The third season premiered earlier this month and now fans have been told it will be its last. 'Hannibal', Bryan Fuller's acclaimed TV Series, has been cancelled by NBC. The decision was announced this Monday and means that the current season, featuring 13 episodes, will also end the series. It will run every Thursday at 10 p.m. till September 3 on NBC.
The reasons for the cancellation were not made public, although the low ratings are probably the main culprits. The network issued a statement thanking Fuller, his team of writers and producers, and the actors that made the show a huge success - from Hugh Dancy as Will Graham to Caroline Dhavernas as Alana Bloom and the ever enigmatic Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal Lecter.
"We have been tremendously proud of 'Hannibal' over its three seasons," the statement read, further noting the "visual palette of storytelling" that inspired everyone on Television. Fuller was also quoted in the statement, pinpointing how NBC allowed the team to craft an incredible show "that no other broadcast network would have dared," despite the low audience ratings and the risky imagery. The creator also thanked Jen Salke, president at NBC Entertainment, for being "creatively supportive beyond measure."
The good news, if any can come, is that Fuller leaves the door open for a future comeback. "'Hannibal' is finishing his last course at NBC's table this summer," he said, "but a hungry cannibal can always dine again." He also said he's looking forward his own next meal at NBC.
That won't be right after this, as now Bryan Fuller will focus on the much-awaited adaptation of 'American Gods', a novel by Neil Gaiman. This work is being done for Starz, after years of back-and-forward movements that concluded with the network buying the rights for the American market. Casting has already begun and the show is supposed to premier late next year, which is sure to keep Fuller' hands busy for the time being.
That didn't stop Fuller from showing his sadness about the cancellation, retweeting some fans' laments and writing all in caps: "We have 10 episodes of #Hannibal to watch on NBC Thursdays. Let's watch together and show how strong the #Fannibal collective can be." A lot of users have vented their dismay over the decision and some are asking Netflix to save the show.
Also, in another sign that this is not totally the end, the producers De Laurentiis Co tweeted their hopes. "We hope to bring you future seasons. Let's focus on the amazing #Fannibal family we have formed, and move forward together! #Hannibal," they wrote on the official Twitter profile.
