‘The Following’ Cancelled By Fox

It’s the end of the road for Fox drama The Following after three seasons. There had been talk of a possible new life on a digital platform — I’d heard Hulu, which carries previous seasons of the Fox drama, mentioned — but that may be a long shot for the Kevin Bacon-starrer.

The Following, created by Kevin Williamson, was a breakout hit when it launched in early 2013 and finished the 2012-13 season as the highest rated new broadcast series in adults 18-49. But after a strong first cycle, the violent serialized thriller, which only produced limited seasons per Bacon’s contract, couldn’t keep the momentum, slipping in Season 2 and then again in Season 3.  Its strong DVR/on-demand appeal could not make up for the low on-air ratings. The series introduced a model for feature actors to do broadcast series, agreeing to fewer than 22 episodes a season. It has been replicated several times since, including by Viola Davis on ABC’s hit How To Get Away With Murder.