Netflix Viewers Are Staying Up Until 6AM Watching This Addictive Crime Thriller, And Fans Say They Simply Cannot Stop
Some Netflix viewers have found themselves watching well into the early hours of the morning after discovering a psychological thriller that keeps them hooked from one episode to the next. The series has even prompted one viewer to admit he had to force himself to go to bed at 6am because he could not stop watching.
The show in question is The Following, a crime thriller starring Kevin Bacon that originally aired on Fox between 2013 and 2015. Despite ending years ago, the series is still attracting attention from viewers looking for their next gripping television obsession.
With Netflix regularly adding films and TV shows to its catalogue, deciding what to watch next can be a challenge. New releases often arrive throughout the week, while Netflix originals typically launch globally on Fridays. But when it comes to finding something worth binge-watching, recommendations from fellow viewers can be just as influential as the latest releases.
That was exactly what happened when a man named Robert turned to TikTok to ask for suggestions. In his post, he challenged users to recommend a Netflix series so addictive that it would keep him watching until 3am, desperately wanting another episode.
The response quickly filled with suggestions, and The Following emerged as one of the titles repeatedly mentioned.
One viewer shared just how difficult the series was to put down, writing: “The Following, had to make myself go to bed at 6am could not stop watching! A 10/10.”
Another simply recommended The Following on Netflix, while a third agreed with the suggestion but admitted they were not impressed by the ending.
The reactions suggest that, for some viewers, the show’s suspense and unsettling storyline make it particularly easy to lose track of time. However, opinions on how the story ultimately concludes are not unanimous.
What Is The Following About?
Created by Kevin Williamson, The Following is an American psychological thriller that debuted on Fox in 2013 and ran until 2015. During its run, the series received three awards and 14 nominations.
Set across New York City, Virginia and Maryland, the drama follows Ryan Hardy, played by Kevin Bacon, a former FBI agent drawn back into a dangerous investigation after notorious serial killer Joe Carroll, portrayed by James Purefoy, escapes from prison.
Hardy soon discovers that Carroll’s threat extends far beyond his own actions. During his time teaching and while incarcerated, Carroll developed connections with people who shared his disturbing interests. These followers form a cult of killers, allowing him to exert influence even when he is not directly involved in a crime.
One of his closest allies is Emma Hill, played by Valorie Curry, who becomes his right-hand woman as his network of devoted followers grows.
The danger escalates when Carroll’s son, Joey Matthews, portrayed by Kyle Catlett, is abducted by members of the group. As Hardy and the wider FBI team investigate, they begin to uncover how the kidnapping fits into Carroll’s broader plan.
His ultimate aim is to escape custody and reunite with his former wife, Claire Matthews, played by Natalie Zea. What begins as a hunt for an escaped serial killer develops into a much larger battle against a network of dangerous individuals prepared to carry out his plans.
Across its three seasons, The Following builds its tension around Hardy’s efforts to anticipate Carroll’s next move while confronting the reach of the killer’s influence. The investigation becomes increasingly complicated as the FBI attempts to understand the group and prevent further violence.
Where Can You Watch The Following?
For anyone tempted to find out what has kept viewers watching until sunrise, The Following is available to stream on Netflix with a subscription.
Viewers can also watch all three seasons for free with advertising through Channel 5. Alternatively, Amazon Prime offers the series to stream with a subscription, or viewers can purchase individual episodes starting at £2.49 and complete seasons starting at £19.99.
Digital downloads and box sets are also available to purchase through the Apple TV Store and Sky Store.
With all three seasons available to revisit, the series offers plenty of episodes for viewers looking for a crime drama to get lost in. And judging by the reactions from those who have already watched it, anyone starting the series late at night might want to think twice before pressing play on the next episode.