NBC is calling time on Hannibal. The network has officially cancelled the low-rated series from Bryan Fuller and Gaumont International Television part way through its 13 episode third season. Hannibal will remain on air until the series finale airs on September 3rd.
From Bryan Fuller, Hannibal revolves around FBI Special Agent Will Graham and his mentor, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The drama series is produced by Gaumont International Television and stars Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas, Lara Jean Chorostecki, Laurence Fishburne and Gillian Anderson.
“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”, NBC said in 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.”
Today’s cancellation had not been unexpected, with the show struggling in the ratings from day one. Hannibal‘s middling ratings during the first and second seasons was helped by the fact that the show implemented a unique financial model, with NBC paying a low license fee, especially compared to other shows. But even the financials couldn’t save Hannibal after this season’s ratings collapse, with the audience dropping to under 2 million viewers and a 0.5 demo rating.
Despite the cancellation of the series, Hannibal creator and executive producer Bryan Fuller will not be hurting for work. It was announced just last week that the producer would be penning and serving as an executive producer on an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods, which was just picked up to series at premium cable network Starz with an as-yet unspecified episode order.
