'Best TV show ever made' is 'masterpiece' detective series fans can't get enough of

Serial bingewatchers have debated the best television series over the years from The Sopranos to Game of Thrones and The Wire. But in a recent Reddit discussion amateur sleuths said there is a five-star detective series which is often overlooked. The show was initially conceived as a novel but the creator opted to pursue a television concept. The American anthology crime drama first aired in 2014 and starred leading actors Woody Harrelson (played Martin "Marty" Hart) and Matthew McConaughey (played Rustin "Rust" Cohle). Fans have continued to heap praise on the first season of True Detective. As one Reddit user gushed: "Why is no one mentioning True Detective season 1? It's so good." Another replied: "Masterpiece really," while a third echoed: "It's basically the godfather of TV."

The first season of True Detective follows two officers as they try and solve their most notorious case - the murder of a sex worker by a potential serial killer with disturbing occult leanings. The HBO series, created by Nic Pizzolatto, leaves viewers on the edge of their seats as detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart investigate a series of gruesome murders that span over 17 years. The narrative is framed within two time periods: the original investigation in 1995 and the re-opening of the case in 2012. The eight-part series, set in Louisiana, sees a web of deceit, corruption and sinsiter cults as the detectives discover that the murders are connected to a series of disappearances and the abductions of children.

Viewers have continued to rave about the first series despite three more seasons being released.

The show has also received a near perfect score of 92 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes as one fan wrote just last month: "True Detective Season 1 is a masterpiece of television you will never forget once you watch. While only 8 episodes this season has a lasting impact on television that many shows don't. The Last Episode Alone is one of the best in TV history. Must watch for crime lovers."

Another agreed: "Best first season of television I've ever seen. Too bad the rest don't come close."

A third penned: "The absolute best show I have ever seen. Never really found my genre in TV until I watched this one. An absolute masterpiece that has it all, from storyline to the acting. Nic pizzolato, Matt M, Woody H, I cannot thank you enough. WOW!"

A fourth shared: "One of the best shows I have watched in a while this season was generational."

"A freaking masterpiece," another agreed, while a sixth added: "This season is one of the best shows in TV history. It's up there with all the greats. Mesmerising. It's a role defining performance by McConaughey. TV at its best."

You can watch all seasons of True Detective in the UK by streaming them on NOW or via a Sky Atlantic subscription