Netflix Has Found Its Mindhunter Replacement In Kevin Bacon’s 3-Part Crime Thriller Now Streaming

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Despite ending in 2019 after just two seasons, Mindhunter is still a favorite crime thriller on Netflix. Its slow burn, disturbing interviews, and focus on the psychology of both investigators and criminals make it incredibly rewarding to watch again and again. The show uniquely captured a chilling connection between those who hunt killers and the killers themselves, and its dedicated fans are still hoping for more content like it.

I was really missing Mindhunter, but I think I’ve finally found something to fill that void! Netflix added a new show that just gets that same feeling of suspense, obsession, and how people can go wrong – it’s brilliant. And honestly, Kevin Bacon is incredible in it. He’s a legend, and he’s bringing a real movie-star quality to television – it’s easily some of his best work.

If you loved Mindhunter and are looking for something just as gripping to binge-watch, you absolutely need to check out The Following. It’s a thriller that originally aired on Fox from 2013 to 2015, and now all three seasons are available to stream. Honestly, it’s a total rollercoaster – the way it plays with the hunter and the hunted, and really gets into the minds of the characters, feels a lot like what made Mindhunter so captivating. If you’re still craving that kind of psychological suspense, this is it.

The Following Is Back On Netflix

All Three Seasons Are Available In One Gripping, Binge-Ready Package

The crime thriller The Following is back on Netflix as of January 3rd, 2026! All 45 episodes across three seasons are now available thanks to a new deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. Fans who missed the show—or loved it the first time around—can now enjoy the complete series, which was previously unavailable for streaming.

This isn’t the first time The Following has been available on Netflix. When it originally streamed there in 2018, it quickly gained a loyal fanbase. Viewers loved its gripping storylines and unexpected turns, making it a show people couldn’t stop watching. Its removal from the platform was definitely felt by crime drama fans.

The show The Following revolves around Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), a former FBI profiler, who is brought back into service when the serial killer he helped capture, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), gains a dangerous following. What starts as a seemingly solved case quickly becomes much more complex as Carroll inspires a nationwide network of devoted followers who are willing to commit murder for him.

Instead of having one main villain, The Following delves into the frightening concept of how beliefs can be used as a dangerous force. The show demonstrates that violence doesn’t spread through hidden actions, but through shared convictions, dedication, and control. This makes the series feel surprisingly timely, even years after it first aired.

Over three seasons, the story of The Following is always changing. The lines between who’s chasing whom blur, friendships fall apart, and the constant violence takes a heavy toll on everyone involved. This gripping thriller keeps both its characters and viewers on edge, rarely offering a moment to breathe.

Now that all episodes are available, The Following feels like a truly gripping psychological thriller. If you enjoyed the detailed storytelling, suspense, and realistic consequences of Mindhunter, you’ll be thrilled to see The Following back on Netflix.

How The Following Compares To Mindhunter

Psychological Obsession And Moral Erosion Drive Both Shows

Although The Following and Mindhunter are structured differently, they both captivate audiences for similar reasons. These Netflix crime dramas focus less on how investigations unfold and more on the psychological toll that dealing with horrific violence takes on those involved. They portray the minds of criminals not as mysteries to be cracked, but as powerful influences that cause lasting harm.

Both Mindhunter and The Following explore how investigating serial killers takes a personal toll on the FBI agents involved. In Mindhunter, we see agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench changed by their constant exposure to dangerous criminals. The Following portrays a similar effect on Kevin Bacon’s character, Ryan Hardy, whose obsession with catching Joe Carroll becomes all-consuming. Both shows highlight that successes are fleeting and setbacks are devastating.

Both shows also benefit from compelling villains. Like the criminals in Mindhunter, Joe Carroll stays with you long after he’s offscreen, thanks to his fascinating conversations and beliefs. He’s scary not because he’s erratic, but because he’s clearly in control and incredibly intelligent, adding a theatrical quality to his actions.

Both Mindhunter and The Following prioritize creating a chilling mood over relying on flashy violence. When violence does occur, it’s meant to be meaningful, not excessive. The shows build tension by focusing on what might happen, and how quickly ideas can spread and affect people’s minds. This careful approach makes the most disturbing scenes feel truly heavy, rather than simply shocking.

Similar to Mindhunter, The Following focuses on the psychology of crime, but it unfolds at a quicker pace with a more episodic structure. The show explores the reasons people become followers, how powerful personalities can overcome ethical boundaries, and the psychological impact on those who hunt serial killers.

If you enjoyed the psychological depth and focus on the minds of criminals in Mindhunter, The Following delivers a similar experience, though with a more intense and action-packed style. It explores similar themes and will likely satisfy that same fascination with the darker side of the human psyche, but through a different lens.

Kevin Bacon Doing Television Was A Big Deal In 2013

His Performance Anchored The Following And Elevated Its Prestige

These days, it’s normal to see big movie stars in high-quality TV shows. But back in the early 2010s, that wasn’t the trend. When Kevin Bacon starred in the 2013 thriller The Following, it was a significant change, as movie stars usually didn’t commit to long-term television roles.

Kevin Bacon’s presence instantly made The Following stand out. He played Ryan Hardy with a powerful mix of vulnerability and intensity, creating a deeply human character. Hardy is incredibly intelligent, but also troubled, often acting on impulse as much as careful thought. Bacon didn’t shy away from Hardy’s imperfections, realistically portraying his struggles with addiction, obsession, and anger.

Kevin Bacon’s performance in The Following is compelling because you never quite know what he’ll do next. His character, Hardy, isn’t a typical hero, and Bacon skillfully portrays that complexity. The show’s scenes are filled with tension, often feeling more like a deep character study than a standard crime show.

Kevin Bacon’s performance elevates the entire cast of The Following. His compelling intensity makes every scene better, especially those with James Purefoy as Joe Carroll. The complex relationship between Bacon and Purefoy is the heart of the show, turning their conflict into a fascinating look at shared obsession.

Looking back, The Following feels surprisingly modern. Kevin Bacon’s involvement was key in blurring the lines between high-quality films and compelling TV series. While this kind of casting is now typical, it was a bold move in 2013. Even today, Bacon’s performance is the show’s biggest strength, keeping the more outlandish parts believable and maintaining a strong emotional center.

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2026-01-05 00:00