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 Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll’s capture in 2003.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?
I am so sad it was cancelled this series had me on the edge of my seat every week. It was almost “hard” to watch, it was so powerful. I love Kevin Bacon!
This was one of the best on television! It should not be cancelled!
Should have never been cancelled. This was an awesome series, all the cast were great too. Bring back a season 4
Disappointed ….was so looking forward to the return of the Following!!! Kept my interest with every showing
We need another season of the following. Good series.
I want season 4!!!!
Scariest series I have ever watched and loved every minute! Sometimes I had to turn on the lights in the middle of the night to fetch a glass of water. The actors and acting, absolutely superb and cult story ……very very good and probably very real, hence, I haven’t been this scared in a long time.
i THINK THE FOLLOWING SHOULD HAVE BEEN RENEWED. I LOVE THE SHOW AND ALL THE MADINESS. kEVIN BACON IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ACTOR. I REALLY ENJOYED SEEING HIM. PLEASE BRING IT BACK
I was watching for The Following to start this year. I believe it was very unfair to cancel such an excelent show, especially without doing a final episode that tied up all the loose ends. Shame on FoX.
Omg I have been waiting for the following to come back. I did not know it ended. WHY. It was s different and great show bring it back
Why did you cancel the following.the movie is cool and smart. Strange things. Happen each day. In several places all over the world. Pls Fox renew the TV. SHOW
Cancelled the two best shows the Following and Stalker, absolutely gutted. All the rubbish gets renewed and the good stuff cancelled!
The Following is absolutely AMAZING! The writing, actors the visuals all needs to live on with or without FOX. I hope the writer will take this show to NETFLIX or somewhere that will help this show continue to thrive as the viable commodity it is. Network television is consistently missing the mark by spitting in the faces of their fans by cancelling hit shows. Fire the exec that made this decision as easily as you fire your fans that you take for granted. PLEASE give us our show back, somehow.
I Love this show.. shows shouldn’t be cancelled over their ratings.. All People are different and like different things… A LOT of People like The Following for A Lot of Reasons… someone should pick this show up for MORE Seasons.. Excellent Show!!
I love it keep me guessing into the end to know who’s good and who’s bad please do not canceld