Can't Wait For New True Detective Episode? 7 Great Shows To Pass The Time

HBO's True Detective is back after a five-year hiatus, and the new season, titled Night Country, seems to be everything fans have been hoping for.

The eerie atmosphere of a small Alaskan town, a terrifying mass murder, occult and paranormal references, a brilliant, troubled protagonist played by Jodie Foster. So far, there's only one major complaint: we can't binge-watch the whole season in one sitting.

If you find the wait for the next episode unbearable, here are seven great shows with similar vibes to help take your mind off True Detective.

Murder at the End of the World (2023)

IMDb: 7.1/10

Where to stream: Hulu

Last year's limited series is a perfect suggestion for those who enjoy the arctic element of Night Country. Set in a remote Icelandic estate, the investigation of a Gen Z amateur sleuth is reminiscent of Agatha Christie's famous closed-circle mysteries, but with a dash of thrilling weirdness.

Fortitude (2015-2018)

IMDb: 7.3/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies

This three-season psychological thriller is probably the closest thing to Night Country in terms of atmosphere. A series of violent and increasingly strange deaths occur on the isolated Norwegian Arctic island, where nothing terrible has ever happened before. As the secrets of the island's inhabitants come to the surface, you expect something supernatural to happen at any moment.

The Killing (2011-2014)

IMDb: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, Netflix

The show is inspired by the popular Danish TV series of the same name. And it manages to convey its dark, cold vibe and slow-burning mystery. However, it changes the story of an investigation into a teenager's disappearance, making it more character-driven and hair-rising.

Mare of Easttown (2021)

IMDb: 8.4/10

Where to stream: Max, Prime Video, Apple TV

This miniseries has everything you could possibly want from a small-town crime drama: a twisty murder, shocking revelations, complicated family drama, and a brilliantly messed-up protagonist-detective (played by the amazing Kate Winslet) who can't help but remind you of Jodie Foster's Liz Danvers.

Broadchurch (2013-2017)

IMDb: 8.4/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies

David Tennant and Olivia Colman on screen together in a small-town drama? Yes, please. Aside from the compelling murder mystery (a local boy is strangled to death) and truly terrifying twists, the show explores the theme of grief, which sets it apart from similar projects.

The Bridge (2011-2018)

IMDb: 8.6/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Apple TV, Netflix

The Swedish-Danish noir series has spawned many remakes, but the original remains one of the best police procedurals around. Set in two Nordic countries and led by a quirky female detective, the series delves deep into complicated cases, politics, family drama, and moral choices, delivering some truly shocking moments along the way.

Fargo (2014-present)

IMDb: 8.9/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, Google Play Movies

Of course, the best way to take your mind off one crime anthology is to get hooked on another. Fargo is your best bet here, especially since its new season just wrapped. Unlike True Detective, Noah Hawley's small town stories are satirical and full of black comedy. The show is not afraid to play with the supernatural, but it does so in a whole new way.

True Detective Season 4, Episode 3 airs Sunday, January 28th at 9:00 pm ET on HBO, with subsequent streaming availability on Max.