12 Years Later, TV’s Most Haunting Detective Drama Makes a Major Comeback on Digital Charts

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Taylor Kitsch in True Detective Season 2

Published Jan 30, 2026, 8:30 PM EST

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Considered one of the darkest detective shows ever, True Detective is that one gem that every crime drama addict needs to watch! The hit series, unfortunately, won't return to our screens until sometime in 2027 with Season 5, though little to no detail has been released about the season so far, aside from the setting and Nicolas Cage reportedly being in talks to star. In the meantime, many have been flocking to older episodes, reviving the series' popularity, especially after Season 4's phenomenal success two years ago.

True Detective has resurfaced on the Apple TV store charts, ranking among the top 10 most-watched series globally, twelve years after it premiered on HBO in 2014. Created by Nic Pizzolatto, the neo-noir show last aired on February 18, 2024, with an epic Season 4 finale. The season, titled True Detective: Night Country, premiered on January 14, 2024, and holds the highest critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes at 93%. It is also the most-watched True Detective installment and received the most Emmy Award nominations for the series.

Starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro, True Detective Season 4 follows the duo as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of eight scientists from an Arctic research station in Ennis, Alaska, during a 60-day polar night. The investigation uncovers connections to a cold case, local environmental pollution, and supernatural elements. Issa López served as writer and director of the season, marking creator Pizzolatto's first time as neither writer nor showrunner.

How Well Do You Know 'True Detective'?

Another successful True Detective season besides Night Country is Season 1, which ran from January 12 to March 9, 2014. The 92% RT season takes place in Louisiana and stars Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, and Tory Kittles. Season 2 followed on June 21, 2015, and ended on August 9 after eight episodes, like its predecessor. It is the lowest-rated season on Rotten Tomatoes with a 47% Tomatometer score and stars Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, Kelly Reilly, and Vince Vaughn. As for Season 3, it boasts an 84% critics' score and aired from January 13 to February 24, 2019, starring Mahershala Ali, Carmen Ejogo, Stephen Dorff, Scoot McNairy, and Ray Fisher.