The Following: Season 1
Season 1 follows former FBI agent Ryan Hardy as he is pulled back into a violent investigation after the notorious serial killer Joe Carroll escapes from death row. Carroll, who was convicted of murdering fourteen female students at a Virginia college where he taught literature, had been captured in 2003 through Hardy’s efforts. The FBI contacts Hardy to consult on the case, hoping his knowledge of Carroll’s methods
Season overview
Season 1 follows former FBI agent Ryan Hardy as he is pulled back into a violent investigation after the notorious serial killer Joe Carroll escapes from death row. Carroll, who was convicted of murdering fourteen female students at a Virginia college where he taught literature, had been captured in 2003 through Hardy’s efforts. The FBI contacts Hardy to consult on the case, hoping his knowledge of Carroll’s methods will help stop further killings. As the investigation progresses, Hardy discovers that the murders are not the work of a single perpetrator but are being coordinated by a growing cult of followers loyal to Carroll. The season depicts Hardy’s struggle to confront the expanding network of killers while confronting the personal trauma of his earlier pursuit of Carroll. The narrative emphasizes the escalating threat posed by the cult and the challenges faced by the FBI as they attempt to dismantle it, positioning the series as a crime‑drama that blends elements of horror and suspense.
Episodes
Pilot
Jan 21, 2013 · 46 min
Former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy is called out of retirement to track down Joe Carroll after he escapes from prison. Hardy works closely with an FBI team, which includes young, razor-s
Chapter Two
Jan 28, 2013 · 44 min
Ryan Hardy, Agent Mike Weston and FBI Specialist Debra Parker, who is brought in to lead the investigation into Joe Carroll and his followers, dive deeper into the history of Carro
The Poet's Fire
Feb 4, 2013 · 44 min
A new follower is found in Rick, who is on a determined path to follow through on Carroll's orders. Hardy and the FBI attempt to predict Rick's course of revenge, which leads to a
Mad Love
Feb 11, 2013 · 44 min
Maggie devises a plot to put an end to Hardy. Meanwhile, tension rises as Paul reveals a secret that Jacob has been keeping from Emma and more information about Hardy and Claire's
The Siege
Feb 18, 2013 · 44 min
When Claire receives a phone call that may lead her to find her son, the FBI and Ryan Hardy set their next move into motion, causing panic at the farmhouse. Meanwhile, Joe Carroll
The Fall
Feb 25, 2013 · 44 min
Joe Carroll's true intentions are revealed through a new follower, Charlie. As Ryan learns of Joe's plans, he tries to stall Emma, Jacob and Paul by taunting them in hopes of turni
Let Me Go
Mar 4, 2013 · 42 min
With the help of attorney Olivia Warren, Joe Carroll makes a case against Ryan and the FBI to be transferred to a different facility, but Ryan suspects a larger plan may be at play
Welcome Home
Mar 11, 2013 · 44 min
With Joey Matthews still missing and the search for Joe Carroll escalating, the FBI brings in Nick Donovan to run lead on the case, much to Ryan and Parker's dismay. Meanwhile, a f
Love Hurts
Mar 18, 2013 · 43 min
With Weston still in the hospital, Ryan and Parker attempt to outsmart their new leader Nick as a way to continue their search. In a surprising move, Joe reaches out to Ryan to dem
Guilt
Mar 25, 2013 · 44 min
After discovering Claire's location, Joe sends two followers to capture her, but Ryan may be one step ahead. Meanwhile, Jacob struggles with recent decisions causing his reunion wi
Whips and Regret
Apr 1, 2013 · 44 min
After losing Claire to Joe's followers, Ryan and Parker attempt to recover while the FBI tracks down an undercover location that may have dark ties to Joe's following. Meanwhile, C
The Curse
Apr 8, 2013 · 44 min
Ryan and the FBI discover a follower who might be able to lead them to Joe Carroll's location. Agent Weston returns to the case but his run-in with the cult may have had a bigger i
Havenport
Apr 15, 2013 · 44 min
The Havenport Police Department is brought onto the case and Roderick's role as sheriff is called into question, which leads him to make a shocking decision that threatens the safe
The End is Near
Apr 22, 2013 · 44 min
Ryan, Parker and Weston prepare to storm the follower's mansion, but Joe already has an escape plan in action. Meanwhile, disguised followers create a diversion at the town evacuat
The Final Chapter
Apr 29, 2013 · 43 min
In the explosive Season One finale, Ryan races to stop Joe Carroll before his endgame reaches a deadly conclusion. Meanwhile, Joe leads Claire to a special location and the ultimat