TV ANTHOLOGIES LIKE Fargo or True Detective have an added pressure to their format, when comparing them to ongoing series. Each season, new characters and an entirely new plot can make or break a show. And showrunners have to keep innovating, ensuring the new season isn’t too similar to previous ones, but has many of the same tonal aspects audiences expect from the show.
True Detective found itself in a pivotal moment when Issa López took over from the show’s original creator and writer, Nic Pizzolatto, for the fourth season, aka True Detective: Night Country. While some believe the show floundered during its second and third seasons (despite continuing to cast top talent like Mahershala Ali, Rachel McAdams, and Vince Vaughn), there were still diehard fans worried Pizzolatto’s departure would completely change the direction of the show.
López did make changes in True Detective: Night Country, making passing references to previous seasons (which unlike Fargo, True Detective never really did), and weaving the story together in a more supernatural way than previous installments did. Still, the show kept its top talent (Jodie Foster made an electric return to television alongside acting newcomer Kali Reis), and according to Deadline, despite coming up against Super Bowl weekend, the season has brought in nearly 13 million viewers so far. The first two episodes are pacing ahead of The White Lotus Season 2 and Succession Season 4. Sounds like a winner in our book.
So what does that mean for the future of True Detective? Here’s what we know.
True Detective Season 5 is officially happening.
As of February 21, 2024, HBO has officially renewed True Detective for Season 5. Showrunner Issa López will stay on for the next season, and now has an exclusive contract to create new programming for both HBO and Max.
What will True Detective Season 5 be about?
Much like other anthology series, there’s no telling what True Detective Season 5 could be about. It’s also unlikely any characters will return, as every season has taken place far away from any other installments. Plus, with names like Matthew McConaughey or Jodie Foster starring, it’s probably always hard to lock down big names like that. That said, should the show continue, it’s certain that another heavy hitter would get cast in the lead role, as the show is build on top-notch acting from high-level stars.
When will True Detective Season 5 premiere?
It depends! There’s no telling when the show could return. Both writing and filming could take at least a year from renewal, so the earliest we could get another season would likely be late 2025.
Check back here for the most up to date information on the show.
Milan Polk
Milan Polk is an Editorial Assistant for Men’s Health who specializes in entertainment and lifestyle reporting, and has worked for New York Magazine’s Vulture and Chicago Tribune.
