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The Best Episodes of The Following

Every episode of The Following ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Following!

Binge this in 1d 8h•Peaking at 8.3/10

Notorious serial killer Joe Carroll, after being found guilty of murdering 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature, escapes from death row. The FBI calls former agent Ryan Hardy to

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Following Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    8.3/10(2558 votes)

    #1 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    Former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy is called out of retirement to track down Joe Carroll after he escapes from prison. Hardy works closely with an FBI team, which includes young, razor-sharp Mike Weston. The investigation also leads Hardy back to Claire Matthews, Carroll's ex-wife and the mother of the criminal's young son, Joey. Hardy soon discovers that Carroll has an ever-growing cult of followers.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Kevin Williamson

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  2. The Following Season 2 Episode 9 - Unmasked
    8.1/10(884 votes)

    #2 - Unmasked

    S2:E9

    Ryan, Max and Weston discover information that leads them closer to uncovering the mole within the FBI - which results in complications of its own. Meanwhile, Joe and Micah execute a plan that threatens the Korban cult in order to announce a message to Ryan and the world.

    Director:Nicole Kassell
    Writer:Vincent Angell

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  3. The Following Season 2 Episode 1 - Resurrection
    8.0/10(1283 votes)

    #3 - Resurrection

    S2:E1

    One year after Ryan Hardy's pursuit of serial killer Joe Carroll, a healthy and healed Ryan is living in New York City. On the surface, it appears Ryan's gotten his life back together. But deep down, his obsession with Joe continues to grow. Then, on the anniversary of Joe's death, a new murderous rampage leaves everyone shocked and determined to discover the truth.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Kevin Williamson

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  4. The Following Season 2 Episode 6 - Fly Away
    8.0/10(853 votes)

    #4 - Fly Away

    S2:E6

    Looking for back-up and hoping to execute their plan, Ryan and Max contact the FBI. But Weston has other ideas, leading to a standoff between good and evil. Meanwhile, Joe's new relationship escalates into uncharted territory, and Luke finds himself in a troubling situation.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Dewayne Darian Jones

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  5. The Following Season 3 Episode 10 - Evermore
    8.0/10(727 votes)

    #5 - Evermore

    S3:E10

    With Joe Carroll's execution day upon them, the team remains on edge, expecting that he won't go easily. Their fears are realized when a hostage situation at the prison forces Ryan to go in alone, as the whole world watches.

    Director:David McWhirter
    Writer:Alexi Hawley

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  6. The Following Season 1 Episode 13 - Havenport
    7.9/10(1084 votes)

    #6 - Havenport

    S1:E13

    The Havenport Police Department is brought onto the case and Roderick's role as sheriff is called into question, which leads him to make a shocking decision that threatens the safety of Joey. Meanwhile, Ryan goes against the FBI, hoping to gain the trust of one of Joe's followers.

    Director:Nicole Kassell
    Writers:Vincent Angell, David Wilcox

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Following

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  7. The Following Season 2 Episode 15 - Forgive
    7.9/10(843 votes)

    #7 - Forgive

    S2:E15

    Mark and Luke turn the tables on both Ryan Hardy and Joe Carroll, forcing the two sworn enemies to come together to save the woman they love.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Kevin Williamson

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  8. The Following Season 3 Episode 14 - Dead or Alive
    7.9/10(591 votes)

    #8 - Dead or Alive

    S3:E14

    The FBI hunt for Theo continues and the stakes are higher than ever as some of their own come under attack.

    Director:Rob Seidenglanz
    Writers:Brynn Malone, Michael McGrale

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  9. The Following Season 3 Episode 15 - The Reckoning
    7.9/10(766 votes)

    #9 - The Reckoning

    S3:E15

    As suspicions rise alliances are shaken and no one is safe in the harrowing final heart-stopping moments.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writers:Alexi Hawley, Brett Mahoney

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  10. The Following Season 1 Episode 5 - The Siege
    7.8/10(1307 votes)

    #10 - The Siege

    S1:E5

    When Claire receives a phone call that may lead her to find her son, the FBI and Ryan Hardy set their next move into motion, causing panic at the farmhouse. Meanwhile, Joe Carroll seeks a lawyer from his past to send a message that has deadly results.

    Director:Phil Abraham
    Writer:Rebecca Dameron

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  11. The Following Season 1 Episode 15 - The Final Chapter
    7.8/10(1214 votes)

    #11 - The Final Chapter

    S1:E15

    In the explosive Season One finale, Ryan races to stop Joe Carroll before his endgame reaches a deadly conclusion. Meanwhile, Joe leads Claire to a special location and the ultimate showdown between good and evil takes place.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Kevin Williamson

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  12. The Following Season 2 Episode 3 - Trust Me
    7.8/10(871 votes)

    #12 - Trust Me

    S2:E3

    Ryan continues his search to find the correlation between the recent tragedies in New York City and Emma and the existing members of the Havenport cult, while the FBI becomes increasingly aware of his undercover agenda. Meanwhile, a shocking event leads Joe to put a new plan in action.

    Director:Liz Friedlander
    Writer:Alexi Hawley

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  13. The Following Season 2 Episode 7 - Sacrifice
    7.8/10(838 votes)

    #13 - Sacrifice

    S2:E7

    Ryan and the FBI continue their hunt for Lily Gray, and are forced to redirect their search when a new threat enters Max's life. Meanwhile, Joe, Emma and Mandy arrive at their latest hideout, but quickly realize things aren't what they seem.

    Director:Adam Davidson
    Writer:Scott Reynolds

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  14. The Following Season 2 Episode 14 - Silence
    7.8/10(775 votes)

    #14 - Silence

    S2:E14

    Joe Carroll puts his final plan into action, threatening the lives of many, as Ryan and Mike go to great lengths to stop him and prevent more innocent lives being lost. Meanwhile, Claire makes a decision that leads her into dangerous territory, and Mark and Luke attempt to figure out their next move.

    Director:Steve Shill
    Writer:Scott Reynolds

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  15. The Following Season 3 Episode 13 - A Simple Trade
    7.8/10(578 votes)

    #15 - A Simple Trade

    S3:E13

    A deadly deal is made, but things don’t go as planned, and Ryan makes a decision for his future.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writers:Liz Sczudlo, Mary Leah Sutton

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  16. The Following Season 1 Episode 2 - Chapter Two
    7.7/10(1717 votes)

    #16 - Chapter Two

    S1:E2

    Ryan Hardy, Agent Mike Weston and FBI Specialist Debra Parker, who is brought in to lead the investigation into Joe Carroll and his followers, dive deeper into the history of Carroll's psyche. To do so, they enlist the help of Carroll's ex-wife, and Hardy's former love, Claire Matthews. Meanwhile, Emma, Jacob and Paul keep Claire's son Joey at a house in the country as they prepare for their next move

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Kevin Williamson

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  17. The Following Season 2 Episode 13 - The Reaping
    7.7/10(741 votes)

    #17 - The Reaping

    S2:E13

    Ryan tracks down the location of the Korban compound with hopes to infiltrate the cult and capture Joe Carroll, but all doesn't go exactly as planned. Meanwhile, Claire asks Carrie to deliver a message to Joe, and Weston makes a decision that will change the course of his life forever.

    Director:Joshua Butler
    Writer:Megan Martin

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  18. The Following Season 1 Episode 3 - The Poet's Fire
    7.6/10(1496 votes)

    #18 - The Poet's Fire

    S1:E3

    A new follower is found in Rick, who is on a determined path to follow through on Carroll's orders. Hardy and the FBI attempt to predict Rick's course of revenge, which leads to a surprising outcome. Meanwhile, Paul's jealousy over Emma and Jacob's relationship leads to a breaking point, and the origin of Hardy and Carroll's relationship.

    Director:Liz Friedlander
    Writers:Nora Kay Foster, Adam Armus

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  19. The Following Season 1 Episode 6 - The Fall
    7.6/10(1328 votes)

    #19 - The Fall

    S1:E6

    Joe Carroll's true intentions are revealed through a new follower, Charlie. As Ryan learns of Joe's plans, he tries to stall Emma, Jacob and Paul by taunting them in hopes of turning them against each other. Meanwhile, Emma makes a shocking decision.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Shintaro Shimosawa

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  20. The Following Season 1 Episode 7 - Let Me Go
    7.6/10(1244 votes)

    #20 - Let Me Go

    S1:E7

    With the help of attorney Olivia Warren, Joe Carroll makes a case against Ryan and the FBI to be transferred to a different facility, but Ryan suspects a larger plan may be at play. Meanwhile, Emma and Joey arrive at a meeting point and come across another one of Roderick's men who has a secret of his own.

    Director:Nick Gomez
    Writer:Seamus Kevin Fahey

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  21. The Following Season 2 Episode 4 - Family Affair
    7.6/10(864 votes)

    #21 - Family Affair

    S2:E4

    After the latest shocking revelation in the case, Ryan and Max attempt to put the pieces together and stay two-steps ahead of the FBI, despite Weston's constant warnings to stay out of the way. Meanwhile, Emma becomes even closer to Mark and Luke, while Joe and Mandy meet up with a follower in search of assistance.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Brett Mahoney

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  22. The Following Season 2 Episode 5 - Reflection
    7.6/10(819 votes)

    #22 - Reflection

    S2:E5

    In an attempt to learn new information, Ryan and Max capture a suspect. But complications lead to a game of dangerous cat and mouse. Also, Joe grows accustomed to his surroundings and establishes a plan of his own, while Emma realizes she is in dangerous company.

    Director:Nicole Kassell
    Writer:Lizzie Mickery

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  23. The Following Season 2 Episode 11 - Freedom
    7.6/10(747 votes)

    #23 - Freedom

    S2:E11

    A deadly massacre, thought to be sparked by Joe Carroll, leads Ryan and Mike into very dangerous territory. But as more details are revealed, they realize another leader might be on the rise. Meanwhile, Joe continues to train the Korban cult and confirms his new plans with Emma and those who doubt him.

    Director:Liz Friedlander
    Writer:Dewayne Darian Jones

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  24. The Following Season 3 Episode 6 - Reunion
    7.6/10(662 votes)

    #24 - Reunion

    S3:E6

    With their latest target on the run, Ryan and Mike follow a tip to a small town to investigate and confirm he isn't seeking protection. While in town, they both discover an even larger threat who has managed to avoid suspicion up until now. Meanwhile, Max struggles to make a confession.

    Director:Mary Harron
    Writer:Brett Mahoney

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  25. The Following Season 3 Episode 9 - Kill The Messenger
    7.6/10(623 votes)

    #25 - Kill The Messenger

    S3:E9

    After the latest shocking discovery, Ryan finds himself being tracked by the new illusive killer and a game of cat-and-mouse begins leading them both back to Joe Carroll, for different reasons. Meanwhile, Max and Mike look for a stolen clue and Mark makes a shocking decision.

    Director:David S. Tuttman
    Writer:Barry O'Brien

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Best Episodes Summary

"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "The Following". It scored 8.3/10 based on 2558 votes. Directed by Marcos Siega and written by Kevin Williamson, it aired on 1/21/2013. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Unmasked".