Disappointed By True Detective: Night Country? Check Out These Amazing Female-Driven Shows

The trailers and premiere episode of True Detective: Night Country gave many crime drama fans a reason to be hopeful. Not only was the iconic show returning after a five-year hiatus, but the new season brought a female energy with new showrunner Issa López, two female leads played by fan favorite Jodie Foster and TV newcomer Kali Reis, and a focus on indigenous women.

However, viewers' excitement waned as the new episodes rolled out. And the finale left many scratching their heads. The main mystery was solved, but the way the characters behaved and the plot developed disappointed numerous viewers, who didn't hesitate to write scathing reviews.

If you're among those frustrated by the way the new season of True Detective unfolded, don't be too discouraged. Here are six other crime dramas created and led by women that can wash out that bad taste of Night Country.

Murder at the End of the World (2023)

Created by Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Where to stream: Hulu

This mystery, set in an isolated Arctic compound, has a psychological and sci-fi twist. Emma Corrin stars as Darby Hart, an amateur sleuth who solved a series of murders in the past and wrote a book about it. In the present, she is invited to a billionaire's secluded hotel where another murder occurs.

Deadloch (2023-present)

Created by Kate McCartney & Kate McLennan

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to stream: Prime Video

This Australian comedy police procedural actually has something in common with Night Country. The two lead detectives (Kate Box & Madeleine Sami) investigating the shocking murder in a sleepy town are opposite in character and investigative style. The show also features cut-out tongues and actually gives them a reason to exist.

Top of the Lake (2013-2017)

Created by Jane Campion & Gerard Lee

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Vudu

Elisabeth Moss is the champion of female-led projects (think The Handmaid's Tale). In Top of the Lake, she plays a Sydney detective who comes to her hometown for a personal reason and ends up investigating the disappearance of a 12-year-old pregnant girl, while also confronting her own past trauma.

Sharp Objects (2018)

Created by Marti Noxon

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Amazon. Prime Video, Vudu

Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, this miniseries features an amazing cast and a story that is hard to put down. Amy Adams' protagonist, an alcoholic reporter with mental health issues, returns to her hometown to investigate the murders of schoolgirls. There, she must confront her overbearing mother (Patricia Clarkson) and demons from her past.

The Killing (2011-2014)

Developed by Veena Sud

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Vudu

Easily one of the best crime dramas around, American The Killing is based on the popular Danish series. Mireille Enos stars as Sarah Linden, a tortured detective investigating the disappearance of a local girl in a gritty Seattle setting.

Happy Valley (2014-2023)

Created by Sally Wainwright

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Vudu

With three seasons under its belt, Happy Valley is the perfect show to turn to for a dose of top-notch crime drama. The lead character, played by Sarah Lancashire, is a perfect blend of your favorite police detectives. She is messed up by personal tragedy and not afraid to push the envelope, but she is insanely good at her job and at dealing with the locals.