When 'True Detective' first debuted on the small screen for HBO from creator Nic Pizzolatto, Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey fronted the show as detectives Marty Hart and Rust Cohle respectively and impressed critics and viewers alike with their brooding, dark and infectious performances.

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in 'True Detective'Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in 'True Detective'

Combining that with the brilliant writing and cinematography, and the series quickly proved it was one of the best crime shows the television has ever seen. Picking up a BAFTA for Best International Programme, as well as an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and four more Emmys from the Creative Arts event in 2014, it was clear that this was a show worth celebrating.

As an anthology series, the characters introduced in season 1 didn't return for season 2, instead having a whole new cast brought to the show. That time round, critics didn't love what the series had to offer, and news surrounding season 3 quickly dispersed. Now though, with a third season in the works at HBO, talk is turning towards whether the future of the series could see fan-favourite characters make a comeback.

Speaking with Yahoo! Entertainment, Harrelson made it clear that he wouldn't be returning to the franchise if asked, explaining: "I don’t see doing that. No. Because it went very well the first time and if we come back around to it, what else are you going to hear but, ‘Not as good! Just wasn’t as good. Boy, you guys were good before, but this time...’ I don’t want to even hear that."

Though McConaughey hasn't made the same type of statement, we just couldn't imagine him making a return to the franchise as Cohle without his partner. Still, following his season 1 performance we imagine he's definitely going to be a part of future discussions for writers in the near future.

More: 'True Detective': Our Top 10 Rust Cohle Quotes

We'll bring you more news on the future of 'True Detective' as and when we get it.