True Detective backdrop
DramaMystery

The Best Episodes of True Detective Season 3

Every episode of True Detective Season 3 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of True Detective Season 3!

Binge this in 7h 46mPeaking at 8.5/10

An American anthology police detective series utilizing multiple timelines in which investigations seem to unearth personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within or outside the law.

Airs on

Seasons4

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    True Detective Season 3 Episode 1 - The Great War and Modern Memory
    8.5/10(11998 votes)

    #1 - The Great War and Modern Memory

    S3:E1

    The disappearance of a young Arkansas boy and his sister in 1980 triggers vivid memories and enduring questions for retired detective Wayne Hays, who worked the case 35 years before with partner Roland West. What started as a routine case becomes a long journey to dissect and make sense of the crime.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. True Detective Season 3 Episode 2 - Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
    8.0/10(9530 votes)

    #2 - Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye

    S3:E2

    Hays looks back at the aftermath of the 1980 Purcell case in West Finger, Arkansas, including possible evidence left behind at the Devil's Den. As attention focuses on two conspicuous suspects--Brett Woodard, a solitary vet and trash collector, and Ted LaGrange, an ex-con with a penchant for children--the parents of the missing kids, Tom and Lucy Purcell, receive a cryptic note.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. True Detective Season 3 Episode 3 - The Big Never
    7.7/10(8572 votes)

    #3 - The Big Never

    S3:E3

    Hays recalls his early romance with Amelia, as well as cracks in their relationship that surfaced after they married and had children. Ten years after the Purcell crimes, new evidence emerges, giving him a second chance to vindicate himself and the investigation.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. True Detective Season 3 Episode 4 - The Hour and the Day
    8.0/10(8321 votes)

    #4 - The Hour and the Day

    S3:E4

    Hays and West see a possible connection between the local church and the Purcell crimes. As the detectives search for one suspect and round up another for interrogation, Woodard is targeted by a vigilante group.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. True Detective Season 3 Episode 5 - If You Have Ghosts
    8.3/10(8422 votes)

    #5 - If You Have Ghosts

    S3:E5

    Wayne finds himself in a no-win situation as new clues emerge in the Purcell case. Roland wrestles with how to keep evidence secure as lawyers demand a new investigation. Amelia finds her relationship with Wayne imperiled by her writing aspirations and his jealousy.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. True Detective Season 3 Episode 6 - Hunters in the Dark
    8.3/10(8129 votes)

    #6 - Hunters in the Dark

    S3:E6

    Wayne and Roland revisit discrepancies in the Purcell case that were hidden or forgotten over the years. Among those being reevaluated is Tom Purcell, as well as Lucy Purcell’s cousin, Dan O’Brien. The glitter of Amelia’s book release is tarnished by a voice from the past.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of True Detective

    READ
  8. True Detective Season 3 Episode 7 - The Final Country
    8.5/10(8360 votes)

    #7 - The Final Country

    S3:E7

    Following up on new leads, Wayne and Roland track down a man who left the police force in the midst of the Purcell investigation. Meanwhile, Amelia visits Lucy Purcell’s best friend in hopes of gaining insights into the whereabouts of the mysterious one-eyed man.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. True Detective Season 3 Episode 8 - Now Am Found
    8.0/10(10515 votes)

    #8 - Now Am Found

    S3:E8

    Wayne struggles to hold on to his memories, and his grip on reality, as the truth behind the Purcell case is finally revealed.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 3 Ratings Summary

"The Great War and Modern Memory" is the best rated episode of "True Detective" season 3. It scored 8.5/10 based on 11998 votes. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier and written by Nic Pizzolatto, it aired on 1/13/2019. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye".