'True Detective' season 3 news: Fate of series still undetermined as official word has been given about possible renewal

The first season of HBO's "True Detective" undeniably set the bar high for crime anthologies. The cinematography was superb, imagery searing, and the lead actors, Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, undoubtedly gave the performances of a lifetime. However, things went haywire by the time season 2 started airing.

"True Detective" season 2 saw big-name stars getting together for a highly-anticipated follow-up to Nic Pizzolatto's brainchild. There was Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, and Vince Vaughn rounding up the frontline. Unfortunately, the show lacked an effective ingredient that would have made it click with most viewers.

The Independent has reported that a third season seems improbable for "True Detective" not only because of the poor reviews it has gotten but also because writer Pizzolatto is poised to work on a new series, also from HBO, following the internal changes in the network.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, HBO's longtime programming head, Michael Lombardo, would start handling other projects for the network. In that light, 12-year network veteran Casey Bloys would assume the position Lombardo vacated.

In the new structure, Bloys would be handling HBO's documentaries, sports, films, miniseries, and Cinemax programming and would report directly to CEO Richard Plepler. Under Bloys, the decision regarding the fate of "True Detective" season 3 is expected to be made.

Still, some are hopeful the show would come back for a third offering especially since Crossmap has reported that it has been renewed until 2018. Moreover, it is an anthology; a complete, standalone series that doesn't depend on its predecessor as far as plot or storyline goes.

Speculations are rife that HBO is allowing Pizzolatto to dabble in a new, unrelated series to prep him for "True Detective" season 3. They believe that by focusing on something else, Pizzolatto would be able to give his best when he starts writing season 3's story.

HBO has not given any official word regarding "True Detective" season 3, so in the meantime, the series is considered complete and done until the studios announce a renewal.