The Perfect True Detective Replacement Has 19 Episodes & Is Streaming On Netflix

Published Sep 29, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT Ben is a Senior Writer on the New TV team at Screen Rant. He graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a First Class B.A. Degree in English Literature and History. Born and raised in Ireland, Ben has always had a love for storytelling in all forms of media and operates multiple projects under the name Benjamin Blogs. Ben is a comic book writer and podcast host, in addition to his work as an entertainment journalist. He has worked as both a writer and editor for Screen Rant, Collider, and other media outlets across various departments, including features, news, reviews, and interviews. True Detective fans are likely missing out on the best replacement for the series tucked away on rival streaming service, Netflix. After a stellar first season released in 2011 starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, HBO's tense crime drama has released a small handful of subsequent seasons, but due to the nature of anthologies, they haven't quite sparked audience imaginations like the debut entry. However, there is another show that manages to capture many of the most captivating elements of that 2011 release. But, there is a strong possibility that fans of True Detective missed this outstanding new series because it was created for a completely different platform. And let's face it, while Netflix has clearly built a reputation for being one of the best destinations for true crime, crime drama, and all things associated with those genres, the reputation of the world's leading streamer is a little different to what fans have come to expect when they tune in to watch a show on HBO. Mindhunter Is A Must-Watch Series For Fans Of True Detective Regardless of the differences between these platforms, Mindhunter is the indisputable best spiritual successor to True Detective. Both in terms of the entire anthology series, but also, more directly, due to the comparisons it draws with True Detective season 1. Now, to address the obvious differences first, Mindhunter is not an anthology series. Mindhunter is based on true events, while True Detective is a sensationalized work of crime fiction. The tone of True Detective is darker and embraces a gothic atmosphere, while Mindhunter's approach is evidently grounded more in a psychological, methodical approach. But despite the differences that define these shows, there is a lot that connects them. For instance, both shows probe at an intensely psychological crime drama narrative, with two lead detectives who bring different worldviews to the table, and a larger mystery narrative that enshrouds all of the events. Both shows are willing to go deep, tackle philosophical ideology, and approach topics that are largely perceived as taboo in a way that breaks them down and reframes them. All of this combines to create something that you simply can't turn away from, and find yourself tuning in for each subsequent episode, completely engrossed in the events playing out on the screen. Mindhunter is absolutely worth diving into for anyone who enjoys True Detective, and with two seasons spanning 19 episodes in the series, it's a thrilling mystery that rekindles much of the excitement from that earlier show. True Detective Hasn't Been The Same Since Season 1 Ended It is worth addressing as well that True Detective did go on to create more stories than just what plays out in season 1. But, it's also clear that the show peaked early, and that first season managed to capture something that no subsequent season has been able to recreate. Unfortunately, season 2 ended up creating a much more divided response, with many returning audiences deeply disappointed in what was perceived as a sharp drop in quality in terms of the storytelling, and the atmosphere that managed to define the show appeared to almost entirely disappear. Later seasons fared better, but nothing has quite come to the same level as that initial entry. Meanwhile, Mindhunter manages to deliver a very similar sensation thanks to an expertly crafted narrative, with an effortlessly perfect partnership at the helm of the show in Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, all built around a concept that immediately grabs audience attention and does not let up. Mindhunter's attempt to get inside the minds of the killers and profile serial murderers serves as a powerful engine for a story that deserves at least a similar level of affection and praise as the outstanding premiere season of True Detective. Release Date 2017 - 2019 Network Netflix Showrunner Joe Penhall Cast Holt McCallany Bill Tench Directors David Fincher, Carl Franklin, Andrew Dominik, Andrew Douglas, Asif Kapadia, Tobias Lindholm Writers Joe Penhall, Jennifer Haley, Joshua Donen, Courtenay Miles, Carly Wray, Pamela Cederquist Creator(s) Joe Penhall