The Following (2013)
A notorious serial killer escapes death row, pulling an FBI team into a relentless, chilling cat-and-mouse game.
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.
How intense is The Following?
The Following is mildly scary, with graphic gore and brutal violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is relentless, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated TV-14.
What The Following feels like
- Tone
- suspensefulgrittytensechilling
- Pace
- Relentless
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Following
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 14, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Following for you?
Is The Following scary?
Only a little. The Following has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Following gory or violent?
Graphic gore (2 of 3) and brutal violence (3 of 3). If graphic gore is a dealbreaker, skip it.
Is The Following sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Following OK for kids?
It is rated TV-14. Intensity: scare 1, gore 2, violence 3, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is The Following?
Episodes run about 43m.
Where can I stream The Following?
The Following is streaming on Netflix, The Roku Channel, Plex and Tubi.
Does The Following have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves things open rather than tying them up.
Cast and crew
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