‘True Detective’ season 2 finally has UK premiere date, and why that matters to global audience

We have already made it clear that the second season of “True Detective” is set to premiere on HBO in the United States come Sunday, June 21, but we also come right now bearing some further information on another subject: When it will be launching in the UK.

The simple answer to that is Monday, June 22 on Sky Atlantic, meaning that it will be airing there less than 24 hours after it premieres in America. We know that UK audiences probably want a spontaneous launch much in the same way that Americans probably want one for “Doctor Who,” but that just doesn’t happen often. Networks want to expose their shows to the biggest audiences that they possibly can.

So why does this release date matter in the global picture? The short answer is that shorter and shorter release windows between shows airing from one country to the next is essential in the lengthy battle taking place these days against piracy. This is something that HBO already knows quite a bit about thanks to “Game of Thrones.” They have launched the HBO NOW app as one measure to combat it, and also have encouraged closer international launch dates to ensure that they can get the most out of their show.

The reality is that piracy will always exist to a certain extent, but if content creators give as many effective alternatives to viewers, at least some of them may consider choosing this. It is at least a smart idea, and we’re curious already to see what the HBO NOW app is getting in terms of sales. That will tell us a ton about how this strategy is working.

If you missed it, head over here to watch the recent trailer for the new season of “True Detective” right away! Also, you can sign up in the event you want some further TV updates on everything we cover courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: HBO.)