It is not uncommon now to hear some variation on the saying that television is seeing its second Golden Age. Neither is it uncommon to hear HBO named in connection with that proclamation.

From The Sopranos, to Six Feet Under, to True Blood and Game of Thrones, the premium cable network has displayed a uniquely consistent ability to impress critics and home audiences alike. Lavish praise has been thrown at all of the aforementioned shows, as well as at countless other HBO programs, past and present, such as Big Love, Girls, and The Wire. In fact, more than one well-respected news source called The Wire the greatest TV show of all time.

That is not a phrase thrown around lightly in the often fickle world of TV and film critics.

One of the network’s newest shows, True Detective, is doing its part to continue that streak of garnering almost universal praise. Not only is it coming in at the top of many of the top TV critics’ year end best-of lists, but it had no problem bringing its share of viewers to the network. The dark crime drama brought in nearly 11 million viewers per episode and when the season one finale aired, the immense traffic crippled HBO’s servers and crashed their site.

True Detective is cited as a success for various reasons and many of them for what makes it unique. For instance, it was one of the first of a growing number of what are called anthology series, somewhat like the FX network’s American Horror Story. The anthology series upends the traditional approach to serial television by introducing new characters and stories each season. True Detective takes that approach one step further by introducing an entirely new set of actors each season.

In fact, the HBO show’s only unifying feature is its sole writer and creator, novelist Nic Pizzolatto and the fact that a single director, Cary Fukanaga, directed each of the first season’s eight episodes. Fukanaga won an Emmy for his work on True Detective and the show is nominated for multiple Golden Globes.

Another of True Detective‘s unique aspects, and a benefit of the anthology series, is the A-list talent it has attracted. Hollywood actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson both starred in the show as its two leads. This rare feat of television casting piqued interest in the show months before it aired. Also, neither actor is returning for the second season and cited their ability to turn down commitments for multiple seasons as a major reason to do the show.

Another anthology series, Fargo, which consequently also topped many critics’ year end lists, starred Billy-Bob Thornton as its lead actor. Like McConaughey and Harrelson, he is traditionally known for his starring roles in Hollywood films and  won’t be returning for Fargo‘s second season.

True Detective‘s second season begins in the summer of 2015 and as reported, has four leads. Each one is a Hollywood actor best known for their work in major box-office hits. Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch and Colin Farrell have all been announced in starring roles. With a cast of such well-known names building a steady buzz for the show, it would stand to reason HBO will continue its streak as a major player in television’s second Golden Age.