HBO’s True Detective has captivated audiences since its debut in 2014, blending gritty crime investigations with deep character studies and atmospheric storytelling. The anthology series, created by Nic Pizzolatto, kicked off with an unforgettable first season starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as two Louisiana detectives unraveling a serial killer case with occult undertones over 17 years. Each season offers a new mystery, new characters, and a new setting, from the sun-scorched corruption of California in Season 2 to the icy isolation of Alaska in Season 4, Night Country, featuring Jodie Foster. If you’re a fan of True Detective’s haunting tone, complex protagonists, and intricate plots, here are five detective series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. The Outsider (2020) – A Supernatural Twist on Crime
For True Detective fans who appreciate a blend of crime and the supernatural, The Outsider is a must-watch. Based on Stephen King’s 2018 novel of the same name, this HBO miniseries follows detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) as he investigates the brutal murder of a young boy in a small Georgia town. The case initially seems straightforward, with evidence pointing to a local baseball coach, Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman). But as the investigation unfolds, contradictory evidence and a sinister supernatural force challenge everything Ralph believes, forcing him to team up with private investigator Holly Gibney (Cynthia Erivo), a character known for her unconventional methods.
What makes The Outsider resonate with True Detective fans is its eerie tone and focus on psychological depth. Like True Detective’s first season, which flirted with occult elements like the Yellow King, The Outsider weaves supernatural horror into a grounded detective story, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The series also features a stellar cast, with Mendelsohn and Erivo delivering performances that mirror the emotional intensity of True Detective’s leads. While some critics noted a slower pace in the middle episodes, the show’s dark plot twists and atmospheric tension make it a gripping watch. Stream The Outsider on Max for a chilling 10-episode journey that echoes True Detective’s blend of mystery and existential unease.
2. Fargo (2014–Present) – Dark Humor Meets Crime Anthology
If you love True Detective’s anthology format and its ability to craft self-contained stories with new casts each season, Fargo is a perfect match. Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ 1996 film of the same name, this FX series is a critically acclaimed crime drama that has aired five seasons as of 2025, each set in a different time period in the Midwest. From the 1950s to the 2000s, Fargo explores brutal crimes, quirky characters, and the intersection of ordinary lives with extraordinary violence. The series boasts an all-star cast across its seasons, including Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, Chris Rock, and Juno Temple.
Fargo shares True Detective’s knack for pairing A-list talent with dense, twist-filled narratives, but it stands out with its dark comedic undertone, offering a lighter counterbalance to True Detective’s often nihilistic tone. For example, Season 2, set in 1979 Fargo, North Dakota, follows a chain of violent events sparked by the death of Rye Gerhardt (Kieran Culkin), delivering suspense and humor in equal measure. Fans of True Detective’s nonlinear storytelling will also appreciate Fargo’s use of multiple timelines to unravel its mysteries. While it may not delve into the philosophical pessimism that defines True Detective, Fargo captures a similar sense of place and moral complexity, making it a compelling watch for crime drama enthusiasts. You can stream Fargo on Hulu or Prime Video.
3. Hannibal (2013–2015) – A Dark Psychological Dive
For those drawn to True Detective’s brooding protagonists and unsettling imagery, Hannibal offers a masterclass in psychological horror and detective work. Based on Thomas Harris’s novels, this NBC series stars Mads Mikkelsen as the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Hugh Dancy as FBI profiler Will Graham. The show follows Will as he collaborates with Hannibal to solve gruesome serial murders, unaware that his psychiatric consultant is a cannibalistic killer himself. The series is known for its striking visuals—like the recurring deer antler motif, which echoes True Detective’s symbolic imagery in Season 1—and its exploration of the blurred lines between good and evil.
What connects Hannibal to True Detective is its focus on the psychological toll of crime-solving. Will Graham’s ability to empathize with psychopaths mirrors Rust Cohle’s obsessive descent into the darkness of his cases, while Hannibal Lecter’s manipulative charm adds a layer of tension akin to the shadowy conspiracies in True Detective. The series ran for three seasons, earning a devoted fanbase that still calls for its revival as of 2025. Though darker and more grotesque than True Detective, Hannibal delivers the same moody atmosphere and character-driven storytelling that fans crave. You can find Hannibal on streaming platforms like Hulu or Prime Video.
4. The Killing (2011–2014) – A Character-Driven Procedural
If you’re a fan of True Detective’s focus on the personal lives of its detectives, The Killing is a series you shouldn’t miss. This AMC series, which ran for four seasons, follows Seattle detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) as they investigate a series of interconnected murders. Unlike True Detective’s anthology format, The Killing often spans a single case over an entire season, allowing for a deep dive into the emotional and psychological impact on both the detectives and the victims’ families. The first season, for instance, centers on the murder of a teenage girl, Rosie Larsen, and unfolds with a slow-burn intensity that keeps viewers hooked.
The Killing shares True Detective’s emphasis on flawed, complex detectives. Sarah Linden’s stoic determination and Stephen Holder’s rough-around-the-edges approach create a dynamic partnership that rivals the chemistry between Rust Cohle and Marty Hart. The series also captures a similar sense of atmosphere, with Seattle’s rainy, gray backdrop serving as a character in its own right, much like the Louisiana bayous in True Detective Season 1. While The Killing lacks the supernatural elements that occasionally surface in True Detective, its gritty realism and emotional depth make it a worthy companion. Stream The Killing on Hulu for a detective drama that’s as much about the investigators as it is about the crimes.
5. Broadchurch (2013–2017) – A Small-Town Mystery with Heart
For True Detective fans who appreciate a strong sense of community and the ripple effects of crime, Broadchurch offers a poignant and gripping experience. This British series, which aired for three seasons on ITV, stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman as detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller. Set in the fictional seaside town of Broadchurch, the show begins with the murder of an 11-year-old boy, Danny Latimer, and explores how the tragedy unravels the tight-knit community. Each season tackles a new case, but the emotional throughline of the town’s grief and resilience ties the series together.
Broadchurch mirrors True Detective in its focus on the chemistry between its lead detectives, whose contrasting styles—Alec’s gruff detachment versus Ellie’s empathetic approach—create a dynamic similar to that of True Detective’s duos. The series also excels at portraying the personal toll of detective work, a theme central to True Detective. For example, Ellie Miller’s struggle to balance her role as a mother and a detective echoes the personal conflicts faced by True Detective’s characters, like Marty Hart’s fractured family life. Broadchurch is less philosophical than True Detective but makes up for it with its emotional depth and stellar performances, earning a 91% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season. You can stream Broadchurch on platforms like Netflix or Prime Video.
Why These Shows Appeal to True Detective Fans
True Detective has set a high bar for detective dramas with its cinematic quality, philosophical undertones, and unforgettable characters. The series, which has featured talents like Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, and Jodie Foster across its four seasons as of 2025, thrives on its ability to blend mystery with existential questions about morality, identity, and the nature of evil. The five series recommended here—The Outsider, Fargo, Hannibal, The Killing, and Broadchurch—capture different aspects of what makes True Detective so compelling, whether it’s the atmospheric tension, the psychological depth of its detectives, or the intricate storytelling.
Each of these shows offers a unique take on the detective genre, from Fargo’s dark humor to Hannibal’s macabre elegance, ensuring there’s something for every True Detective fan. While they may not replicate the exact magic of True Detective’s first season, which remains a pinnacle of the genre with its 11.9 million average viewers, they provide the same kind of immersive, thought-provoking experience that keeps you coming back for more. So, grab your remote, dim the lights, and dive into these gripping mysteries—you won’t be disappointed.
