Despite good reviews and devoted fan-base - the network has decided to cancel the acclaimed drama "Hannibal" after three seasons. The show starred Hugh Dancy as FBI serial killer profiler Will Graham and Mads Mikkelsen as iconic cannibal Hannibal Lecter.
"Hannibal" also starred Caroline Dhavernas, Gillian Anderson and Laurence Fishburne. The series is based on characters and elements from the novel "Red Dragon" written by Thomas Harris.
"We have been tremendously proud of 'Hannibal' over its three seasons," NBC said in a statement, according to The Wrap. "[Showrunner Bryan Fuller] 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. 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."
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the show's cancellation could be because producers were dealing with a copyright issue after Fuller wanted to introduce Clarice Starling in season four. The rights of the character are reportedly unavailable.
"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 separate statement."(Entertainment president) 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 returned on June 4 with 2.57 million total viewers; however, the show's rating slipped down, especially during the NBA Finals week. The third and now final season of "Hannibal" will air on Thursdays at 10 p.m. and conclude on Sept. 3.
"Gang, #Hannibal cancellation rumor is true. Important things to keep in mind: First, the remaining 10 episodes of S3 will air & are amazing!" De Laurentiis Company, who produces Hannibal, tweeted. "Second, we are exploring other options for future seasons. Third, we are incredibly grateful for the amazing support and partnership with NBC. We made three rewarding seasons together. We hope to bring you future seasons. Let's focus on the amazing #Fannibal family we have formed, and move forward together! #Hannibal"
