HBO says next ‘True Detective’ shaping up to be better than the first

The second season of the buzzy anthology drama “True Detective” is shaping up as one that will serve a Big Hug Mug-worth of greatness -- at least, that’s what HBO executives are saying.

On the heels of the eight-parter’s impressive showing in Emmy nominations, HBO bosses Richard Plepler and Michael Lombardo told reporters Thursday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour that the first two scripts for the sophomore outing are on track to be better than the first.

“The two scripts we have … I hate to jinx it … they are more exciting than the first season,” said Lombardo, HBO’s programming president. “[Creator Nic Pizzolatto is] an incredibly talented writer.”

The first season featured Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as two detectives -- each with their own style -- investigating a serial killer. It had viewers intrigued, and ready to analyze every word spoken and every frame shot.

The second season has already generated buzz, with users of social media offering their pairing suggestions for the second chapter. “We’re going to do the next season with puppets,” Lombardo joked.

More seriously, Lombardo said casting announcements could come as soon as next week. Pizzolatto has said in interviews that there are four central roles and that the story will be set in California.

And just as the first round boasted A-listers Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, the next iteration will star some well-known names.

“But that wasn’t our ambition,” Lombardo insisted. “I think great writing attracts great acting.”