True Detective

True Detective
Title card for the first season
Also known asTrue Detective: Night Country (season 4)
Genre
Created by
Written by
  • Nic Pizzolatto (s. 1–3)
  • Various (s. 2–)
  • Issa López (s. 4)
Directed by
Starring
Opening theme
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes30 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Carol Cuddy (s. 1)
  • Aida Rodgers (s. 2)
  • Peter Feldman (s. 3)
  • Sam Breckman (s. 4)
  • Princess Daazhraii Johnson (s. 4)
  • Cathy Tagnak Rexford (s. 4)
  • Layla Blackman (s. 4)
Production locations
Cinematography
Editors
Running time54–87 minutes
Production companies
  • Parliament of Owls
  • Passenger
  • Anonymous Content
  • Neon Black
  • Lee Caplin / Picture Entertainment (s. 1–3)
  • Peligrosa (s. 4)
  • HBO Entertainment
Original release
NetworkHBO
ReleaseJanuary 12, 2014 (2014-01-12) –
present
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series created by Nic Pizzolatto. The series, broadcast by the premium cable network HBO in the United States, premiered on January 12, 2014. Each season of the series is structured as a self-contained narrative, employing new cast ensembles, and following various sets of characters and settings.

The first season aired in 2014, starring Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, and Tory Kittles. It takes place in Louisiana and follows a pair of Louisiana State Police detectives, and their pursuit of a serial killer with occult links over a 17-year period.

The second season aired in 2015, starring Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, Kelly Reilly, and Vince Vaughn. It is set in California, and focuses on three detectives from three cooperating police jurisdictions and a criminal-turned-businessman as they investigate a series of crimes they believe are linked to the murder of a corrupt politician.[2][3]

The third season aired in 2019, starring Mahershala Ali, Carmen Ejogo, Stephen Dorff, Scoot McNairy, and Ray Fisher. It takes place in the Ozarks over three time periods as a pair of Arkansas State Police detectives investigate a macabre crime involving two missing children.

The fourth season aired in 2024, titled True Detective: Night Country and starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. It takes place in Alaska and follows the investigation into the sudden disappearance of a team of eight men from a research station. Issa López serves as writer and director, marking Pizzolatto's first time as neither writer nor showrunner.[4]

The first season received widespread acclaim and earned high ratings for HBO. It received numerous awards, chiefly for its acting, cinematography, writing, and direction. Reception to the second season was more divided, although the show maintained high viewership. The third season received positive reviews, but saw a drop in viewership. Night Country earned the highest viewership ratings for HBO since season one, and received positive reviews from critics.

A fifth season, with López returning as the showrunner, is in development.

  1. ^ Milazzo, Melissa (October 5, 2014). "True Detective Explores the Roots and Branches of Southern Gothic". Sequart Organization. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  2. ^ Ausiello, Michael (April 9, 2015). "True Detective Season 2 Trailer Is Here!". TVLine. Archived from the original on April 10, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  3. ^ Kim, Monica (June 17, 2015). "Meet the Troubled Cast of True Detective's Season 2". Vogue. Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  4. ^ Wigler, Josh (February 21, 2024). "'Night Country' Boss Issa López on Reviving 'True Detective' and Franchise's Future: "We Will Know Very Shortly"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 22, 2024.