobbying effort by British Prime Minister David Cameron wouldn't persuade them to produce more episodes each season.

But "Sherlock" co-creator Steven Moffat and producer Sue Vertue tweaked Cameron anyway for lack of effort. It's been more than a month, they noted, since he visited China and was asked by fans there to press for more of the popular mystery series.

He praised the drama and told Chinese viewers who submitted the request to him online that he would try. But Cameron has yet to contact them, Vertue said this week.

A droll Moffat added: "David Cameron, calling you on that, mate. ... All of China, they're waiting."

The British-produced modern take on Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective has been a worldwide hit. It made its third season U.S. debut last Sunday on PBS, with husband-and-wife team Moffat and Vertue and star Benedict Cumberbatch on hand to promote it.

Fans have to make do with just a handful of episodes - three this season - as the show's in-demand makers and cast, including Martin Freeman and newcomer (and Freeman's real-life partner) Amanda Abbington, see to other projects. That includes the "Doctor Who" series for Moffat, "The Hobbit" franchise for Freeman and a string of films for Cumberbatch.

"No, it's a waste of time, sorry, China," Moffat replied when asked if "Sherlock" might be expanded to more episodes. The nine that have aired since 2010 are the equivalent of cranking out nine movies, he and Vertue said.

But why apologize to the Chinese and not devotees elsewhere?

"Well, China were the ones who went to the top and asked," Moffat said.

He and Cumberbatch, who said he appreciated the fervor of fans, agreed they are committed to keeping "Sherlock" going indefinitely.

MORE ENTERTAINMENT STORIES

UK-China ties freeze with debate over Huawei, Hong Kong
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 4 years, 12 months ago
UK-China ties freeze with debate over Huawei, Hong Kong
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 5 years ago
UK-China ties freeze with debate over Huawei, Hong Kong
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 5 years ago

ARTICLES BY LYNN ELBER/AP TELEVISION WRITER

'Star Trek' actor lived long and prospered
February 28, 2015 8 p.m.

'Star Trek' actor lived long and prospered

Leonard Nimoy, 1931-2015

LOS ANGELES - In 1975, Leonard Nimoy published an autobiography with the defiant title, "I Am Not Spock" - an attempt to show the world he had many more facets than the pointy-eared character that had come to define him.

HBO to carry 'Sesame Street'
August 14, 2015 9 p.m.

HBO to carry 'Sesame Street'

PBS to continue airing kids show

LOS ANGELES - The Muppets, longtime residents of PBS, are getting a second home at HBO.

'Game of Thrones' earns 24 Emmy nominations
July 17, 2015 9 p.m.

'Game of Thrones' earns 24 Emmy nominations

Award ceremony airs Sept. 20 Fox

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - The Emmys, television's highest-profile awards, could have seized the moment with Thursday's nominations to fully acknowledge the wealth of diverse talent adding to the medium's vibrancy and relevance.