Over the summer, the internet buzzed over the possibility of a season 3 return of True Detective, HBO’s successful but troubled crime drama. Reports trickled out that Mahershala Ali was in talks for a role, and was then confirmed as the lead in season 3 – despite the fact that HBO had not yet officially green-lit the season. But The Hollywood Reporter broke the news this week that season 3 of True Detective was finally confirmed. HBO also revealed details concerning the season’s plot, writers, and directors.
Nic Pizolatto will act as showrunner and lone writer for the entire season except for episode 4, which he co-wrote with David Milch (putting to rest rumors that Pizzolatto would share the writing responsibilities with Milch for the entire season or that Milch would serve as showrunner).
Pizzolatto and Jeremy Saulnier will be the two directors for season 3, splitting the difference between the styles of seasons 1 and 2. The first season had only one director, Cary Joji Fukunaga, while season 2 had an array of different directors. Pizzolatto and Saulnier are also executive producers for season 3, alongside Scott Stephens, Bard Dorros, and Richard Brown. Season 1 players Woody Harrelson, Matthew McConaughey, and Cary Joji Fukunaga will also stay on as executive producers.
One of True Detective’s trademarks is its ever-changing setting and time periods. HBO revealed that season 3 will take place in the Ozarks and will follow a complicated mystery that spans three separate time periods. Mahershala Ali will star as the lead character Wayne Hays, an Arkansas state detective.
HBO programming president Casey Bloys gave a statement on HBO’s decision to finally green-light season 3. “Nic has written truly remarkable scripts,” Bloys said. “With his ambitious vision and Mahershala Ali and Jeremy Saulnier aboard, we are excited to embark on the next installment of True Detective.”
An expected premiere date for True Detective Season 3 has not yet been determined.
