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The Following 2013

“Killer instinct.”

★ 6.9/10 · 599 votes TV-14 CrimeDrama 3 seasons · 45 eps Canceled
Community & Your Rating
★ 6.9/10
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Quick answer

What is The Following?

The Following is an American crime thriller television series created by Kevin Williamson. The series follows a former FBI agent as he tries to help recapture a notorious serial killer.

Type
TV series
Year
2013
Status
Canceled
Episodes
45
Runtime
43 minutes
First aired
Jan 21, 2013
Last aired
May 15, 2015
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
FOX
Genres
Crime, Drama
Updated
Streaming Intelligence

Binge-Worthiness & Content Radar

85 /100 Highly Bingeable
⚡ Pacing & Momentum8.6/10
🧠 Narrative Depth8.9/10
🔄 Rewatch Potential7.7/10
🎬 Production Scale8.7/10
🎯 Bingeable Series #Crime #Drama
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Estimate the schedule using 45 episodes and an average 43-minute runtime.

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Overview

The Following is an American crime thriller television series created by Kevin Williamson. The series follows a former FBI agent as he tries to help recapture a notorious serial killer. The FBI calls upon the former agent to consult on the case, as he was responsible for the serial killer's capture. The serial killer, Joe Carroll, escapes from death row and the FBI works to piece together the web of murders he orchestrates. The series stars Kevin Bacon as the former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy, and features a cast including James Purefoy and Shawn Ashmore. The Following was jointly produced by Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. The series explores the cat and mouse game between the FBI and the serial killer, who has assembled a cult of followers. The show is a psychological thriller that combines elements of horror and literary allusion.

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Should you watch it?

“A former FBI agent is recalled to duty when a notorious serial killer escapes death row.”

Reasons to watch
  • intense cat-and-mouse dynamic
  • fast-paced procedural elements
Keep in mind
  • contains graphic depictions of violence

Watch it if you enjoy high-stakes crime dramas featuring complex rivalries between investigators and criminals.

The series contains intense violence and mature themes related to serial murder.

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Your verdict

Is The Following worth watching?

Cast

Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

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Binge Efficiency Engine

Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by serialized narrative importance. Skip standalone side quests and streamline your binge.

29%
71%
Mytharc (13): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (32): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
Season 1 · 15 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 15 episodes
Season 3 · 15 episodes
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

What is the premise of the series?

A former FBI agent is brought back to track down an escaped serial killer he previously captured.

Who is the primary antagonist?

The antagonist is Joe Carroll, a former literature professor and convicted serial killer.

Who assists the lead investigator?

The protagonist works alongside an FBI team including Mike Weston and Debra Parker.

What is the history between the lead characters?

The lead investigator was responsible for the initial capture of the serial killer in 2003.

What is the killer's background?

Joe Carroll was a college professor who was convicted of murdering 14 female students.

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