The Mysterious Cancellation of Kevin Bacon’s ‘The Following’
In the world of television, a show’s cancellation can often provoke a whirlwind of emotions amongst its fans and cast. Such was the case with The Following, a crime thriller series starring the charismatic Kevin Bacon. We delve into the intricacies surrounding the cancellation of this compelling series after just three seasons, highlighting industry trends, viewership statistics, and network decisions.
The Premise of ‘The Following’
Premiering on January 21, 2013, The Following quickly captured audience attention with its unique premise. The show follows a former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy (played by Bacon), who is brought back to track down a notorious serial killer named Joe Carroll (portrayed by James Purefoy) after Carroll escapes from prison. What sets The Following apart from other crime dramas is its exploration of cult dynamics, psychological manipulation, and the dark depths of obsession.
Initial Success and Ratings
Upon its debut, the series saw strong ratings, attracting an impressive number of viewers. The first season’s shocking twists and intense cliffhangers garnered a large enough audience to prompt Fox’s immediate renewal for a second season. The program echoed a pulse—thrilling, engaging, and at times, deeply unsettling. It garnered a dedicated fanbase who rallied around its edgy storytelling and complex characters.
Drastic Changes in Viewership
However, as with many shows, the initial popularity began to dwindle. The drop in ratings for the second season raised eyebrows. Metrics showed that while the first season averaged about 10 million viewers per episode, by its third season, The Following was struggling to linger above the 3 million mark.
Critically, the show also began to receive mixed reviews. While Bacon’s performance remained commendable, some critics highlighted that the plot became convoluted and difficult to follow, especially in its second and third seasons. The narrative’s inability to maintain momentum contributed immensely to the declining viewership figures.
Fox’s Strategic Decisions
Television networks are often faced with high-stakes decisions about which shows to continue. Fox, like all networks, continuously evaluates the financial viability and audience engagement of their programming. Despite The Following still having notable star power, the tangible decline in viewership numbers raised major flags. The network was at a crossroads: keep investing in a series that was steadily losing its audience or invest in new shows that could potentially generate higher ratings.
In the world of primetime television, viewership is not just about the number of people watching; it’s also about ad revenue. Lower ratings meant fewer advertisers, which translates into reduced revenue streams. For Fox, the demand to deliver high-rated content became paramount.
Changes in Programming and Competition
As The Following was winding down, the television landscape was more competitive than ever. New shows with fresh concepts were being introduced, vying for viewer attention. Series like Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead were setting benchmarks for storytelling and captivating audiences in a way that made surviving shows like The Following seem increasingly outdated. The pressure on networks was enormous; they needed to adapt quickly to maintain relevancy and ratings.
The Impact of Streaming Services
The emergence and rapid ascendance of streaming services added yet another layer of complexity for traditional broadcasters. Platforms like Netflix and Hulu began to offer viewers the opportunity to binge-watch entire seasons of shows, creating a paradigm shift in how people consumed television. Traditional episodic viewing was losing its appeal, and networks had to recalibrate their strategies accordingly.
Creative Issues and Writer Conflicts
Behind the scenes, creative disputes can often lead to a show’s demise. Some reports indicated that The Following faced challenges regarding writing direction and the overall narrative arc as early as the second season. This can lead to inconsistencies that fans notice and critique. Viewers invest emotionally in characters and plots; any significant changes or perceived missteps can lead to disengagement.
Final Season and Conclusion
The third season of The Following, while initially hopeful, faced the harsh reality of being a final swan song. The series concluded on May 18, 2015, after an explosive but ultimately unsatisfactory finale for many fans. While the show had its moments, the drop in ratings, mixed critical reception, and increased competition combined to make the cancellation decision look more as a prudent move for Fox.
In conclusion, while fans of The Following may have wished for a different wrap-up to Ryan Hardy’s story, the realities of television production, viewership metrics, and competition dictated a different path. The show stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the television landscape, where high stakes often mean that even the most riveting series can face an untimely end.
In retrospect, The Following remains a captivating case study of what can happen when a compelling narrative doesn’t keep pace with audience expectations. Even with star power and a thrilling premise, the complexities of the television industry hold the ultimate power over a show’s longevity.
