HBO has confirmed that the upcoming fifth season of True Detective will be set in Jamaica Bay, New York, according to new details revealed by HBO’s Head of Drama Series and Film, Francesca Orsi, in an interview with Comicbook. This announcement follows the record-breaking success of True Detective: Night Country, which became the most-watched season in the franchise’s history with 12.7 million viewers across HBO and Max. The new season will begin production in 2025, continuing the anthology series under returning showrunner Issa López (Night Country and Tigers Are Not Afraid).

Orsi confirmed that the season would be set in Jamaica Bay, describing it as “a different milieu but just as powerful” as its predecessors. The selection of Jamaica Bay marks a shift to an urban setting for the series, with its combination of densely developed areas and one of the largest wildlife preserves in New York City. This duality between urban spaces and natural landscapes will provide a rich backdrop for the series’ signature layered storytelling, as shared in Comicbook.

This marks a significant evolution for True Detective, which has previously explored more isolated settings. The juxtaposition of urban and natural environments promises fresh thematic exploration, in line with the show’s reputation for complex narratives. HBO’s extended development timeline, with production set to begin in 2025 for a 2027 release, highlights the network’s dedication to maintaining the high production values that have defined the series.

López’s return for the fifth season follows the overwhelming success of Night Country, though not without controversy. Comicbook reported that creator Nic Pizzolatto criticized the season, calling it a “hot mess” and accusing the production of misappropriating the franchise’s signature elements. Pizzolatto, who remains credited as executive producer, distanced himself from the project, telling fans he had no involvement in the season’s creative direction.

López responded diplomatically to Pizzolatto’s remarks, telling Comicbook, “I believe that every storyteller has a very specific, peculiar, and unique relation to the stories they create, and whatever his reactions are, he’s entitled to them.” Actress Kali Reis (Catch the Fair One and The Flash) responded more pointedly on social media, stating, “That’s a damn shame. But hey, I guess ‘if you don’t have anything good to share, shit on others’ is the new wave.”

Despite the behind-the-scenes tension, True Detective: Night Country resonated with both audiences and critics, receiving numerous Emmy nominations and wins. This critical success further solidified Issa López’s creative vision for the franchise, setting high expectations for the fifth season.