Network: FOX
Episodes: 45 (hour)
Seasons: Three
TV show dates: January 21, 2013 — May 18, 2015
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Shawn Ashmore, Annie Parisse, Adan Canto, Kyle Catlett, Natalie Zea, Nico Tortorella, and Valorie Curry.
TV show description:
This psychological thriller begins when a notorious serial killer, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), escapes from death row. The FBI calls in former agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) to consult on the case. Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll’s capture in 2003. Carroll had murdered 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature.
Hardy is a walking textbook of all-things Carroll and knows him better than anyone else. He may be Carroll’s only psychological and intellectual match. But the Ryan Hardy who broke the Carroll case years ago isn’t the same man today. Wounded both physically and mentally by his previous pursuit of this serial killer, it’s been a long time since Hardy has been in the field. Could this be his redemption?
In contrast to the original investigation of years ago, Hardy isn’t calling the shots anymore. He works closely with an FBI team, which includes young, razor-sharp Mike Weston (Shawn Ashmore) and FBI Specialist Debra Parker (Annie Parisse), who’s brought in to lead the investigation into Carroll and his followers — serial killers that secretly live among us.
Although Weston seems to idolize Hardy, most of the team considers him to be more of a liability than an asset. But Hardy proves his worth when he uncovers that Carroll was covertly communicating with a network of followers in the outside world. It quickly becomes obvious that he has more planned than just a prison escape.
The FBI’s investigation leads Hardy back to Claire Matthews (Natalie Zea), Carroll’s ex-wife and the mother of their young son, Joey (Kyle Catlett). Close during Hardy’s initial investigation, Hardy turns to Claire for insight into Carroll’s next move.
The tension rises when Carroll’s accomplices kidnap his intended last victim (Maggie Grace) a decade earlier. Hardy becomes ever more determined to end Carroll’s game when he realizes that the psychopath intends to finish what he started.
The drama follows Hardy and the FBI as they are challenged with the ever-growing web of murder around them. It’s all orchestrated by Carroll who dreams of writing a novel with Hardy as his protagonist. Since anyone anywhere could be one of Carroll’s serial killer followers, Hardy and the FBI have a hard time knowing who they can trust.
Episode #45 — The Reckoning
The FBI hunt for Theo continues and the stakes are higher than ever as some of their own come under attack. As suspicions rise, alliances are shaken and no one is safe in the series’ harrowing final heart-stopping moments.
First aired: May 18, 2015.
What do you think? Do you like The Following TV series? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a fourth season?
The Following is my favorite show and I certainly agree with the comments above. I am so tired of investing in a great series with great writing only to have FOX not back their shows and the fans…I for one will not invest in anymore Fox drama series. I had recorded the Messengers but read online that it had been cancelled by the 3rd show so I erased them without watching and so glad I had not become invested in another. I will miss looking forward to the start date of next season’s first episode of The Following. You people… Read more »
Save The Following! Add my vote! So creepy good! Never missed an episode either. Didn’t think it could last when Joe killed off, but great writing….new bad guy is wonderfully evil too! C’mon Fox, or some other network!
I cannot believe this show is being cancelled without a conclusion! We are fed up with faithfully tunning in to a particular show each week & it just abruptly ends with no conclusion! We have decided to NEVER watch another series on Fox no matter how appealing the cast may be!
Definitely should not cancel the Following. Best series on Fox.
Great idea guys, yep we will stop watching Fox too. Pretty much the only thing worth watching on Fox. It was very well written and directed. And I also think that family guy is one of the stupidest shows and wouldn’t let my family watch it if I was paid. Yep, this makes me very upset. If Foxx does not bring it back then it would certainly be a shame. A lot of it’s followers will be very disappointed!
I liked it. Never missed an episode. During most of the episodes my husband and I were both glued to the screen and on the edge of our seat even on many. Yes, I definitely wish there would be a season 4. I would hate to see the show end like that. It feels like it was abrupt and there is no closure.
The following was very good. Bring it back!!
I can’t believe they canceled The Following! They always cancel the best shows and leave the junk! They should bring it back!!
Great show. Fox is making a mistake in cancelling.
Awesome show!!! bring it back for at least 6 more seasons.
So sad way to mess stuff up FOX.
NO !!!! PLEASE bring it back , I have watched this show from the beginning and it’s a great show !!! How can we get it back on ? There must be a way ?
Yes, there has to be a way!!! Come on Fox!!!
Such a GREAT SHOW. It was one of the best on TV. FOX is clearly proving they don’t know quality since they’re cancelling The Following! It was well-written and always kept the viewer thinking and wanting more!
Each episode always became a cliffhanger! No other show was like it. Last episode begs for a continuation ….. PLEASE!!!!
Very disappointed that Fox has decided to cancel The Following. The series was well written (until that final episode which was rushed and choppy)and left you on the edge of your seat. Hoping that Fox will reconsider your decision of cancellation.
This is my third and last comment. Its obvious that the powers to be at FOX don’t give a damn what we want or what we think. There has been no explanation at all given to all of us fans of The Following who kept the show on for 3 seasons, loved the show, and loyally watched it every Monday night. I am tired of asking why it was cancelled. Its pretty clear that we are being ignored as if our opinions don’t matter. I’d hate to see the outpouring of explanations if a truly great show like Family Guy… Read more »
YES! I totally agree with everything you said. I won’t start watching any new shows on Fox because of this. So, that means Fox is totally out. The only thing I still watch is MasterChef
I loved Master Chef but if its on FOX I won’t watch it.
I agree…so many stupid shows and they cancel the well written shows that make us think. Implies what the average American audience wants to watch. We are being spoon fed stupidity.