NBC will not be ordering another course of “Hannibal.” The network has canceled the drama, which is currently in its third season.
DeLaurentiis Co., however, later tweeted some hope for the show’s “Fannibals”: that the show may find a second life with another partner.
“#Hannibal was always in danger of cancellation due to subject matter, and others have expressed interest in partnering with us,” the company wrote.
Executive producer Bryan Fuller issued the following statement on the cancellation: “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. 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.”
The series, which stars Mads Mikkelsen as iconic cannibal Hannibal Lecter, has drawn its share of criticism, if not monster ratings, with its graphic content. Hugh Dancy stars as FBI serial killer profiler Will Graham, and Laurence Fishburne appears as Jack Crawford, the agent-in-charge of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in Quantico, Virginia.
#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
NBC added that it was “tremendously proud” of the series.
“We have been tremendously proud of ‘Hannibal’ over its three seasons. Bryan and his team of writers and producers, as well as our incredible actors, have brought a visual palette of storytelling that has been second to none in all of television — broadcast or cable,” the network said in a statement. “We thank Gaumont and everyone involved in the show for their tireless efforts that have made ‘Hannibal’ an incredible experience for audiences around the world.”
For its most recent airing, “Hannibal” drew an anemic 0.5 rating/2 share in the 18-49 demographic most important to advertisers, tying the previous week’s series low.
Executive producers on the series include Fuller, Martha De Laurentiis, Steve Lightfoot, Katie O’Connell Marsh, Elisa Todd Ellis, Christophe Riandee and Sidonie Dumas.
Upon release of the news, DeLaurentiis Co. tweeted: “Gang, #Hannibal cancellation rumor is true. Important things to keep in mind: First, the remaining 10 episodes of S3 will air & are amazing! … Second, we are exploring other options for future seasons.”
And, “Third, we are incredibly grateful for the amazing support and partnership with NBC. We made three rewarding seasons together. #Hannibal … We hope to bring you future seasons. Let’s focus on the amazing #Fannibal family we have formed, and move forward together! #Hannibal,” DeLaurentiis wrote.
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” currently airs Thursdays at 10/9C.