Get ready to raise your glasses of chianti. Hannibal, which has always been a hit with critics and fans, has been canceled three episodes into its third (and now final) season.
The show, which brought psychiatrist and serial killer/cannibal Hannibal Lecter to the small screen, was part horror-thriller, part crime-procedural, part love story, and part foodporn extravaganza. With cinematography and aesthetics, it somehow made murder into art.
News of Hannibal’s cancellation isn’t surprising to many fans. While it had a cult fanbase throughout its run, it was never popular in the ratings and was shunted from a midseason show to a summer show. The fact that it even got to a third season surprised many, which some believe was due to its inexpensive license for international sales and a video-on-demand deal, according to BuzzFeed.
Hannibal creator, Bryan Fuller, will now have his hands full with the Neil Gaiman novel adaptation American Gods. He thanked NBC for giving him the opportunity to create the show he wanted—on broadcast television, no less.
“NBC has allowed us to craft a television series that no other broadcast network would have dared, and kept us on the air for three seasons despite Cancellation Bear Chow ratings and images that would have shredded the eyeballs of lesser Standards & Practices enforcers,” Fuller said in a statement. “Jen Salke and her team have been fantastic partners and creatively supportive beyond measure. Hannibal is finishing his last course at NBC’s table this summer, but a hungry cannibal can always dine again. And personally, I look forward to my next meal with NBC.”
Fans are already calling for another network and streaming services like Netflix and Amazon to save Hannibal, while mourning the not completely unexpected loss.
never forget that NBC let @BryanFuller show a man cutting off and eating his own nose on broadcast television https://t.co/SO4uCHMa3I
— meaning machine (@EricThurm) June 22, 2015
genuinely frightened of what HANNIBAL might be like on a channel / platform that doesn’t have to answer to the FCC.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) June 22, 2015
.@JimHalterman just suggested we get @taylorswift13 to use her magic to save #Hannibal. This is a brilliant idea.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) June 22, 2015
It would be a crime against art, television, and TV watchers in general if #Hannibal can't find a new home. One-of-a-kind show.
— Kyle T (@KTteachesmath) June 22, 2015
NBC has always treated Hannibal like the Dursley's treated Harry Potter. Wherever it goes next will be its Hogwarts, you hear me? HOGWARTS.
— katie✨ (@lecterisms) June 22, 2015
Maybe TV critics could finance a 4th season of Hannibal, since they're its demo.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) June 22, 2015
The De Laurentiis Company, which produces Hannibal, confirmed the cancellation and that the final 10 episodes would still air. While Fuller’s statement seemed to some fans to suggest the cancellation was final, De Laurentiis said it wasn’t completely finished with Hannibal just yet.
Gang, #Hannibal cancellation rumor is true. Important things to keep in mind: First, the remaining 10 episodes of S3 will air & are amazing!
— DeLaurentiis Co (@DeLaurentiisCo) June 22, 2015
Second, we are exploring other options for future seasons. #Hannibal
— DeLaurentiis Co (@DeLaurentiisCo) June 22, 2015
Third, we are incredibly grateful for the amazing support and partnership with NBC. We made three rewarding seasons together. #Hannibal
— DeLaurentiis Co (@DeLaurentiisCo) June 22, 2015
We hope to bring you future seasons. Let's focus on the amazing #Fannibal family we have formed, and move forward together! #Hannibal
— DeLaurentiis Co (@DeLaurentiisCo) June 22, 2015
#Hannibal was always in danger of cancellation due to subject matter, and others have expressed interest in partnering with us.
— DeLaurentiis Co (@DeLaurentiisCo) June 22, 2015
What we all love about the show is what made it suitable only for a niche audience, and what forged our bond with the #Fannibals. #Hannibal
— DeLaurentiis Co (@DeLaurentiisCo) June 22, 2015
We will share with our #Fannibal family any news about new partnerships. Until then, let's keep it all positive, please. #Hannibal
— DeLaurentiis Co (@DeLaurentiisCo) June 22, 2015