'True Detective' season 3 premiere news update: Series still hangs in the balance; HBO's programming head still undecided about renewal

"True Detective" season 3's fate still hangs in the balance even though the series has been renewed until 2018. Apparently, there's a deeper reason why production of the third season hasn't been given the green light yet, and unless showrunner Nic Pizzolatto is able to do something about it, a cancellation would be imminent.

It was previously reported that poor ratings and negative reviews were partly to blame for the poor reception of "True Detective" season 2 despite its powerhouse cast that included Vince Vaugh, Colin Farrell, Taylor Kitsch and Rachel McAdams. Fans felt that the anthology's second season wasn't able to live up to the standard set by the first season, which starred Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. It seems it lacked the depth and philosophical nature of the maiden season.

Aside from that, internal movements on HBO's side put Pizzolatto in charge of a new series. Some feel that giving Pizzolatto a break from the crime-drama would give him a fresh head once he starts writing the third season, something he wasn't able to do for season 2.

According to Movie News Guide, Michael Lombardo, HBO's long-time programming head admitted that they pressured Pizzolatto to release season 2 sooner than scheduled since they wanted to take advantage of the hype that the first season built. The rushed production of season 2 proved to be the catalyst for its "demise."

Another reason could be Cary Fukunaga's exit from the show. Fukunaga was at the helm of most of season 1's episodes, but apparently, there was something brewing between him and Pizzolatto, which prompted him to leave. The entire second season of "True Detective" only had Pizzolatto at the helm, and many see this as another viable explanation for why the show suffered in terms of quality.

Lombardo has since moved to hold another position, handing over the reins of programming to Casey Bloys. Now it would be up to Bloys to decide if "True Detective" season 3 would be given the green light or not.

In the meantime, with no word regarding its renewal, "True Detective" is considered "complete and done."