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 Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll’s capture in 2003.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?
It should of keep going,but to bring Joe back,without him it better be canceled,that character was heart of the show.
Loved the show. Yes it was gruesome, but kept me riveted – on the edge of my seat. They were all excellent actors/actresses. I originally watched it because of Kevin Bacon, but then became enthralled with the story. Edge of my seat all the time.
Should NOT have been cancelled.
Sad to see The Following canceled. This series was innovative, suspenseful and keep me on edge every episode. I believe this is a mistake by FOX.
I don’t care what other people think I LOVED the following It shouldn’t have been cancelled.
Definitely should not have been cancelled! The show was an awesome, edge of your seat series. That show could’ve gone on for many more seasons. Maybe the producers will reconsider and get on with it. There’s nothing worse than when a great show gets to its climax and then disappoints the faithful viewers with an unexplained cancellation!
I am still upset about the Following being canceled. But I’ve found new shows on other channels that I am enjoying. Will NOT watch Fox again. They can take their new stupid shows and can them.
RENEW FOR 4SEASON.GIVE IT ANOTHER CHANCE!!!!!!
Another huge mistake by the network, canceling one of their most exciting and thrilling shows. I can only hope they replace it with more reality garbage.
I followed Ryan Hardy faithfully. Please don’t cancel the series.
shudnever beencanceed kee it coming bring bck joe carrollswife n kid been in hiding hehe
YES!! Awful tv show! I could not believe Kyra Sedgewick gave up Major Crimes so Kevin Bacon could do this tv series. Really?!
No, I am not a fan of serial killers who are the main characters and plot line of a tv series. There was another tv series a few years back with a similar plot.
Maybe he will find a good script now, he’s a great actor.
Extremely disappointed that The Following has been cancelled. Was a great show!! Couldn’t wait for the season premiere and just looked it up and saw the bad news.
I am very disappointed to hear that they cancelled the show. All the good show they always seem to cancelled. Bring it back
Every show I watch which isn’t many… Has been cancelled… This really sucks.
I can’t believe it’s been cancelled!! I was patiently waiting for the new season to begin and just found out it’s been cancelled! Why? Whose stupid idea was that?!! Please bring it back! It was one of the best shows on TV. I so looked forward to Monday nights at 9 to watch this show. I love Kevin and the whole cast! Bring it back!!!