Following the February 18 finale and some outstanding ratings—the most-viewed season yet, averaging 12.7M views per episode, the highest-rated season on Rotten Tomatoes with 92%—HBO has renewed “True Detective” for a fifth season. Additionally, under a new multiyear overall deal with HBO, the series’ writer/director/showrunner Issa López will create content exclusive to HBO and Max, including the next season of the hit crime series.
Season five starred Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, though as an anthology series, they are not expected to return, and a fifth “True Detective” season would feature a new pair of detectives, per the show’s history.
“Issa Lopez is that one-of-a-kind, rare talent that speaks directly to HBO’s creative spirit,” said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films. “She helmed ‘True Detective: Night Country’ from start to finish, never once faltering from her own commendable vision and inspiring us with her resilience both on the page and behind the camera. Alongside Jodie and Kali’s impeccable performances, she’s made this installation of the franchise a massive success; we are so lucky to have her as part of our family.”
“From conception to release, Night Country has been the most beautiful collaboration and adventure of my entire creative life.” Issa López, showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer, said in a corresponding statement. “HBO trusted my vision all the way, and the idea of bringing to life a new incarnation of True Detective with Casey, Francesca, and the whole team is a dream come true. I can’t wait to go again.”
The renewal also comes off the heels of original “True Detective” creator Nic Pizzolatto bitterly shading the show by sharing online criticism of the series on his social media channel. Pizzolatto parted ways with HBO after season three when the cable channel execs seemingly turned down some of his season four pitches. The showrunner said at the time he had “many really wild” ideas and “an idea that’s kind of crazy,” so perhaps it was just too strange for the cable channel.
Given that Lopez shot for over 100 days on season four and sounded utterly exhausted by the end, we would not be surprised if she developed the show and oversaw, but at least enlisted another filmmaker to help, but who knows. Maybe she has the stamina and appetite all over again herself. HBO does say she will create new content for the cable channels and Max, so it’s possible she may pivot to something else in her overall deal and just steer “True Detective.”
In case you didn’t watch the trailer and season five synopsis.
When the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska, the eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace. To solve the case, detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) will have to confront the darkness they carry in themselves and dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice. The season stars Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, Finn Bennett, Fiona Shaw, with Christopher Eccleston, Isabella Star LaBlanc, and John Hawkes. Guest stars include Anna Lambe, Aka Niviâna, and Joel D. Montgrand.
Lopez spoke to the Playlist on our Deep Focus podcast earlier this year as the season started. You can listen to that entire conversation below.