Production of "True Detective" season 3 has been shelved for a long time. The loyal fans of the HBO series have not yet given up on the possibility of a comeback and neither does HBO. Cary Fukunaga, however, will not be coming back.

"True Detective" season 2 received less than stellar reception from viewers, as opposed to the hit and popular season 1. When this happened, the future of season 3 remains to hang in the balance, but HBO is not entirely giving up on the series just yet.

The giant television network is still open to producing "True Detective" season 3, GameNGuide reported. According to HBO, the critically acclaimed TV series is one of the network's major shows it produced.

Season 1 had become such a cult hit that it would be blasphemy not to follow it up with another season. Unfortunately, the second installment did not create much buzz. The show's ratings plunged considerably hurting its entire future.

The report pointed out that the reception for the second "True Detective" could be largely because of the fact that the story was rushed. There was not ample time to develop the new plot before it was aired.

It is now certain that season 3 won't be shown this year, avid viewers can hope that HBO would release the third installment in 2017. In fact, Casey Bloys, the programming president of HBO, confirmed that "True Detective" will definitely be back on TV.

Bloys also revealed that Nic Pizzolatto, who is busy at the moment, is still on board in creating the new season. However, Pizzolatto cannot commit at this time because of a project he is helming with Robert Downey, Jr. The 41-year-old creator may just supervise the production and the team may have to find a new screenwriter.

Meanwhile, the first season director, Cary Fukunaga, expressed his non-intention to return and helm the third season. Fukunaga said he had only signed to do the first season, the Business Standard said.

"I feel like I have done the noir. There is no noir currently in my slate so if I ever get that itch again, may be. But not for now," reiterated the 39-year-old director.