Stan and BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) have announced an exclusive licensing agreement that will see Sherlock season four, and any future seasons and specials of the global TV sensation, premiere exclusively on the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, at the same time as the worldwide premiere.
Stan also continues to have the exclusive streaming rights to every existing episode, making Stan the Australian home of Sherlock.
Season four of Sherlock will bring three new episodes to our screens in 2017, and promises more laughter, tears, shocks, surprises and extraordinary cases. The hit drama series has a dedicated fan following, which is eagerly waiting to know where Sherlock and Doctor Watson’s adventures will take them next.
The first trailer for series four was unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend, giving fans a sneak peek at the new episodes. The trailer sees Sherlock and Watson joined by some familiar faces, from Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey) to Mrs Hudson (Una Stubbs), as well as enemies new and old, with Moriarty (Andrew Scott) and guest star Toby Jones, who joins as a new villain, also featured. The Sherlock panellists also teased fans with the announcement of three key names: Thatcher, Smith and Sherrinford.
Sue Vertue, series producer for Sherlock, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Stan on series four. They’ve been a very supportive partner for Sherlock in Australia and we look forward to working with them on the forthcoming season.”
Nick Forward, Stan’s chief content officer, said: “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride has been one of Stan’s most successful exclusive premieres ever. We are thrilled to extend our partnership with BBC Worldwide ANZ, making Stan the home of Sherlock, and we are looking forward to bringing every new episode of Sherlock to Australian fans first and exclusively on Stan.”
Irene Read, BBC Worldwide ANZ director of content sales, said: “It’s fantastic news to have agreed on an exclusive deal for one of our major franchises on Stan, enabling fans to watch the latest Sherlock as soon it becomes available and enjoy the complete catalogue whenever they want.”
Before the new season hits screens in 2017, Stan subscribers can catch up on all episodes of Sherlock with Seasons 1-3 and Sherlock: The Abominable Bride which available to stream now.
Sherlock has been sold to over 240 territories across the world, won 12 BAFTAs, seven Emmys and a prestigious Peabody Award, as well as accolades at the Edinburgh TV Festival and the Television Critics Association in the US.