True Detective is a compelling crime drama series, featuring a different storyline and new characters each season. The show initially gained acclaim for its debut season, which followed two Louisiana detectives navigating a murder investigation which spanned multiple years. Later seasons maintained the show's allure, delving into the psychological depths of characters and examining themes of morality and corruption.
The series originally aired on HBO and can still be found on Max. The only problem is Max no longer offers a free trial to try out the platform (at least not technically). So, you’re probably wondering, where can I watch True Detective online for free? We highlight your top 2 options for watching True Detective without paying a dime.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream launched in 2016 and since then has made a name for itself due to its impressive channel coverage. DirecTV, with nearly 30 years of satellite TV experience, provides a diverse content selection with everything from sports to children’s programming. It’s also one of the few streaming services that offers a free trial for Max, which you’ll need to watch True Detective.
DirecTV Stream free trial
DirecTV Stream’s free trial is on the shorter side, but it still gives you 5 days to try out the platform. The good news is the free trial is available at every tier, so you can get 5 days of any channel package. The other good news? You can also include a 3-month free trial of Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, and MGM+ with each package so you get 5 free days of those premium channels too!
To avoid being charged, just be sure to cancel your free trial before within those 5 days. Click here to learn more about the DirecTV Stream free trial.
DirecTV Stream plans and pricing
As mentioned above, DirecTV Stream offers 4 different channel packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier—and each package comes with 3 free months of premium networks, including Max. We suggest the Premier option since it comes with the most channels, and the free trial is available for it as well.
DirecTV Stream Entertainment
Try 5 days free
- 75+ channels
- Stream on unlimited devices at home
- Unlimited DVR space
$84.99/month
DirecTV Stream Optimo Mas
- 100+ live TV channels
- Spanish and English programming
- Three months of Max free
- Unlimited DVR space
$86.99/month
DirecTV Stream Choice
Try 5 days free
- 105+ live channels
- Unlimited DVR space
- Includes regional sports networks
- Three months of Max free
$114.99/month
DirecTV Stream Ultimate
Try 5 days free
- 140+ live channels
- Unlimited DVR space
- Includes regional sports networks
- Three months of Max free
$129.99/month
DirecTV Stream Premier
- Unlimited DVR space
- 150+ channels
- Includes Max Cinemax SHOWTIME and STARZ
- Includes regional sports networks
$169.99/month
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video began as Amazon Unbox in 2006 and later became part of the Amazon Prime subscription service. Now recognized among the top three video-on-demand platforms alongside Netflix and Hulu, it offers a vast selection of on-demand content, including critically acclaimed original series and a large library of movies for additional purchase or rent.
Amazon Prime Video isn’t just a great choice for cord-cutters seeking quality on-demand entertainment—it’s also one of the only streamers that offers a Max free trial, so you can start watching True Detective.
Amazon Prime Video free trial
Amazon has one of the most generous free trial offers across streamers. If you sign up for Amazon Prime, you get a 30-day free trial that gives you access to Prime Video and other perks, like free delivery.
Perhaps the best part of Prime Video is that it offers a free 7-day trial to Max, something that Max doesn’t even offer on its own, making it a great addition to your Prime Video trial.
Amazon Prime Video plans and pricing
Amazon technically only offers one plan for Prime Video. However, if you’re willing to pay just a few bucks more, you can get Amazon Prime, which not only includes Prime Video but also free 2-day shipping on eligible purchases.
Prime Video
- On demand content
- Stream on three screens
$8.99/month
Lisa Holden • Author
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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