Fox Renews The Following

Fox has renewed Kevin Williamson’s serial killer drama The Following for a second series.

The renewal of the drama should come as no surprise given its strong ratings performance so far – so far the drama has averaged 11.7 million viewers with a 4.0 18-49 rating when DVR figures are factored in.

“From the very beginning, we felt Kevin Williamson and Marcos Siega had created a high-quality, edge-of-your-seat drama that could break from the pack, and it is exciting to see the audience responding. Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy have given us two of the most compelling characters on television and the entire cast is incredible. I’m delighted to have this thrill ride continue on Fox for another season.” – Kevin Reilly,  Fox entertainment chairman

The Following stars Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy and was one of the most anticipated new dramas of the season. The drama has come under scrutiny for the levels of violence within it – as have several other dramas in the wake of the tragic Newtown shootings – but star James Purefoy and creator/producer Kevin Williamson have defended it.

Fox have ordered a second season compromising of 15 episodes instead of giving The Following a full first season of 22 episodes; this practice is more in line with cable broadcasters which tend to give their shows shorter runs.

In the UK The Following airs on Sky Atlantic