Netflix just added a must-binge crime thriller series — and it gets seriously dark

Shawn Ashmore, Kevin Bacon, and Jessica Stroup in "The Following" show (2013) — (Image credit: Giovanni Rufino / FOX)

A new month means the biggest streaming service adds a bunch more movies and shows to its lineup. If you’re still winding down from the post-holiday chaos, there are plenty of new additions worth adding to your Netflix watchlist this week, and that includes “The Following.” Originally airing on Fox from 2013 to 2015, this crime thriller ran for three seasons, with a story that gets darker with every episode.

“The Following” isn’t exactly original TV, given how many crime shows revolve around serial killers and police chases, but the storytelling is full of clever reversals and surprises that keep the tension high. Add in one of Kevin Bacon’s most intense roles to date, and you have a gripping show that makes for great weekend (or evening) viewing. With 45 episodes now streaming on Netflix, you won’t run out of suspense anytime soon.

If you’re curious about the details before fully committing to three seasons, here’s everything to know about “The Following” now that it’s dropped on Netflix.

What is ‘The Following’ about?

“The Following” centers around former FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), who is pulled back into duty when notorious serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), whom he once captured, escapes from prison. Carroll is a charismatic ex‑English professor who spent his time behind bars building a network of devoted followers willing to carry out his directives.

After his escape, these followers commit violent acts and abductions to further Carroll’s plans, including efforts tied to his personal life. Hardy, alongside current FBI agents Mike Weston (Shawn Ashmore) and Debra Parker (Annie Parisse), races to track down Carroll and dismantle his growing circle.

Should you stream ‘The Following’ on Netflix?

Before getting into the show’s details, it’s worth noting that “The Following” was canceled after three seasons due to declining ratings, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth watching. Season 3 attempted to tie things together, but it felt rushed and left several character arcs unresolved. While it delivers tension and twists right to the end, it’s not a show with a neatly wrapped conclusion. If you’re okay with that, “The Following” still makes for highly bingeable TV.

“The Following” is worth streaming if you enjoy shows that lean into dark, intense, serial‑killer vibes, and naturally, you’ll want to see what happens next after every plot twist. Kevin Bacon gives a very compelling performance as the ex‑FBI agent trying to catch a sadistic killer and the cult of followers he’s built. That said, because of the nature of these crimes, the show can get pretty violent and twisted, which might not be for everyone. At its core, “The Following” is a classic battle of good versus evil, just like many crime shows.

Kevin Bacon in "The Following" show (2013) — (Image credit: Giovanni Rufino / Warner Bros. Television / FOX)

Kevin Williamson, the mind behind “Scream,” brings his horror expertise to this crime thriller, along with his experience for stretching a story across a TV series like he did in “Dawson’s Creek.” But in this case, “The Following” might have worked better as a limited series, since it can start to feel repetitive and sometimes implausible as the story continues, with much of the focus staying on the same killer. On top of that, the show often leans heavily into graphic killings, which can border on excessive.

Still, “The Following” proved to be a success when it first aired in 2013, and it holds some decent ratings. Season 1 earned 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site’s critics consensus reading: “The Following is a grisly and violent thriller with some great twists and fine acting.” If you’re looking for a show that will efficiently creep you out, you can’t go wrong here.

Stream "The Following" seasons 1-3 on Netflix now.

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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