True Detective

The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, and Tory Kittles, aired in 2014. 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, starring Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, Kelly Reilly, and Vince Vaughn, aired in 2015. 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.

The third season, starring Mahershala Ali, Carmen Ejogo, Stephen Dorff, Scoot McNairy, and Ray Fisher, aired in 2019. 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, subtitled Night Country and starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, aired in 2024. 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 creator, writer, and director, marking Pizzolatto's first time as neither writer nor showrunner.

A fifth season, with López returning as showrunner, is in development. Casting and pre-production were set to start in 2025 with a scheduled air date in 2027. In August 2025, it was reported that Nicolas Cage was in talks to star in season 5. In October 2026, Cage was officially announced to star as Henry Logan, with Antonio Banderas also starring as Rai García. The season will take place in Jamaica Bay. Production is set to begin in 2027.

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. The fourth season, Night Country, is the most watched of the series, and received widespread critical acclaim. It earned the highest number of Emmy Award nominations for the series.