NBC cancels Hannibal after three seasons

NBC have cancelled Bryan Fuller’s horror-drama series, Hannibal, after only three seasons, due to dwindling viewer ratings.

The critically acclaimed show, based on Thomas Harris’ infamous Red Dragon characters, offered a new and exciting take on the Hannibal Lecter story. Danish actor, Mads Mikklesen starred as the cannibalistic doctor alongside Hugh Dancy, who played Special FBI Agent, Will Graham. The show was praised by critics for it’s lush cinematography, clever writing and powerful performances, but has failed to gain favourable audience ratings.

Fuller -who has also penned other prematurely-cancelled shows, like Pushing Daisies and Wonderfalls – praised NBC for its dedication to the show in a statement:

“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.”

Despite the show’s network cancellation, Hannibal‘s executive producer, Martha de Laurentis has confirmed that she is already looking into the possibility of continuing the show through other channels; “We believe that after they air, audiences’ hunger for the fourth chapter of this saga will be incredible, and we are presently exploring other distribution options with our creative team and our partners at Gaumont Television.”

The show’s third season is currently airing in the UK on Sky Living, with new episodes being broadcast every Wednesday at 10pm.