From what i read Steven Moffat said that if series 8 was a success with the slot (which it clearly has been!) then series 9 will definitely follow the same pattern...so..
Late August premiere - November finale...12 episode run and a two part finale as well as a feature length launch episode...which makes sense.
What I would lvoe is a spin off or two inbetween waiting so it doesnt feel as long.
I miss the days of Sarah Jane Adventures in the late summer/early Autumn and Torchwood in the late winter or mid-summer to help bridge the gaps left by the parent series.
Would adore gatiss to helm the Paternoster Trio, a Coal Hill School spin off show? UNIT with Kate and Osgood? just something out there....have it on BBC Two and CBBC and done deal <3
aored the layout of this series....really has felt like true EVENT TV! and quality scripts and duration....just perfect...