While probably not quite a move that could be defined as ‘content discovery’ for those that view it, the BBC are nevertheless using a rarely-applied method to offer fans of crime drama series Sherlock the chance to view some additional content ahead of their new season.
The release is that of a ‘mini-episode’ that will premiere on Christmas Day (25 December), with the short, given the title of ‘Many Happy Returns’, set to serve as an official prequel to the upcoming 3-episode third season, which is set for premiere on 1 January 2014 on BBC One.
The host of the mini-episode will be the BBC’s own interactive ‘Red Button’ digital TV channel, usually , and not straying far from that format with the news that ‘Many Happy Returns’ will be available on the Red Button channel (presumably non-continuously) between 25 December – 1 January leading into new episode ‘The Empty Hearse’.
Claimed to be taking place two years after the most recent instalment ‘The Reichenbach Fall’ (which aired in early 2012), the episode synopsis for ‘Many Happy Returns’ reads: “Sherlock Holmes has been gone for two years. But someone isn’t quite convinced that he’s dead…”
While no further details have been revealed regarding the upcoming episode (such as whether or not lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch will be seen), will the BBC prequel serve its purpose well in heightening Sherlock anticipation ahead of the 3rd season premiere?
BBC Television director Danny Cohen said of the overall Christmas schedule on the BBC: “Brilliant Christmas telly across Drama, Factual, Comedy, Entertainment and Religion is something licence-fee payers rightly expect from the BBC and this year’s holiday schedule delivers that. We have massive events such as the Doctor Who regeneration and the incredible return of Sherlock, as well as festive specials from hit shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Mrs Brown’s Boys, Call the Midwife, Bad Education, and the Great British Bake Off. And of course there are brand-new treats such as David Walliams’s Gangsta Granny and we’ll be showing a wide range of religious programming, including a live broadcast of The First Eucharist of Christmas from Westminster Abbey.”
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