'True Detective' Season 4: Cast, release date, how to watch new 'Night Country' episodes

Acclaimed crime anthology series "True Detective" is set to return after a nearly five-year hiatus when its fourth season, "Night Country," premieres on Sunday.

And as the title suggests, the violent subject matter won't be the only thing dark about the premise. Centering around some strange disappearances, Season 4 of creator Nic Pizzolatto's murder mystery series is set in the 24-hour darkness of an Alaskan winter.

Helmed by writer/director Issa López, "True Detective: Night Country" stars Academy Award-winner Jodie Foster, who also executive-produced the season.

In a review, USA TODAY critic Kelly Lawler said the show's latest installment "grips you with bitterly cold hands, and won't let go" and hailed it as a stunning return to form that matches the debut season.

Here's everything to know about "True Detective: Night Country."

'True Detective' Season 4 release date: When does 'Night Country' premiere?

"True Detective: Night Country" premieres at 9 EST/PST Sunday on Max and will run weekly for six episodes.

What is 'True Detective: Night Country' about?

The story is set in Ennis, Alaska during a period of winter in which the sun never rises and darkness reigns over the frozen tundra. Amid the never-ending night, eight men who operate a research station in a remote town vanish without a trace.

The small town's Chief of Police, Liz Danvers (Foster) is called upon to investigate the case, which may be tied to the murder of a young Alaskan Native climate activist six years prior. The cold case is one that state trooper Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) has never forgotten as she joins the investigation.

How can I watch the new season of 'True Detective?'

The series will air on HBO's TV channel and will available to stream on Max, HBO's streaming platform.

Plans begin at $9.99 a month with ads, which allows users to stream on up to two devices at one time. Ad-free subscriptions are $15.99 a month, which includes the additional ability to download up to 30 titles to watch on the go. The highest tier, which is $19.99 per month, includes the ability to stream on four devices and offers 4K Ultra HD video quality and 100 downloads.

Cast of 'True Detective' Season 4

Here's a list of actors and the characters they portray in "True Detective: Night Country:"

• Jodi Foster as Det. Liz Danvers
• Kali Reis as Det. Evangeline Navarro
• Finn Bennett as Peter Prior, Liz Danvers' protégé
• John Hawkes as Hank Prior, a police officer
• Christopher Eccleston as Ted Connelly, the regional chief of police
• Fiona Shaw as Rose Aguineau, a survivalist
• Anna Lambe as Kayla Malee, a young nurse
• Aka Niviâna as Julia, Navarro's sister
• Isabella Lablanc as Leah, Danvers' stepdaughter
• Joel Montgrand as Eddie Qavvik, Navarro's love interest

'True Detective: Night Country' trailer

HBO released the trailer for "True Detective: Night Country" on Dec. 4.

Watch it here:

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com