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“True Detective” is a critically acclaimed crime anthology series created by Nic Pizzolatto. In this mind-blowing whodunnit HBO series, a pair of detectives embark on a psychologically challenging journey as they investigate mysterious and often disturbing crime cases while grappling with their own personal demons. “True Detective” had a groundbreaking series premiere in 2014, propelled by a gripping crime narrative and existential themes. This, alongside Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson’s exceptional and unforgettable performances, played a great role in the recognition of the show’s succeeding seasons. Hailed by critics as one of the best shows in recent years, “True Detective” sets itself apart from other crime stories by masterfully intertwining the realms of crime and the human psyche, showing that every crime is driven by a chain of psychological motivations.
Fans of the show can stream all four seasons and 30 episodes of “True Detective” on Max, its exclusive streaming home. Viewers are required to have a VPN subscription to access Max in Canada due to Max’s geo-restrictions, which limits its availability in the US and select European territories.
Alternatively, you can also stream all seasons of “True Detective” on Crave, the Canada-exclusive platform.
Digital copies of “True Detective” are available for rent and purchase on video-on-demand (VOD) services such as Apple TV, Microsoft Store, and the Google Play Store.
You can also buy the complete “True Detective” series on physical home media formats such as DVD and Blu-ray.
In this article, we will examine each streaming choice to help you determine which platform suits your streaming preferences the most.
Table of Contents
1. Max
All four seasons and 30 episodes are available to stream on Max. There, you can stream the series in 4K with subtitles.
The platform is compatible with plenty of devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming media such as Roku and Fire TV Stick.
Unfortunately, Max no longer offers a free trial since its relaunch. Max is geo-restricted in Canada, so users must subscribe to a VPN to access the platform.
How to Watch the “True Detective” Series On Max In Canada
The only way to watch the “True Detective” series on Max in Canada is by using a VPN service:
- Subscribe to a VPN service. (ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation)
- Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Open the Max website or app, then sign up for an account.
- Search for “True Detective” in its library, hit play, and start streaming.
Tip: A VPN is not just beneficial for bypassing geo-restrictions, but it also enhances online security by encrypting your data, protects your privacy by masking your IP address, allows safe browsing on public Wi-Fi networks, and can even help save money on certain online purchases. Our top VPN recommendation for streaming Max is ExpressVPN, which offers a 30-day risk-free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you use the link below:
To watch all seasons of “True Detective” on Max, sign up for an account and subscribe to any of the following monthly plans:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Simultaneous streams | Video resolution | Number of downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 streams | HD | None |
| Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | 2 streams | HD | 30 titles |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | 4 streams | HD to 4K | 100 titles |
2. Crave
Crave is a Canadian on-demand streaming service owned by Bell Media. Crave’s content library houses movies and TV shows from networks like HBO, Starz, Showtime, and more.
The platform is compatible with different devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
All seasons of “True Detective” are available to stream on Crave. To watch the series on the service, subscribe to any of Crave’s membership plans:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Video resolution | Simultaneous streams |
| Basic with ads | CAD$9.99 | CAD$99.90 | 720p | 1 device |
| Standard with ads | CAD$14.99 | CAD$149.90 | 4K | 4 devices |
| Premium ad-free | CAD$19.99 | CAD$199.99 | 4K | 4 devices |
Crave also offers a 7-day free trial to new subscribers that you can cancel at any time.
3. Apple TV
Apple TV is a digital buy-and-rent store from Apple Inc. that enables users to buy or rent digital copies of movies and TV shows. On Apple TV, you can buy the first three seasons of the ”True Detective” series in HD for CAD$74.99. Aside from standard subtitle options, Apple TV also provides a Closed Caption (CC) feature designed for individuals with hearing disabilities, as well as a dynamic Dolby 5.1 surround sound for a more theatrical streaming experience.
4. Google Play Store
The Google Play Store is an online distribution platform where users can buy digital products, such as movies and TV shows, including “True Detective.” At the Google Play Store, you can purchase complete seasons of “True Detective” in HD for CAD$19.99. You can also opt to buy per episode which costs CAD$3.99.
What Is the Best Streaming Option to Watch True Detective in Canada?
The best streaming option to watch “True Detective” is through Max. Crave and Max share almost the same price range for their plans, but we highly recommend Max as the superior choice. Apart from the fact that Max is the exclusive streaming home for “True Detective,” it also has a much better and more user-friendly interface. In Max, you can download up to 100 titles to your device and stream on up to four devices at the same time. Max also has a larger content library than Crave. On Max, you can stream almost every award-winning show from HBO, like “The Sopranos,” “Succession,” “Game of Thrones,” and more.
If you prefer to buy digital copies of the series on VOD services, then Apple TV is the best option. You can buy seasons one, two, and three of “True Detective” on Apple TV in HD, which comes with an inclusive Closed Caption feature for viewers with hearing disabilities and a theatrical Dolby 5.1 surround sound that the Google Play Store does not offer.
What Is True Detective About?
As an anthology series, each “True Detective” season revolves around different storylines and characters. Typically, the show follows various teams of detectives uncovering murder cases while they deal with their personal struggles. Throughout its seasons, “True Detective” explores existentialism, the darkest corners of a crime-ridden society, and the consequences of one’s actions. Each season brings an insightful perspective on these concepts through unique and complex characters and non-linear storylines.
Who Are the Creators of True Detective?
The creator of the “True Detective” series is the American screenwriter-director Nic Pizzolatto. The show is produced under Anonymous Content, Parliament of Owls, Passenger, Neon Black, Lee Caplin / Picture Entertainment, and HBO Entertainment.
Who Are in the Cast of True Detective?
Each season features an ensemble of talented Hollywood actors such as Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Alexandra Daddario, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Vince Vaughn. Here’s the cast of “True Detective”:
Season 1:
- Matthew McConaughey as Detective Rust Cohle
- Woody Harrelson as Detective Martin Hart
- Michelle Monaghan as Maggie Hart
- Michael Potts as Detective Maynard Gilbough
- Tory Kittles as Detective Thomas Papania
- Alexandra Daddario as Lisa Tragnetti
Season 2:
- Colin Farrell as Detective Ray Velcoro
- Rachel McAdams as Detective Ani Bezzerides
- Taylor Kitsch as Officer Paul Woodrugh
- Vince Vaughn as Frank Semyon
- Kelly Reilly as Jordan Semyon
Season 3:
- Mahershala Ali as Detective Wayne Hays
- Stephen Dorff as Detective Roland West
- Carmen Ejogo as Amelia Reardon
- Ray Fisher as Henry Hays
- Scoot McNairy as Tom Purcell
- Mamie Gummer as Lucy Purcell
Season 4: Night Country
- Jodie Foster as Liz Danvers
- Kali Reis as Evangeline Navarro
- Finn Bennett as Peter Prior
- Fiona Shaw as Rose Aguineau
- Christopher Eccleston as Ted Corsaro
- Isabella Star LaBlanc as Leah Danvers
- John Hawkes as Hank Prior
Who Are the Main Characters of True Detective?
The main characters of “True Detective” for each season are:
Season 1
- Detective Rust Cohle – A philosophical and enigmatic investigator with a troubled past.
- Detective Martin Hart – Martin Hart is Cohle’s seasoned partner who struggles with his personal relationships and moral ambiguities.
Season 2
- Detective Ray Velcoro – A morally challenged detective who finds himself entangled in a series of corrupt activities. He grapples with loyalty and the consequences of his past actions.
- Detective Ani Bezzerides – A skilled detective with a troubled past who confronts the male-dominated field of law enforcement.
Season 3
- Detective Wayne Hays – A veteran detective haunted by the unsolved case of missing children.
- Amelia Reardon – A school teacher who finds herself involved with Hays’ investigation.
- Roland West – A dedicated detective with a strong sense of duty.
Season 4
- Liz Danvers – A strong-willed detective who is determined to solve the disappearance of eight men in Alaska.
- Evangeline Navarro – Danvers’ tough partner.
Why Is True Detective So Popular?
“True Detective” has consistently received widespread critical acclaim since its release in 2014. Its inaugural season, which featured award-winning performances from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is considered by many to be the pivotal factor to the show’s overall enduring success. Best known for its nuanced, philosophical, and atmospheric narrative, the first season played a crucial role in elevating the show’s recognition and acclaim to new heights. The show’s consistent thought-provoking exploration of crime and societal issues also added to its appeal, ultimately resonating with audiences seeking insightful and riveting stories.
What Do Critics Say About True Detective?
The first and third seasons of “True Detective” resonated well with critics due to their intricate character developments and well-rounded, complex storylines. The second season, on the other hand, failed to impress the critics for its pacing and the lack of clarity in its narrative.
“True Detective” holds an overall rating of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. See what critics say about the series:
- “For all the talk of this golden age of television, of which True Detective is supposedly so emblematic, this is less television than an epic movie told at luxuriant pace.” – Empire Magazine
- “It’s that the second season of True Detective feels ordinary while the first felt extraordinary… The ordinariness is a quality that weighs heavily on True Detective because its cop-show genre is all over TV.” – Philadelphia Inquirer
How Many Seasons of True Detective Are Available?
There are currently four seasons in the “True Detective” series. Here’s a brief summary of each season:
Season 1 (2014)
Set in Louisiana, Detectives Rust Cohle and Martin Hart are tasked with covering a series of disturbing killings believed to be related to cults and religious sacrifices. The case spans almost two decades, challenging their personal lives and ultimately taking a toll on their mental well-being.
Episodes:
- “The Long Bright Dark”
- “Seeing Things”
- “The Locked Room”
- “Who Goes There”
- “The Secret Fate of All Life”
- “Haunted Houses”
- “After You’ve Gone”
- “Form and Void”
Season 2 (2015)
A new trio of detectives — Ray Velcoro, Ani Bezzerides, and Paul Woodrugh — join forces in California to navigate the criminal underworld and investigate an elaborate case involving drugs, murder, and political corruption. As they attempt to solve the case, a series of complex conspiracies start to surface and threaten to consume their personal lives.
Episodes:
- “The Western Book of the Dead”
- “Night Finds You”
- “Maybe Tomorrow”
- “Down Will Come”
- “Other Lives”
- “Church in Ruins”
- “Black Maps and Motel Rooms”
- “Omega Station”
Season 3 (2019)
The third season follows Detective Wayne Hays as he solves the disappearance of two children, Will and Julie Purcell, in a small town in the Ozarks during the 1980s.
Episodes:
- “The Great War and Modern Memory”
- “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”
- “The Big Never”
- “The Hour and the Day”
- “If You Have Ghosts”
- “Hunters in the Dark”
- “The Final Country”
- “Now Am Found”
Season 4: Night Country (2024)
The newest season follows detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro in Ennis, Alaska, as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of eight men from the Tsalal Arctic Research Station.
True Detective Fans and Community
Tune in to the latest season of the show and put your detective skills to the test with official “True Detective” merchandise, like mugs, hoodies, and beanies, which you can buy at HBO’s online store. If you’re on a budget, you can find similar yet affordable fan-made items on Amazon.
Is True Detective Canceled?
No, “True Detective” is not canceled. The fourth and newest season of “True Detective” will air on Max and the HBO channel on January 14, 2024.
