Overview and show status
The Following is a serialized psychological thriller about former FBI agent Ryan Hardy pursuing cult leader Joe Carroll, a convicted serial killer who inspires a following of copycat murders. The series ran on Fox from 2013 to 2015 across three seasons. Netflix carried the series in some regions, and the availability of specific seasons varied by licensing. Season 4 was never produced by the original network; the show concluded after season 3 on Fox. On Netflix (where available), the remaining seasons can be streamed or downloaded depending on regional licensing.
Key cast and main characters
The ensemble cast centers on the conflict between agent Ryan Hardy and the charismatic antagonist Joe Carroll. Performers include James Purefoy as Joe Carroll, a brilliant but dangerous cult leader; Kevin Bacon as Ryan Hardy, the profiler tasked with stopping Carroll; and supportive roles played by Jennifer Ferrin, Shawn Ashmore, and Sam Underwood in various seasons. These characters drive the pursuit-driven narrative across the series’ run.
Season structure and episode count
Season 4 does not exist as an official production. The series concluded after three seasons on Fox. On streaming platforms that carried the show, seasons are labeled by their original production number. Below is a concise reference for the official seasons that are commonly referenced in streaming catalogs:
| Season | Episodes | Original network | Typical streaming label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 15 | Fox | Often labeled as production season 1 |
| Season 2 | 15 | Fox | Often labeled as production season 2 |
| Season 3 | 20 | Fox | Often labeled as production season 3 and series finale |
Where to find the series on Netflix
Netflix libraries vary by region due to licensing. In some countries, selected seasons may appear under “The Following.” To locate the show:
- Use the search bar for “The Following.”
- Check the Netflix category “TV shows” and browse by series.
- Review regional catalogs or use Netflix’s filter for seasons available to stream or download.
If a season is not listed, it may not be licensed in your territory at that time.
How to download for offline viewing
On supported devices and plans, you can download eligible episodes or entire seasons for offline viewing within the Netflix app:
- Open the Netflix app and sign in.
- Navigate to The Following and select a season or episode.
- Tap the download icon (a downward arrow) available on eligible titles.
- Access downloads from the menu in the Netflix app.
Downloads are typically available for the duration of your membership and may expire if licensing terms change.
Evergreen details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series lifespan | 2013–2015 (3 seasons on Fox) | Official network information |
| Season 4 produced? | No | Network and studio announcements |
| Episodes, season 1 | 15 | Network/season listings |
| Episodes, season 2 | 15 | Network/season listings |
| Episodes, season 3 | 20 | Network/season listings |
| Streaming availability | Varies by region; check Netflix catalog | Netflix catalog and licensing notes |
Summary and practical takeaways
The Following is a completed three-season thriller that remains available to stream in many regions on Netflix, where licensed. There is no season 4 produced by the original network; the three-season run concludes the central story of agent Ryan Hardy and antagonist Joe Carroll. Viewers can stream or download available seasons on Netflix depending on regional rights, and offline viewing is supported on compatible devices through the Netflix app.