TV Shows That Were Too Disturbing To Finish

Like Mindhunter, Dexter, and Hannibal, HBO's True Detective earns its disturbing label for highlighting just how wretched human beings can be to one another. The first season starred Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Louisiana State Police homicide detectives Rustin "Rust" Cohle and Martin "Marty" Hart. In 1995, they investigated the murder of prostitute Dora Lange, and must revisit the case 17 years later. Season two stars Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, and Taylor Kitch, and tells the story of three cooperating police departments investigating connected murders.

The drama sure is a downer — the characters' lives aren't exactly enviable, for sure. But it's the crimes they investigate that might make it a little hard for some viewers to handle. There's gang rape, creepy cult murders, and women being treated generally like crap. Season 1 of this series was called some of the best television in years, while season 2 received mixed reviews. The third season, starring Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, has garnered more positive reactions.