True Detective (2014)
HBO's acclaimed anthology crime drama where detectives unravel dark secrets across shifting timelines, season after haunting season.
True Detective - Series Information
- Original Title: True Detective
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Nic Pizzolatto, Issa López
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 12, 2014 (United States - TV-MA), January 12, 2014 (Canada - 18+), January 12, 2014 (United Kingdom - 18), January 12, 2014 (Germany - 18), January 12, 2014 (France - 12), January 12, 2014 (India - U), January 12, 2014 (Australia - MA 15+), January 12, 2014 (Brazil - 16), January 12, 2014 (Mexico - C), January 12, 2014 (Italy - VM14), January 12, 2014 (Spain - 16), January 12, 2014 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: HBO
- Production Companies: Passenger, Anonymous Content, Lee Caplin / Picture Entertainment, Neon Black, Parliament of Owls, HBO, Peligrosa
- Production Countries: Mexico, United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 真相如探 (CN), True Detective: Night Country (US), TRUE DETECTIVE／トゥルー・ディテクティブ (JP), ნამდვილი დეტექტივი (GE), True Detective: Noche polar (ES), True Detective: Tierra nocturna (MX)
True Detective - Plot
An American anthology police detective series utilizing multiple timelines in which investigations seem to unearth personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within or outside the law.
True Detective - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into the world of True Detective:
The truth lies in the dark.
Where to Watch True Detective
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True Detective - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Nic Pizzolatto
- Issa López
Main Cast
- Matthew McConaughey
- Colin Farrell
- Mahershala Ali
- Woody Harrelson
- Vince Vaughn
- Stephen Dorff
- Michelle Monaghan
- Rachel McAdams
- Carmen Ejogo
- Michael Potts
Writers
- Nic Pizzolatto
- Issa López
- Chris Mundy
- Scott Lasser
- Namsi Khan
Executive Producers
- Cary Joji Fukunaga
- Matthew McConaughey
- Steve Golin
- Richard Brown
- Woody Harrelson
True Detective - FAQs
Where can you stream True Detective online?
True Detective is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max). It can also be accessed through the HBO Max Amazon Channel. Individual episodes and seasons are available for purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Is True Detective Season 1 based on a true story?
True Detective is not directly based on a single true story, though creator Nic Pizzolatto drew inspiration from real Louisiana serial killer cases and the writings of philosopher Thomas Ligotti. The show blends fictional narrative with atmospheric realism rooted in actual regional crime history and Southern Gothic tradition.
Who are the main actors in True Detective?
True Detective features a rotating anthology cast. Season 1 stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. Season 2 features Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, and Rachel McAdams. Season 3 stars Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff. Season 4: Night Country features Jodie Foster and Kali Reis.
How many seasons does True Detective have?
True Detective has four seasons and 30 episodes in total. Season 1 aired in 2014 with 8 episodes, Season 2 in 2015 with 8 episodes, Season 3 in 2019 with 8 episodes, and Season 4: Night Country in 2024 with 6 episodes. A fifth season has been reported to be in development.
What is True Detective about?
True Detective is an HBO anthology crime drama in which each season follows different detectives investigating disturbing cases across multiple timelines. The series is celebrated for its atmospheric tension, philosophical depth, morally complex characters, and exploration of corruption, trauma, and the darkness lurking beneath ordinary American life.
Is True Detective cancelled or has it been renewed?
True Detective has not been cancelled. As of 2024, the series holds a Returning Series status and remains in active production. HBO has signaled ongoing interest in the anthology format, and development of a potential fifth season has been reported following the successful reception of Season 4: Night Country.
Did True Detective win any major awards?
True Detective has earned numerous accolades. Season 1 won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Cary Joji Fukunaga) and received nominations for Outstanding Drama Series. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson both received Emmy nominations for their performances, with the show also earning Golden Globe recognition.
When did True Detective first air on HBO?
True Detective first aired on January 12, 2014, on HBO in the United States. The premiere was rated TV-MA and introduced audiences to the now-iconic pairing of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Louisiana detectives investigating a ritualistic murder across two separate time periods.
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