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TV / Thriller Shows

Why Fox Canceled Kevin Bacon's The Following After Three Seasons

Kevin Bacon's series "The Following," despite a strong start fueled by Kevin Williamson's (of "Scream" fame) writing and Bacon's star power, was canceled after three seasons. This article explores the reasons behind its cancellation.

Why Fox Canceled Kevin Bacon's The Following After Three Seasons
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Key Insights

  • "The Following" premiered strongly in 2013, becoming the highest-rated new series among adults 18-49 in its first season.
  • Viewership declined steadily over the three seasons, from 15.10 million viewers in the season 1 premiere to 5.10 million by the end of season 3.
  • The show's cancellation wasn't due to content concerns, despite criticism regarding its graphic violence.
  • Potential transition to Hulu was considered but ultimately scrapped.

In-Depth Analysis

The series, created by Kevin Williamson, featured Bacon as former FBI agent Ryan Hardy, tracking serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy). Its debut was lauded, with Entertainment Weekly naming it one of the "9 hot new shows." The initial success was driven by a compelling story and Kevin Bacon’s involvement, marking his significant venture into TV. However, the show struggled to maintain its viewership. While the first season captivated audiences, subsequent seasons saw a considerable drop. The second season introduced new characters and storylines, but the decline continued. By the third season, despite attempts to refresh the narrative, the ratings couldn't justify renewal. The series faced some criticism for its graphic content, though this wasn't cited as a reason for its cancellation. Ultimately, the simple reason was the inability to retain viewers after the initial successful season.

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FAQ

Why was "The Following" canceled?

Declining viewership over its three seasons led to its cancellation.

Did the show face any controversy?

It faced criticism regarding its graphic violence, but this didn't appear to factor into the cancellation decision.

Takeaways

  • Initial popularity doesn't guarantee long-term success for TV series.
  • Maintaining viewership is crucial for network shows, even with strong DVR/on-demand performance.
  • Creative risks, like graphic violence, don't necessarily lead to cancellation if viewership remains strong.

Discussion

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Disclaimer

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