‘Incredibly gory’ horror series finally returns to completely free UK streaming service
The US horror-thriller has mixed reviews, but is adored by many.
Kevin Bacon’s three-season horror-thriller, The Following, has landed on the newly rebranded 5 streaming service in the UK.
The three-season US show, which ran from 2013 to 2015, revolves around former FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin) in pursuit of the charismatic serial killer, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy).
Throughout 45 episodes, the crime thriller introduces tense action sequences, complicated cat-and-mouse chases and even has time to sprinkle in some dramatic love stories.
Although the notoriously violent show, from Scream creator Kevin Williamson, was ultimately cancelled there’s still plenty to get your teeth into.
‘The twists were tremendous, the acting excellent. Incredibly gory and scary,’ Rotten Tomatoes user Donald S wrote.
‘Probably my favorite show of all time! Each episode keeps you on edge from start to finish! The flow of it is so unreal! Feels like each moment needs your attention. Always something important is going on,’ Allen P echoed.
The show has been praised for its twists and turns, and great acting (Picture: Outerbanks Entertainment/Wb Tv/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)‘One of the best series I have ever watched every episode was exciting and kept you wanting more . I loved every minute the twists and turns thrown in amazing all the cast played their role amazingly,’ Amy S praised.
‘I thought this show started fantastically. It had some of the classic cop show tropes of no backup ever but the suspense and left turns were there and the acting was great,’ another anonymous user echoed.
‘Best series I have seen for years. Definitely not for the squeamish though. So many twists and turns, you never know who is going to be a goody or baddie. Amazing acting, James Purefoy is brilliantly evil!’ another user agreed.
However, the show may not be for everyone.
The Following has an average 66% audience score on RT with some calling the show ‘farcical’, ‘highly implausible’ and a ‘pretentious mess’ – particularly in regards to the cult storyline pivotal to the first season.
So, viewers may want to proceed with caution to see whether it is their cup of tea.
The show ran for three seasons and has mixed reviews (Picture: Outerbanks Entertainment/Wb Tv/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock) It is available to stream on the newly-rebranded 5In an interview with Collider about the show in 2013, the Footloose star explained exactly what drew him to it.
‘I liked this one. This was the one that had the biggest combination of things. It had a great showrunner and a complex heroic character.
‘I wanted to do something heroic and play somebody that was damaged. And it had life-or-death stakes. That’s what I got for this,’ he said.
The box set joins several others such as Dexter and The Good Wife as part of Channel 5 and My5’s relaunch as a united linear and streaming brand, 5.
It will also introduce plenty of fresh content, including The Feud starring Jill Halfpenny and the sweeping six-part period drama, The Forsytes, as well as the return of hit series All Creatures Great and Small.
The Following is available to stream on 5 now.
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