HBO Probably Won't Make "True Detective" S3 (Because, You Know... S2 Was Awful)

Cancel your memes. It’s seems unlikely HBO will go ahead with a third season of True Detective.

Hidden in the Hollywood Reporter’s profile of new HBO chief Casey Bloys is a line suggesting that an entirely new project from creator Nic Pizzolatto “is more likely” than a third season of TD .

Though it’s far from official, the revelation that HBO and Pizzolatto are maybe thinking of walking away from the True Detective franchise will be bittersweet for most.

Bitter, because the first season was such a compelling watch, thanks to its leading men, Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, and the cinematic direction of Cary Joji Fukunaga.

Sweet, because the second season was a garbage fire – critically and commercially – that practically destroyed the goodwill generated by the gothic mystery of its predecessor.

However, the very model of True Detective allowed for rebooting at the end of each season. (Both Season One and Season Two covered different tales with different stars.) And yet, HBO isn't willing to take a final punt with a third season.

Some might say the success of True Detective’s first season is what ruined the second season; Pizzolatto was expected to turn over something equally layered and engrossing tout de suite, and the rushed production of the sophomore season meant that multiple directors were brought on board to helm the eight episodes. (Part of S1’s appeal was having one filmmaker put their imprint across the entire season.)

The failure of the convoluted second season also left many wondering if the emperor - Pizzolatto - had no clothes, questioning whether or not Season One was actually as good as they remembered.

(Funnily enough, today’s news has already inspired some critical rethinking of Season Two. Oh, internet.)

Anyway, don’t be too sad. Time is a flat circle, so shows never really die. If we’ve learnt anything from The X-Files, 24, Prison Break and Arrested Development, it’s that all programs return eventually.

Until then, let's remember the good times.

True Detective Season 3 pic.twitter.com/vsn4FzzCmf

— Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) April 15, 2016

True detective season 3 pic.twitter.com/VnUgdtwKHA

— z (@bakwaskowski) April 9, 2016

Photo: HBO.