Watch The Following

The Following is an intense thriller series that originally aired on FOX from 2013-2015. The show features an exceptional cast led by Kevin Bacon as Ryan Hardy, a former FBI agent who is brought back into the fold to track down a serial killer named Joe Carroll (James Purefoy).

What follows is a complex and gripping story that examines the lengths to which people will go for love, revenge, and power. The show is exceptionally well-written, and the performances are top-notch throughout. The main attraction, of course, is the cat-and-mouse game between Ryan and Joe, which is equal parts thrilling and unnerving.

The show begins with the capture of Joe Carroll, who is put away for the murder of several young women. Ryan Hardy plays a crucial role in tracking down Carroll, and his expertise ultimately leads to the serial killer's arrest. However, Hardy knows that Carroll is a dangerous and intelligent criminal who might have other plans in store.

Indeed, it's not long before Ryan's darkest fears are realized: Carroll has a vast network of followers who are willing to carry out his twisted plans even from behind bars. We soon discover that Carroll is more than just a run-of-the-mill serial killer—he's a charismatic and manipulative cult leader who has amassed a legion of devoted followers.

The story shifts into high gear as these followers begin to carry out their own macabre acts, all under the influence of their idolized leader. Hardy is brought back into the fold to help stop Carroll's reign of terror, but he soon realizes that the stakes are much higher than he initially thought.

As the series progresses, we're introduced to a wide range of fascinating characters. Shawn Ashmore plays Mike Weston, an FBI agent who works alongside Hardy to catch Carroll and his followers. Sam Underwood shines as Luke and Mark, twin brothers who are among Carroll's most loyal disciples. Jessica Stroup plays Max Hardy, Ryan's niece and a detective who becomes caught up in the hunt for Carroll.

The standout performances come from James Purefoy and Kevin Bacon. Purefoy is utterly captivating as the charming and manipulative Joe Carroll. Whether he's preaching his twisted ideology or committing horrible acts of violence, Carroll is always mesmerizing to watch. Bacon, meanwhile, is perfect as the grizzled and world-weary Ryan Hardy. He brings depth and nuance to every scene, and it's impossible not to root for him as he battles to keep his demons at bay while saving innocent lives.

Valorie Curry is also fantastic as Emma Hill, one of Carroll's original followers who becomes a significant character in her own right. Nico Tortorella is excellent as Jacob Wells, another of Carroll's disciples who finds himself at odds with his own beliefs. The show does an excellent job of making even the villains sympathetic and complex, which only adds to the tension and drama.

The Following is a dark show that tackles some heavy subject matter. It's not for the faint of heart, as there are plenty of gruesome murders and shocking twists throughout. However, the violence is never gratuitous or excessive—it's always in service of the story and the characters.

What makes the show so compelling is the way it explores issues of trust, loyalty, and obsession. The characters are all flawed and damaged in their own ways, which makes them all the more relatable. Even when they do something stupid or immoral, we can understand why they're doing it.

Overall, The Following is a gripping and exceptionally well-crafted thriller. Whether you're a fan of the genre or just looking for a suspenseful and thought-provoking series to binge-watch, this show is well worth your time. It's a shame it only got three seasons, but it's definitely one of the best shows of its kind in recent years.

The Following is a series that ran for 3 seasons (46 episodes) between January 19, 2013 and on FOX