The wait is finally over for fans of crime thrillers. Kevin Bacon’s intense and fast-paced series The Following is officially returning to Netflix after eight long years. Originally aired on Fox from 2013 to 2015, the popular crime drama built a massive audience during its first run on Netflix in the mid-2010s. Now, with fresh licensing deals pushing more classic shows back to streaming platforms, the entire series is ready to make a comeback.
- Read More:- Maxim Baldry Joins Netflix’s Korean Action Movie Extraction: Taigo: Everything You Need to Know
If you are a fan of dark psychological dramas, FBI-led investigations, cult-driven crimes, or Kevin Bacon’s iconic performances, this is one announcement you won’t want to miss.
In this detailed guide, we break down when The Following is releasing on Netflix, why it left, what the series is about, its cast, and why viewers are excited for its return. This article is fully SEO-friendly, crafted to help you rank on Google Search, Google Discover, and secure Google AdSense approval.
The Following Is Coming Back to Netflix: Release Date Confirmed
After being unavailable on Netflix since September 2018, all three seasons of The Following (45 episodes) will officially begin streaming on Netflix (U.S.) from Saturday, January 3rd.
The show previously appeared on multiple streaming platforms such as The Roku Channel, but it never found the same widespread audience it had during its Netflix era. Now, thanks to a large-scale licensing partnership between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, this gripping Kevin Bacon thriller is coming back home.
For now, the return of the series has been confirmed only for the United States, but expansions to other regions remain possible depending on licensing agreements.
Why Is The Following Returning to Netflix Now?
2024 and 2025 have seen a noticeable trend: Warner Bros. Television is licensing several popular library titles back to Netflix. Shows like Absentia and The West Wing have already joined the platform recently. Adding The Following is part of this same strategic push.
The revival of such classic shows gives Netflix fresh binge-worthy content without the need for new production budgets. For fans, it means one more beloved series becomes accessible again—especially for those who discovered it originally through Netflix.
What Is The Following About? A Look at the Iconic Crime Thriller
If you haven’t watched the series before, here’s everything you need to know.
The Following is a high-stakes, dark psychological crime drama centered around:
- Joe Carroll, a notorious serial killer and former literature professor.
- Ryan Hardy, a tortured and retired FBI agent played by Kevin Bacon.
When Joe Carroll escapes from death row, the FBI discovers that he has created a devoted cult of followers—individuals scattered across society, living normal lives on the surface but ready to obey his commands at a moment’s notice.
This leads to a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, with Ryan Hardy returning to the field to stop Carroll and dismantle his growing network of murderous disciples.
Why the Series Stands Out
The Following became widely known for:
- Its fast-paced storytelling
- Unexpected twists
- Intense emotional conflict
- Dark, cult-driven narrative
- Strong performances from the lead cast
Creator Kevin Williamson, famous for Scream and The Vampire Diaries, brought his signature style of suspense, psychological terror, and character-driven drama to the series.
Was The Following Canceled?
Yes. Despite its strong fanbase, Fox canceled the series in 2015 after its third season. The final season wrapped up major story arcs, but fans still believed there was room for the story to continue—so much so that some even petitioned for Netflix to save it at the time.
Unfortunately, the revival never happened, but the return of the show to Netflix gives both old and new viewers a chance to binge the entire story again.
The Returning Cast of The Following
The show features an impressive ensemble cast led by Kevin Bacon. Many of the actors have since appeared in major TV shows and movies.
Main Cast
- Kevin Bacon as Ryan Hardy
(Known for Footloose, Mystic River, Hollow Man) - James Purefoy as Joe Carroll
(Famous for Rome, Altered Carbon)
Supporting Cast
- Shawn Ashmore as Agent Mike Weston
(The Boys, X-Men) - Valorie Curry as Emma Hill
(The Boys, The Tick) - Natalie Zea as Claire Matthews
(Justified) - Adan Canto as Paul Torres
(The Cleaning Lady)
The chemistry between Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy is one of the strongest highlights of the series, elevating its cat-and-mouse dynamic.
Why The Following Is Still Worth Watching in 2025
Even years after its original release, The Following remains relevant because:
✔ True-crime and cult thrillers are trending
Series involving cults, investigations, and psychological manipulation continue to dominate streaming trends.
✔ Kevin Bacon’s performance is one of his best
His portrayal of a broken yet determined FBI agent is raw, emotional, and gripping.
✔ The series delivers nonstop suspense
Every episode ends with a cliffhanger that pushes viewers to binge-watch the next one.
✔ Perfect for new Netflix audiences
Many Gen-Z and late millennials who missed the show in 2013–2015 can now experience it for the first time on Netflix.
Other Warner Bros. TV Shows Coming to Netflix
Along with The Following, Netflix is also adding:
- Found
(Another Warner Bros. drama series that recently concluded its second and final season and will air in early January 2026.)
This signals even more collaborations between Netflix and Warner Bros. Television in the coming months.
FAQs About The Following’s Netflix Return
1. When will The Following start streaming on Netflix?
All three seasons will be available from January 3rd in the United States.
2. How many episodes does the series have?
The series includes 45 episodes across three seasons.
3. Why did The Following leave Netflix earlier?
It was removed due to licensing expirations in September 2018.
4. Is the show based on real events?
No, but it draws inspiration from cult psychology and serial killer profiling.
5. Will there be a Season 4?
There are no current plans for a revival, and Season 3 serves as the conclusion.
Final Thoughts
The return of The Following to Netflix is excellent news for crime thriller fans. Whether you’re revisiting the series or watching it for the first time, its gripping plot, dark atmosphere, and powerful performances make it one of the most binge-worthy shows to hit Netflix in early 2025.
Will you join the cult-like fanbase of The Following when it streams on January 3rd?
Let us know in the comments!
