The Following (2013)

Synopsis

Notorious serial killer Joe Carroll, after being found guilty of murdering 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature, escapes from death row. The FBI calls former agent Ryan Hardy to consult on the case, as he was the one responsible for Carroll’s capture in 2003. Ryan, working closely with an FBI team, including Mike Weston and FBI Specialist Debra Parker, piece together the ever-growing web of murders orchestrated by the devious Carroll.

Watch the trailer

Where to watch

Stream

• Netflix
• Netflix Standard with Ads
• Howdy Amazon Channel

Buy

• Amazon Video
• Apple TV Store
• Google Play Movies
• Fandango At Home

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Kevin Bacon as Ryan Hardy
• James Purefoy as Joe Carroll
• Shawn Ashmore as Mike Weston
• Valorie Curry as Emma Hill / Denise Harris
• Jessica Stroup as Max Hardy
• Sam Underwood as Mark Gray
• Gregg Henry as Dr. Arthur Strauss
• Natalie Zea as Claire Matthews
• Annie Parisse as Debra Parker
• Zuleikha Robinson as Gwen

If you liked The Following, try

• Criminal Minds
• The Blacklist
• Bones
• Dexter
• Numb3rs
• Animal Kingdom
• Hannibal
• Goliath

BingeNext's take

If you’re into crime dramas that keep you on the edge of your seat, The Following is a gripping choice. It follows former FBI agent Ryan Hardy, played by Kevin Bacon, as he hunts down Joe Carroll, a serial killer who escaped death row and is behind a string of chilling murders. The show dives deep into the cat-and-mouse game between Hardy and Carroll, with plenty of twists that make it hard to look away. With three seasons and 45 episodes, it’s a solid binge that feels intense and suspenseful without dragging. Fans of shows like Criminal Minds or Dexter will find a familiar vibe here, especially if you like stories that mix psychological tension with procedural elements. The cast does a great job bringing the complex characters to life, making it feel personal and urgent. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a dark, thrilling ride through the mind of a criminal mastermind.