That makes it the best debut for a new HBO show since 2014’s premiere of “True Detective,” which also drew 3.3 million viewers multiplatform.

In this way, "True Detective" season 1 is itself the best explanation of the concept of time being a flat circle. It's always there, waiting for our next rewatch.

There’s no denying it, True Detective Seasons 1 and 3 take place in the same timeline. That alone might be exciting enough for some fans, but this connection goes a lot deeper.