‘True Detective’ season 3: When could HBO renew series?

Last night, HBO closed the door on “True Detective” season 2, but as of this afternoon, there is still no word on what is going to happen next for the one-time hit series. (It’s still popular commercially, but it feels clear that some of the luster is gone after this season.)

First things first, we should make it pretty clear that it is hardly unusual that the network has not ordered a third season of the show yet. While HBO does tend to give early renewals, it is a little different with what is effectively an anthology series penned almost entirely by one person in Nic Pizzolatto. (Scott Lasser helped on two episodes this season.) Last year was somewhat unusual given that the show ended in early March, but it wasn’t until a little later in the spring before talk of season 2 really started to heat up. HBO didn’t ballyhoo a renewal in the way that they do some other shows.

Ultimately, our estimation right now is that maybe everyone will take a moment to catch their breath before figuring out what the future of this show is going to be. While HBO doesn’t need another season (they have a good lineup coming), we assume that they would want one either for late 2016 / early 2017. It will just depend on when Pizzolatto has the inspiration to want to do another one.

Ultimately, our guess is that at some point this fall, some sort of formal decision will be made, if not earlier. All parties involved will have to know that one way or another, they will be pestered until something is announced.

If you do want to get our full take right now on the “True Detective” finale from last night, head over here to see our review. Also, be sure to sign up here if you are interested in getting some more TV news on just about everything we cover, sent right to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: HBO.)