The famous series, True Detective, became a phenomenon for its slow-burning pacing and psychological depth. Each season focused on a new detective solving a case, with the first season starring Matthew McConaughey. Now, plenty of series have tried to replicate that same atmosphere, but few have come as close as the 2017 Canadian thriller starring Billy Campbell.

What makes the series more fascinating is the way it builds an unsettling atmosphere and tension while giving its characters real depth. So, here is why this crime drama is a brilliant watch for anyone who loved every season of True Detective.

Cardinal is one of the most intriguing crime drama series based on Giles Blunt's famous novels. It follows Detective John Cardinal, played by Billy Campbell, who is a brilliant investigator struggling with his own personal issues. The series places a strong focus on the emotional toll of its investigations, while its cold, snow-covered setting adds another layer of atmosphere and tension.

Deeply committed to the victims and determined to find out the truth, Cardinal is portrayed as a compassionate and empathetic detective. And he is joined by Detective Lise Delorme, played by Karine Vanasse, whose warmth brings a contrast to the fictional northern Ontario city of Algonquin Bay. Across its four seasons, the series follows Cardinal as he investigates complex cases. 

In the first season, he is on the hunt for a meticulous serial killer, while the second season focuses on ritualistic murders connected to the criminal underworld. The third season shifts its focus toward Cardinal's personal life and his family, while the fourth season explores another investigation involving crime, politics, and revenge. While speaking of performances, Campbell brings a raw intensity and emotional depth to the role.

Delorme is equally essential to the series, serving not only as his investigative partner but also as its emotional anchor. While Cardinal has its own identity, its brooding atmosphere, character-driven storytelling, and haunting tone make it one of the closest crime dramas to True Detective and well worth watching. The series is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. 

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Now, the crime fiction genre has plenty more to offer such as yet another thrilling show following a spy, Black Doves.

Black Doves is a British spy thriller starring Keira Knightley as Helen Webb, who is a spy living a double life as the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence. She secretly works for the Black Doves organization. But when her cover is threatened, the organization assigns assassin Sam Young, played by Ben Whishaw, to protect her.

The series is set in London and features espionage, action, and emotional drama. And the show is directed by Joe Barton. While Black Doves is a good watch for those who love spy action thrillers, Cardinals instead places the entire focus on its detective and how he deals with his cases in the dark and cold world.

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Have you watched Cardinals? Let us know your thin the comments.