True Detective

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 12, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 2021 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,907 out of 2021
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 2021
  3. Negative: 68 out of 2021
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User Reviews

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  1. Issu
    Apr 26, 2014
    9
    I started watching this series after the full episodes are released in blue ray .I found those high ratings and after watching the first episode i was like, what the hell ?? I decided to give a try for the second one too, then all of a sudden I watched till 5 in one sit.
    Its that intriguing plot along with some top notch acting from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson which made it    I started watching this series after the full episodes are released in blue ray .I found those high ratings and after watching the first episode i was like, what the hell ?? I decided to give a try for the second one too, then all of a sudden I watched till 5 in one sit.
    Its that intriguing plot along with some top notch acting from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson which made it damn interesting , i finished all 8 episodes within next 2 days and Iam really impressed by the cinematography and screenplay .
    the writer Nic Pizzolatto and Director too deserves a thumbs up.
    Its more like an addicting style, if you watch Matthew McConaughey's character deeply, you sure as hell is gonna be like him in real life. Its that never mind don't care attitude along with so many good one-liners which makes me want to watch it again and again .    … Expand
  2. TrueReview01
    Mar 24, 2014
    9
    This series can best be described as wanting to be "No Country For Old Men" while holding the pacing and suspenfullness of "Silence Of The Lambs". Now that's not to say it'll be as great of a movie/show as "Silence Of The Lambs" was, just that its a wannabe. All in all it has potential, its an HBO show, has a good cast. Only time will tell.
  3. dan506
    Mar 11, 2014
    8
    After watching the whole season the finale is a bit of a letdown. That being said, the only reason the finale was a letdown was because episodes 1-6 (most of 7) was absolutely phenomenal. It is without a doubt one of the finest first seasons of a TV series I've ever seen. Right up there with Game of Thrones and Hannibal. The rich and lush environment of the Louisiana swamp. The inhabitantsAfter watching the whole season the finale is a bit of a letdown. That being said, the only reason the finale was a letdown was because episodes 1-6 (most of 7) was absolutely phenomenal. It is without a doubt one of the finest first seasons of a TV series I've ever seen. Right up there with Game of Thrones and Hannibal. The rich and lush environment of the Louisiana swamp. The inhabitants dripping in Cajun 'sauce.' Then the acting was spectacular all around especially Mcconaughey's Rust Cohle, a complete nihilist, with an almost endless vocabulary. (I assume Rust and Boyd Crowder would be fast friends) An absolutely amazing new series, and I can't wait for season 2.… Expand
  4. ryanhughes
    Mar 20, 2014
    10
    This was my favourite TV show ever half way through the 8 episodes. Episode 4 cemented it for me. I haven't thought about a TV show from when an episode ends to the next one begins a week later like this since Lost. I hung off every single thing Rust (McConaughey said. There is hidden meaning in everything. I can usually guess the killer straight off in procedural dramas, had no clue withThis was my favourite TV show ever half way through the 8 episodes. Episode 4 cemented it for me. I haven't thought about a TV show from when an episode ends to the next one begins a week later like this since Lost. I hung off every single thing Rust (McConaughey said. There is hidden meaning in everything. I can usually guess the killer straight off in procedural dramas, had no clue with this. Highly recommend it to anyone who has the intelligence to stick with it.… Expand
  5. anthonylee
    Mar 22, 2014
    7
    True Detective is great television, but I think it gets a lot more hype and praise than it deserves.The series works better as a character study between Rust and Hart than as a "true detective" mystery thriller. Hopefully the focus carries through to the next season, it would be a shame for this to turn into another procedural. The "whodunnit" aspect of the series really doesn't work soTrue Detective is great television, but I think it gets a lot more hype and praise than it deserves.The series works better as a character study between Rust and Hart than as a "true detective" mystery thriller. Hopefully the focus carries through to the next season, it would be a shame for this to turn into another procedural. The "whodunnit" aspect of the series really doesn't work so well when you have a set of two dozen or so on-screen characters, but, again, that is not necessarily a bad thing.

    McConaughey and Harrelson do an absolutely phenomenal job portraying essentially three distinct characters in the short span of eight episodes. I love the Nietzsche tie-ins, but it felt a bit heavy handed at certain points when Rust has to go through and explain everything.    … Expand
  6. Jerobeam
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Mesmerizing and nihilistic view on human nature and existence, time and space, and the possibility of forces of light and evil, presented in meticulously written and spot-on delivered dia- and monologues. Featuring captivating performances from both leads this pitch-dark crime-and-cop story never cares much about "whodunit", placing the lives of the two mismatched detectives as well asMesmerizing and nihilistic view on human nature and existence, time and space, and the possibility of forces of light and evil, presented in meticulously written and spot-on delivered dia- and monologues. Featuring captivating performances from both leads this pitch-dark crime-and-cop story never cares much about "whodunit", placing the lives of the two mismatched detectives as well as their relationship in the centre of attention instead. Thoughtful and true to the end storyline along with brilliant and suspenseful cinematography by Cary Joji Fukunaga (who finds chilling and mythical views on the swamplands of Louisiana - AND the car rides :) !) create a highly gripping and absorbing piece of television. The very few flaws - like the rather flat and flavourless rest of the characters, as well as a lukewarm proposition at the end, that even the smartest and most charming atheist might be convinced of the existence of some greater force in the universe when looking at star-scattered night sky - do not derogate my overall extremely positive feelings about this excellent series as a whole.… Expand
  7. KaveH9
    Mar 29, 2014
    10
    in my opinion was a fantastic tv-show! wait eagerly for next seaaon , actually.
    hope the new season do the same as last season in story , puzzles , acting i mean new actors and every thing .
  8. Mattzone
    Apr 3, 2014
    9
    This is just a great show. If you feel a bit like me (wanting more substance for your time), then you really will like this series. The pros are the writing, acting, and visuals. The cons are excessive nudity and really tough subject matter. Overall, the show is gripping with a fitting and rewarding finale. In case it helps... I also like Hannibal, The Wire, The Americans, and Homeland.
  9. mams2000
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really loved this show, it completely absorbed me ! Harrelson and McConaughey are incredible.
    I didn't put 10 because I was a bit deceived by the ending.    … Expand
  10. thejon93rd
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    A detective show like no other, True Detective is haunting in every regard and because of this the characters are refreshing and tormented, and so is the show's universe; after all, the show's tagline is "touch darkness and darkness touches you back". Thanks to a great script, this show thrives on being unflinchingly realistic with its mature content because they acknowledge to everyA detective show like no other, True Detective is haunting in every regard and because of this the characters are refreshing and tormented, and so is the show's universe; after all, the show's tagline is "touch darkness and darkness touches you back". Thanks to a great script, this show thrives on being unflinchingly realistic with its mature content because they acknowledge to every extent that this is a detective show that shows you the terrifying truth that hides in the darkest, unexplored corners of our world. The show is easily rewatchable though. even with its sometimes disturbing content, as clues will often linger throughout the layered dialogue and visuals alike, clearly understanding that, in reality, not every stone can be truly unturned. Rust Cohle and Marty Hart (Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson) are the two investigating detectives and the show spans 17 years through their lives as they investigate the satanic murder of a woman, aiming to find her killer by any means necessary, both detectives bring something useful to the table and their back-and-forth banter is both charismatic and thought-provoking. This is a true detective show in every regard, tragic and compelling from the mysterious opening to the cathartic ending, this show will stay with you.… Expand
  11. Porko
    May 25, 2014
    9
    Fantastic. Woody and Matthew are so good in this series. The storyline is very captivating, when one episode finishes you are craving the next one. We can only hope that season 2 will come soon.
  12. tchamekh02
    Jun 1, 2014
    9
    True detective runs slow and steady without ever seeming to drag. Even minors characters get room to breathe and seem independently alive. The acting by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson is off the charts.
  13. evokings
    Sep 17, 2016
    7
    I overall enjoyed watching this series, but my thoughts were the first few episodes were vary time consuming [some might say boring] but I enjoyed the way the series went to the past and the present, vary well done in that sense, and the action scene was vary well directed, the series gets dark at times and vary adult themes, and there is a lot of mystery, thats what really makes you watchI overall enjoyed watching this series, but my thoughts were the first few episodes were vary time consuming [some might say boring] but I enjoyed the way the series went to the past and the present, vary well done in that sense, and the action scene was vary well directed, the series gets dark at times and vary adult themes, and there is a lot of mystery, thats what really makes you watch the series the acting is good too.… Expand
  14. AliceofX
    Jun 12, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Had a lot of good parts but in the end I just didn't feel completely satisfied. Who really was the killer and who were the other people behind this? Who were the victims? The story didn't go much into the case at all.… Expand
  15. BariscanBozkurt
    Jun 1, 2016
    10
    Başyapıt Dizilerden Birisi
    Pek nadir olan derin karakter tiplemelerine ve buna çok katkısı olsan eşsiz oyunculuğun yanında, kaliteli atmosfere ve kurguya sahip. Dizi bittiğinde Suç-Felsefi-Dram üzerine kurulu bir roman okumuş gibi hissetmeniz muhtemel ve bunu yapabilen bir kaç dizi var. True Detective bu konuda en iyisi. Bu söylediklerim elbette 1.Sezon için geçerli.
  16. mazewaxie
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Pizzolatto's writing and Fukunaga's direction are outstanding, not to mention the acting performances of McConaughey and Harrelson. A true gem.
  17. pythag0ras
    Jun 14, 2018
    7
    season 1 is good , with a follow able story, however season 2 is almost pure nonsense, and very difficult to follow . so I would give it 7 out of 10.
  18. Izago
    Jan 14, 2019
    10
    isto é incrivel, melher serie policial e com as melhores atuações de todos os tempo.
  19. buddhalou
    Jan 21, 2019
    10
    Not sure how much more perfect a TV series can be. First season is outstanding.
  20. smithjbran
    Jul 31, 2016
    9
    American television is evolving, aggressively abandoning the 20-episode season in favor of shorter, character-driven, story-concentrated seasons heavy on substance and light on filler.
  21. EPMD
    Jun 8, 2016
    5
    The ultimate style over substance show. The acting and production were top notch. The case itself, though...what a dud! I think it's a must-watch because it looks first rate. If only the story were any good.
  22. jmooney
    Jun 8, 2016
    10
    We loved this season. All of the actors were well suited to their roles and very convincing. Vince Vaughn should receive an award for his outstanding performance.
  23. cottandy
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    The first season is just brilliant. It gives you everything you could desire from a movie like that: an interesting plot, drama, the best acting, deep philosophical thoughts of the main charismatic character and the most atmospheric series you have ever seen. If you want to be fascinated, watch "True Detective: Season 1".
  24. daviddelnorte23
    Feb 16, 2017
    10
    Esos diálogos... es lo primero que se me viene a la cabeza al pensar en 'True Detective', increibles diálogos y una apabullante madurez en el trato de los personajes, el como se trata la condición humana, el quien somos, adonde vamos, de donde venimos...etc.

    Las interpretaciones son increibles, el personaje de Macconaughey es ESPECTACULAR como también lo es el personaje de Woody    Esos diálogos... es lo primero que se me viene a la cabeza al pensar en 'True Detective', increibles diálogos y una apabullante madurez en el trato de los personajes, el como se trata la condición humana, el quien somos, adonde vamos, de donde venimos...etc.

    Las interpretaciones son increibles, el personaje de Macconaughey es ESPECTACULAR como también lo es el personaje de Woody Harrelson. Y otro personaje del que nadie habla pero para mi es brutal, que es el de Michelle Monaghan.

    En cuanto a la trama esta de sobra a la altura del resto con un tono religioso muy profundo, con un excelente guión donde nada desafina y con algún momento bastante perturbador con las niñas...

    Personalmente, es de las mejores series "independientes" que he visto y por favor, el famoso PLANO SECUENCIA... Silencio.    … Expand
  25. stevenf49
    May 25, 2018
    10
    The characters Rust and Marty are two of the best duos ever to appear on T.V. .(Luther and Alice from LUTHER also are at the top.) This show is part ofThe Golden Age of Television. The landscape/cinematograpy, music, lighting, dialogue are all THE BEST one could hope for. CaryFukunaga, the director, is an Artist. We want more of this !
  26. truefilm101
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Outstanding, riveting performances from a stellar cast and a twisty, non-linear narrative kept me glued to my seat. Requires more than one viewing to fully appreciate the richly nuanced dialogue and textured storytelling techniques.
  27. memcdonald
    Dec 26, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Season 1 is good although extremely male centered! They need to have female writers for this show because at times it feels like a 14 year old boy is writing this story. There is one point where Rust "has no choice" about something, later redeemed when he says he had a choice. Of course he had a choice, it's insane to push the belief that men can't control themselves and it's damaging for men too! At one point Marty sleeps with a much younger woman, it's really disgusting. It's just disgusting. I really doubt a young girl that age is going to go for a guy his age unless he's wealthy and if you wanted to make a character like-able and believable, why would he sleep with her after saving her as a child? Sure, he could have more failures, but, why her? Wouldn't he be comparing her to his own daughters? When she told Marty how she wanted to do something that she never had done before: that is a ridiculous line and seriously brought me completely out of it. And then the wife that keeps taking him back, I wish it didn't end like that. It felt so undeserved. The characters were good, I liked Rust and even Marty (minus all the stuff I already talked about) and the plot itself was really interesting. I felt like the killer was kind of a give away before it had to be. I kind of wish that there was a surprise moment when we find out who it is. The second season is better, perhaps they got a lot of flack about the sexist overtones in the first season. The second season is definitely harder to follow and there are a ton of lines that are jarbled and impossible to understand. It took me a few episodes to figure out what was going on and I'm still not completely sure. There is a lot of fast quiet talking, especially in the beginning. Less of a teenage boy fantasy though, but some of the episodes kind of drag along.… Expand
  28. SimboTheKing
    Mar 18, 2021
    8
    Don't get me wrong, this is a very good show. However, I do feel that it was a bit overhyped. It was engaging but I was really expecting something mind-blowing. In this regard, it didn't quite meet my expectations. I do think that it's absolutely worth watching though, even if just for its sheer creativity. The buddy-cop crime drama is a template that has been done to death. Despite this,Don't get me wrong, this is a very good show. However, I do feel that it was a bit overhyped. It was engaging but I was really expecting something mind-blowing. In this regard, it didn't quite meet my expectations. I do think that it's absolutely worth watching though, even if just for its sheer creativity. The buddy-cop crime drama is a template that has been done to death. Despite this, True Detective manages to feel fresh and innovate. The decison to explore the changing relationships of its leads (superbly played by Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey) over the years is both inspired and engaging. It's a method of storytelling that I've not really come across before and it works fantastically well.

    Whilst this is my favourite element there are numerous things the show does that makes it very good: the aforementioned plot and acting, the locations are grim but believable and they add an intense grittiness to the show, even the colour grading blends perfectly to make the show feel that much more intense.

    Overall, maybe not as good as the hype promises, but still a highly engaging and interesting show that I would have no regrets watching again.    … Expand
  29. Ci3cco
    May 22, 2019
    10
    Simply Amazing. i Can't imagine a more perfect human-made thing since all the plot and even the minimum particular is studied perfectly.. and fits into the main story. Perfect.
  30. deusem
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    One of the best seasons of any TV show. The casting is perfect and the story sucks you into the True Detective universe. With mysterious references to Weird fiction and the Cthulhu mythos it's a must watch for any fan of thrilling and strange mysteries.
  31. HackFraud
    Apr 1, 2019
    10
    Best psychological thriller I've ever seen, and my favorite detective "movie" :).
  32. DPG
    Oct 8, 2019
    10
    With greatest performances,a interesting story,realistics situations,life lessions,characters with a well developed personality,A MASTER PIECE!
  33. cfGhost
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Kind of slow paced, but an incredibly well made show, fantastic actor performance and brilliant plot. Favourite show!
  34. Pagaille21
    May 21, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Season 1 is a masterclass in television. Both protagonists are layered and nuanced. The interwoven story is fantastic.… Expand
  35. geewah
    Jan 10, 2021
    10
    Brilliant.
    Fantastic writing, superb cinematography and well acted.
    One of 2014's best shows.
  36. Mankind_divided
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    This series has everything. Dark and gritty, good story, interesting philosophical banter, great cast and great cinematography. I wish more TV series for a mature audience were made like this and don't treat you like a child and water things down.
  37. Hillstead
    Dec 16, 2022
    10
    The First Season of True Detective is perfect from begining to end. The acting, the dark southern gothic cinematography, and a terrifying plot.
  38. UdyrBJJ
    Aug 21, 2023
    10
    Mais que excelente, incrível, a melhor das melhores, está batendo com Breaking Bad, o nível é mais que altíssimo
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best TV Season of 2014
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
5
#5 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 41
  3. Negative: 1 out of 41
  1. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Mar 27, 2014
    100
    The drama is quite riveting.
    Read full review
  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Mar 27, 2014
    30
    Whatever the length of the show’s much admired tracking shot (six minutes, uncut!), it feels less hardboiled than softheaded. Which might be O.K. if True Detective were dumb fun, but, good God, it’s not: it’s got so much gravitas it could run for President.
    Read full review
  3. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Feb 20, 2014
    100
    HBO's program is not just an actor's showcase for two greats. It is dense, complex, rewarding storytelling, heightened by a sense of location from its writer and director that is mesmerizing and a character-driven storytelling aesthetic that brings to mind great films like David Fincher's "Zodiac" and Bong Joon-ho's "Memories of Murder."
    Read full review
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