History of True Detective in Timeline

True Detective is an anthology crime drama series created by Nic Pizzolatto for HBO. Each season features a self-contained narrative with new characters and settings. The series premiered on January 12, 2014.

1980: Connection to missing children

In 1980, the third season of True Detective involves Amelia Reardon, an Arkansas schoolteacher with a connection to two missing children.

2001: Six Feet Under Viewership

In 2001, Six Feet Under had 11.4 million viewers.

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2003: "Far from Any Road" Album

In 2003, The Handsome Family composed "Far from Any Road" for their album, Singing Bones. This song was later used as True Detective's season one opening theme.

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2006: Short Story Collection Release

In 2006, Nic Pizzolatto's short story collection, Between Here and the Yellow Sea, was released.

Between Here and the Yellow Sea

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2008: Glory at Sea Production

In 2008, Alex DiGerlando worked on Benh Zeitlin's Glory at Sea as the production designer, and later worked on True Detective.

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May 2010: Securing a Deal for True Detective

In May 2010, Nic Pizzolatto secured a deal for True Detective and drafted six screenplays, including the pilot episode.

2010: Boardwalk Empire Debut Viewership

In 2010, Boardwalk Empire had 4.8 million viewers during its series debut.

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2011: McConaughey's Performance in The Lincoln Lawyer

In 2011, Matthew McConaughey came to Nic Pizzolatto's attention for his performance in the thriller film The Lincoln Lawyer.

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2011: Screenplay after The Killing

In 2011, Nic Pizzolatto devoted another script for True Detective shortly after his departure from The Killing's writing staff, thanks to the support of Anonymous Content.

April 2012: HBO Commissions True Detective

In April 2012, HBO commissioned True Detective on an order of eight episodes, set up as an anthology series.

January 12, 2014: True Detective Series Premiere

On January 12, 2014, True Detective, an American anthology crime drama television series created by Nic Pizzolatto, premiered on the premium cable network HBO.

January 2014: Pizzolatto's Contract Extension

In January 2014, Nic Pizzolatto signed a two-year contract extension with HBO, renewing True Detective for two additional seasons.

November 2014: Production Begins for Season Two

In November 2014, production began for True Detective's second season in California, focusing on obscure regions to capture a specific ambiance.

2014: Popular Problems Album Release

In 2014, Leonard Cohen's album Popular Problems was released, and the song "Nevermind" from the album, was used as the season two opening theme for True Detective.

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2014: First Season Airs

In 2014, the first season of True Detective aired, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, following detectives in Louisiana pursuing a serial killer.

2015: Second Season Airs

In 2015, the second season of True Detective aired, starring Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams, focusing on detectives investigating crimes linked to a corrupt politician in California.

August 2017: Third Season Greenlit

In August 2017, HBO officially greenlit a third season of True Detective, set in the Ozarks over three decades.

February 2018: Filming Begins for Season Three

In February 2018, filming began for the third season of True Detective at various locations throughout Northwest Arkansas.

March 2018: Daniel Sackheim Added as Director

In March 2018, Daniel Sackheim was added as director for the third season of True Detective, and would direct the remaining six episodes with Pizzolatto.

2019: Third Season Airs

In 2019, the third season of True Detective aired, starring Mahershala Ali, taking place in the Ozarks and following detectives investigating a crime involving missing children.

March 2022: Fourth Season in Development

In March 2022, it was reported that a fourth season of True Detective was in development, with Issa López writing a pilot episode and Barry Jenkins as executive producer.

May 2022: Jodie Foster to Star

In May 2022, Jodie Foster was reported to star in a lead role for the fourth season of True Detective.

June 2022: Fourth Season Greenlit and Kali Reis Cast

In June 2022, HBO officially greenlit the fourth season of True Detective, and Kali Reis was cast in the lead role of Evangeline Navarro.

September 2022: Cast Additions

In September 2022, John Hawkes, Christopher Eccleston, Fiona Shaw, Finn Bennett, and Anna Lambe joined the cast for True Detective's fourth season.

October 2022: Further Cast Additions

In October 2022, Aka Niviâna, Isabella Star LaBlanc and Joel D. Montgrand joined the cast for True Detective's fourth season, while also confirming that Issa López will take over primary writing duties.

November 8, 2022: Production Commences

On November 8, 2022, HBO confirmed that production on the fourth season of True Detective had commenced.

April 2023: Filming Completion

In early April 2023, producer Mari-Jo Winkler and writer-director Issa López both announced that filming had finished on the fourth season of True Detective.

January 14, 2024: Season Premiere

On January 14, 2024, the fourth season of True Detective premiered.

February 2024: Renewal for Fifth Season

In February 2024, following the fourth-season finale, HBO renewed the series for a fifth season with López returning in her roles.

2024: Fourth Season Airs

In 2024, the fourth season of True Detective: Night Country aired, starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, set in Alaska, investigating the disappearance of a research team.