The latest installment of the acclaimed HBO series, “True Detective: Night Country,” is currently unfolding on Max, with three episodes remaining to unravel the enigmatic mysteries of Alaska. For those who don’t have a subscription, here’s some exciting news: the inaugural episode is now available for free online viewing!

Helmed by writer, director, showrunner, and executive producer Issa López, known for “Tigers Are Not Afraid,” “Night Country” features the stellar cast of Jodie Foster and Kali Reis.

Set in Ennis, Alaska, as the long winter night descends, the narrative kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of the eight men operating the Tsalal Arctic Research Station. Detectives Liz Danvers (played by Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (portrayed by Reis) find themselves entangled in a web of darkness, both within themselves and the haunted truths concealed beneath the eternal ice, as they strive to crack the perplexing case.

The premiere episode, available above with age restrictions, launches this season-long, genre-bending mystery, reminiscent of events in “The Thing” or the Dyatlov Pass Incident.

Issa López wears multiple hats as the showrunner, writer, and director for all episodes. The ensemble cast includes John Hawkes, Christopher Eccleston, Fiona Shaw, Finn Bennett, and Anna Lambe.

This season marks the departure of creator Nic Pizzolatto, with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson returning as executive producers, and Foster also serving as an executive producer. The original “True Detective” premiered on HBO in 2014, with subsequent seasons not quite matching the acclaim of the inaugural outing.

“Night Country” is anticipated to establish connections with the first season, as López revealed in a recent interview, expressing it as a “love letter” to the elements that resonated in the initial season.

Catch new episodes of “True Detective: Night Country” every Sunday at 9 PM ET, exclusively on Max.