12 Best TV Shows Like True Detective To Watch Next

To set the record straight, there isn’t anything quite comparable to the original concept of HBO’s “True Detective,” particularly when considering its exceptional first season and unforgettable finale. In those early days, for creators Nic Pizzolatto and Cary Joji Fukunaga, the stars seemed to align perfectly, giving them the opportunity to create and capture something truly exceptional. However, as time passed and the anthology series continued, the show’s quality began to decline, and the unique elements that made it a TV sensation in the 2010s gradually weakened.

In essence, the fundamental structure of “True Detective” (the dynamic duo solving bizarre murders, and its central topics like murder, enigma, existential dilemmas, and personal suffering) has been effectively recreated in various other series, although these shows may not have been inspired by Pizzolatto’s work or intended to mimic the original atmosphere. Here, we suggest some top-notch alternatives that dedicated “True Detective” fans should definitely watch.

The Killing (US)

In the American adaptation of the Danish series “Forbrydelsen,” dubbed “The Killing,” I found myself drawn to the unconventional detective duo of Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman). This pair, based in Seattle, Washington, are on a chilling mission to solve the brutal murder of 17-year-old Rosie Larsen (Katie Findlay). As the series progresses into different locations in Seasons 3 and 4, the bond and chemistry between these two characters becomes almost tangible, reminiscent of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson’s dynamic in “True Detective.” This intriguing relationship is often more compelling than the murder investigation itself.

In a gritty, rain-soaked setting that suggests a city undergoing spiritual cleansing, “The Killing” fearlessly tackles complex themes such as child homicide, government deceit, substance abuse, and hidden familial truths. Superior writing, captivating acting, and its two intriguing, profoundly human leads swiftly draw you in and hold your focus. It’s unsurprising that the series garnered six Primetime Emmy nominations and numerous additional awards during its three-year broadcast.

Mindhunter

In a cinematic haven for true-crime enthusiasts and admirers of David Fincher, Netflix’s “Mindhunter” offers a fashionable and melancholic interpretation of FBI agent John E. Douglas’s renowned non-fiction book about the creation of criminal profiling in the late ’70s and early ’80s by his Behavioral Science Unit. The series chronicles the journeys of FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), who conduct seminars on serial killers while also visiting prisons to interrogate some of the most notorious murderers from recent history, such as Edmund Kemper or Charles Manson. Simultaneously, they contribute to ongoing investigations into murders over the course of its two seasons.

In essence, while “Mindhunter” and “True Detective,” especially its first season, are distinct narratives, they do exhibit certain parallels. The characters Holden and Tench display contrasting personalities and beliefs, much like Cohle and Hart in “True Detective.” Their dynamic is intriguing because of their differences, mirroring the chemistry between the latter duo. With its chilling portrayal of serial killers, captivating scripts, and Fincher’s distinctive directorial style, “Mindhunter” is a compelling choice for fans of “True Detective.” It’s almost essential viewing, regardless of any lingering concerns some viewers might have about one aspect of the storyline. In short, you really ought to watch it.

Breaking Bad

As a gamer, I might say: “I know ‘Breaking Bad’ doesn’t seem like your typical game, but hear me out. It’s not about solving mysteries or hunting serial killers. Instead, it’s a captivating story about a small-time drug dealer and an addict, a middle-aged teacher with cancer, and their descent into the dangerous world of drugs and Mexican cartels. Yet, the complex and dynamic relationship between the main characters, Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), makes it a must-watch, earning it a spot on this list.

The series “Breaking Bad” features character-rich storytelling, with its two main characters often struggling not just against external forces but also their own inner demons. Their alliance significantly impacts their personal lives, relationships, triumphs, and setbacks, ultimately shaping the individuals they evolve into over five seasons. Despite Walter’s transformation, there is one line he refuses to cross. This show has left an indelible mark on television culture, earning numerous awards, and it would be a miss if you didn’t catch at least one viewing. As captivating and exciting as others claim it to be, it certainly lives up to the hype.

Sharp Objects

In 2018, Marti Noxon’s HBO miniseries based on Gillian Flynn’s first novel, “Sharp Objects”, garnered significant attention. The series centers around Camille Preaker (portrayed by Amy Adams), a seasoned but weary investigative journalist who goes back to her small-town home, Wind Gap, Missouri, to probe into the mysterious murders of two teenage girls and report on them. Additionally, she grapples with her troubled past as an alcoholic and is haunted by painful memories resurfacing upon her return.

In this series, while the case plays a significant role in the storyline, it often takes a secondary position to the intense exploration of Camille’s character as she navigates her own dark journey into despair. Upon her return to her hometown, she is met by her abusive mother (portrayed brilliantly by Patricia Clarkson) and the townsfolk, which immediately reawakens painful memories of her troubled past. Each episode, skillfully directed by Jean-Marc Vallee, creates an oppressive and bleak atmosphere reminiscent of “True Detective,” hiding dark secrets and shocking turns that are sure to spark discussions. However, be prepared for mature themes such as child abuse, manipulation, and a psychologically complex parent figure bordering on insanity. It’s not an easy watch, but it offers a rewarding viewing experience.

Mare of Easttown

Discussing small towns and tight-knit communities, another exceptional HBO series aligns perfectly with our “True Detective”-esque list. Titled “Mare of Easttown,” this program is the creation of Brad Ingelsby and features Kate Winslet portraying Mare Sheehan, a once celebrated basketball player, local idol, and detective in a made-up Philadelphia suburb. A grisly murder of a young mother disrupts the tranquility of this frozen, small town. As the lead investigator, Mare teams up with a greenhorn cop (Evan Peters) from outside the department. The responsibility to find the murderer and solve the case falls on her shoulders, coming barely a year after she failed to locate a missing person. To complicate matters, Mare’s personal life is in shambles, largely due to her abrasive character and unyielding personality that makes it challenging for others to associate with her.

The miniseries “Mare of Easttown” boasts compelling characters, sharp dialogue, and exceptional performances brimming with powerful emotions that build an absorbing environment and storyline. The climax of its murder mystery is sure to leave you astonished. Consequently, it’s no wonder this series bagged four Primetime Emmys from eight nominations, as well as numerous other awards.

Black Bird

One of the most unsettling TV series from 2022, “Black Bird,” created by Dennis Lehane, explores the chilling consequences when a criminal encounters a serial killer within prison walls. Adapted from James Keene and Hillel Levin’s 2010 true-crime novel, the narrative revolves around Jimmy Keene, a cunning mobster who trades a decade in jail for an agreement with the FBI. Subsequently, he is transferred to a psychiatric institution in Springfield, where his mission is to form a bond with suspected serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser) and coax him into confessing to the brutal murders of over a dozen women.

Title “Black Bird” delves into the psychological complexities of a serial killer, bravely exploring realms of darkness and wickedness that many productions shy away from. The captivating performances by Egerton and Hauser serve as chilling examinations of the human mind, showcasing the extreme contrasts within humanity. Much like “Mindhunter” and “True Detective,” “Black Bird” is both hauntingly unsettling and unapologetically desolate at times, reinforcing the notion that humans can be the cruellest of creatures. Additionally, it offers one of the final and exceptional appearances of the late Ray Liotta as a father grappling with his conflicted emotions towards his son’s character, Keene.

The Night Of

2016’s HBO mini-series “The Night Of,” crafted by Richard Price and Steven Zaillian, centers around an innocent Pakistani-American man named Naz Khan (Riz Ahmed). He finds himself accused of murdering Andrea Cornish (Sofia Black-D’Elia), a young and upstanding white woman. Drawing inspiration from the first season of the 2008 British series “Criminal Justice,” the mini-series explores the familiar crime scenario of being in a precarious situation where one ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Initially, it’s clear that Naz is innocent, but various unfortunate occurrences, eyewitness accounts, and confessions appear to undermine him. His last hope for proving his innocence lies in a worn-out, disillusioned defense attorney, portrayed exceptionally by John Turturro, who shows an unusual level of determination in preventing the young boy from being incarcerated and facing a harsh future.

The Night Of” offers a striking portrayal, highlighting the potential flaws within the U.S. justice system and its capacity to devastate the lives of those who may be innocent. It masterfully explores themes such as race, class, and religion, emphasizing their significant roles in shaping legal perceptions about people of color. This thought-provoking miniseries delivers a stark reality while engaging viewers with an intriguing murder mystery, excellent writing, and outstanding performances.

Dark Winds

Comparing it to “True Detective’s” native themes, the series “Dark Winds,” created by Graham Roland, is filled with intrigue, mystery, and tradition. Set on an Indian reservation at Four Corners during the 1970s, the narrative immediately establishes a unique quality and atmosphere for the show. Moreover, featuring a primarily Native American cast, which is still relatively scarce in television, it makes for a rare and appealing production today.

In “Dark Winds,” we delve into the stories of three Navajo police officers, Joe Leaphorn (played by Zahn McClarnon), Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), and Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten). They are investigating a series of tribal murders that could potentially be connected. Interestingly, each detective has some form of personal connection to the victims, which unearths past demons they’ve been trying to keep hidden within themselves. If you enjoyed the supernatural elements of “True Detective: Night Country,” then “Dark Winds” could be a suitable substitute until the next season of that HBO drama premieres.

Under The Banner of Heaven

Under the Banner of Heaven,” a miniseries on FX, seems long-awaited in its portrayal of a delicate yet essential topic – religious extremism and LDS fundamentalism. The series, written by Dustin Lance Black based on Jon Krakauer’s non-fiction book about the Lafferty Brothers, delves deeply into this subject matter. The story follows detectives Jeb Pyre, played by Andrew Garfield, and Bill Taba, portrayed by Gil Birmingham, as they investigate a gruesome 1980s murder of a Latter-day Saint woman (Daisy-Edgar Jones) and her baby.

In this true crime narrative, Garfield’s Pyre, a Mormon himself, encounters a unique challenge as he delves deeper into the Lafferty case. As he listens to confessions from the Lafferty family members, his faith is pushed to its limits in ways he never imagined. Caught between disgust and sympathy for the Lafferty Brothers’ actions, which border on the outrageous, manipulative, and sometimes self-centered religious fanaticism, Pyre grapples with an intense internal conflict that’s compelling to witness. His conversations with Taba about faith, morality, family, and sin are heartfelt, thought-provoking, and essential. Primarily, these discussions help him understand the Lafferty Brothers’ extreme actions, which they justify as God’s will for their arbitrary, heinous deeds.

Black’s series is known for tackling sensitive subjects and intense characters, which can stir emotions like anger, but it’s the exceptional writing and superb acting that make it a deeply moving experience. If you found yourself captivated by Cohle’s musings on life, faith, and humanity in Season 1 of “True Detective”, then this show is definitely worth your attention.

The Staircase

Antonio Campos’ creation, “The Staircase” by MAX, presents one of the most puzzling real-life murder mysteries, adapted from a documentary. This captivating miniseries delves into the devastating effects of a single tragic event leading to a complex legal battle, which gradually corrodes and consumes a family from within, like a persistent disease.

The narrative of the series revolves around Michael Peterson (portrayed by Colin Firth), a writer of crime novels, who becomes a suspect when his second wife Kathleen (Toni Collette) is found dead at the bottom of the stairs in their home in Durham, North Carolina. Despite dialing 911 upon discovering the body, the questionable circumstances surrounding the incident immediately cast doubt on him as a potential killer, leading to his indictment and charge for murder. As he engages a legal representative, Peterson’s life takes a turn for the worse when hidden truths about him (like gay content discovered on his computer) are unearthed, strengthening the prosecution’s case. Furthermore, his family members start to harbor doubts about his innocence following this revelation.

The captivating performance of Firth drives “The Staircase,” leaving you uncertain about who or what to trust, with no clear or straightforward solutions provided. While the 8-episode series provides real-life outcomes by the end, it encourages viewers to decipher the possible truth that lies beyond the case’s presented facts.

Unbelievable

2019’s Netflix series “Unbelievable” focuses on the challenging and multi-layered narrative of Marie Adler (played by Kaitlyn Dever), an 18-year-old who reported being raped, only later to retract her statement and face a felony charge. The story unfolds as we accompany detectives Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), who become intrigued by Adler’s case due to its peculiarities. As they delve deeper, they begin to suspect that they might be dealing with a serial rapist who has eluded authorities for years without being caught.

Title “Unbelievable” delves into the intricate and sensitive topics of sexual assault and victim-shaming in America, using a compassionate yet intense perspective. The partnership between the detectives played by Collette and Wever isn’t exactly like McConaughey and Harrelson in “True Detective,” but their bond, fueled by their shared pursuit of justice, is equally captivating and insightful. Critics and audiences alike highly praised this miniseries upon its release in 2019, earning numerous nominations for awards. If you’re a fan of true crime or “True Detective,” this series is definitely worth watching.

Under the Bridge

Under the Bridge”, a Hulu series, chronicles the events surrounding 14-year-old Reena Virk’s murder in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada, in 1997. This gripping tale is adapted from Rebecca Godfrey’s acclaimed true crime book of the same name. The narrative unfolds across two distinct time periods: one following the life of Reena before her untimely death, and another focusing on Rebecca Godfrey, a writer, as she collaborates with the police to uncover the truth behind the tragic events that transpired on that fateful night and identify the true culprit.

Although the main theme of this show differs significantly from any season of “True Detective,” it shares a similar somber tone and character dynamics. The perspective of Godfrey allows us to understand a woman who is struggling to come to terms with her past, particularly the loss of her brother and the lingering regret of past mistakes. To complicate matters further, she’s attempting to rebuild a relationship with her ex, who is now a police officer entangled in the investigation of Reena’s death. The series delves into sensitive issues such as bullying, peer pressure, drug abuse among minors, and suicide – all contributing factors to Reena’s unfortunate demise. It’s a haunting and melancholic production with a glimmer of optimism, much like the tone “True Detective” maintained throughout its episodes.

2025-01-18 20:30