The social networks of original “True Detective” creator Nic Pizzolatto could be very active again soon: HBO has announced that it will renew “True Detective” for a fifth season, with Issa López as showrunner.
The renewal comes days after its fourth season, “True Crime: Night Country,” concluded its six-episode run, the most-watched season of the crime drama and the first not to have Pizzolatto at the helm. Set in the fictional Ennis, Alaska, the season starred Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as detectives trying to solve the case of eight men operating the Tsalal Arctic Research Station, who are later found frozen in a “corpse.” Sunday's finale drew the largest first-night audience of the season, with 3.2 million multiplatform viewers. Overall, it has averaged 12.7 million viewers per episode since its premiere in January, according to HBO, surpassing the 11.9 average of its debut season in 2014.
But its success was not without controversy. Pizzolato, who remains executive producer of the series, made headlines for his distaste for the new season and reposted criticism of the finale on his Instagram stories.
“From its conception to its release, Night Country has been the most beautiful collaboration and adventure of my entire creative life,” Lopez said in a statement. “I can not wait to return”.
Lopez's return to oversee the new season is part of a new multi-year overall deal with HBO, in which she will also create exclusive content for HBO and Max.
“Issa López is that unique and rare talent that speaks directly to the creative spirit of HBO,” HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi said in a statement. “She directed 'True Detective: Night Country' from start to finish, never once faltering in her commendable vision and inspiring us with her resilience both on the page and behind the camera.”
