Hannibal to wrap after 3 seasons, but fans campaign for renewal
Comedian Hannibal Buress uses the news for perfectly timed word play
NBC's announcement Hannibal will serve its last meal of horror and excitement at the end of the summer has left fans' mouths watering for more, instantly launching a campaign for the show's revival.
The network said Monday that the drama about a psychiatrist turned serial killer won't return for a fourth year. The series was cancelled because of poor ratings.
Hannibal's production studio DeLaurentiis Co., confirmed the cancellation report on its Twitter account, clarifying that the full 10-episode run of the third season will air as planned.
"We are incredibly grateful for the amazing support and partnership with NBC," the studio tweeted, but also said they "are exploring other options for future seasons."
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hannibal?src=hash">#Hannibal</a> was always in danger of cancellation due to subject matter, and others have expressed interest in partnering with us.
—@DeLaurentiisCoWe will share with our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fannibal?src=hash">#Fannibal</a> family any news about new partnerships. Until then, let's keep it all positive, please. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hannibal?src=hash">#Hannibal</a>
—@DeLaurentiisCoHannibal is based on a character portrayed in several Thomas Harris novels. Another Harris novel, The Silence of the Lambs was the source of the 1991 movie that was followed by a 2001 sequel.
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Fans of the show cried out in unison on Twitter, sending #Hannibal to the top of the trending charts shortly after its cancellation was announced.
The hashtags #SaveHannibal and #Fannibals also surfaced, with fans hoping a groundswell of support might help it get picked up by other networks or carriers. Recent revivals of shows such as Arrested Development by Netflix and The Mindy Project by Hulu meant that, almost immediately, Hannibal's cancellation became a campaign for Hannibal's survival.
Join us in sending a message to other potential partners: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveHannibal?src=hash">#SaveHannibal</a>
—@DeLaurentiisCoSoooo, <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix">@Netflix</a>, will you please <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveHannibal?src=hash">#SaveHannibal</a> before it's too late? <a href="http://t.co/oCk1NtaNyi">pic.twitter.com/oCk1NtaNyi</a>
—@JohnnyZito<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hannibal?src=hash">#Hannibal</a> is so visually stimulating, cerebral and is just such a beautifully woven adaptation. It is exactly the kind of TV I want & love
—@itsJuliaaa_The question isn't why <a href="https://twitter.com/nbc">@nbc</a> dropped <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hannibal?src=hash">#Hannibal</a>; it's why <a href="https://twitter.com/FoodNetwork">@FoodNetwork</a> hasn't picked it up yet.
—@jackynmooreHannibal executive producer Bryan Fuller fanned the flames for the Fannibals, tweeting entirely in capital letters as he typically does.
BEDTIME IN PARIS! THANKS TO ALL THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FANNIBALS?src=hash">#FANNIBALS</a> FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT TODAY! WE WOULD'VE NEVER MADE IT THIS FAR WITHOUT YOU! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HANNIBAL?src=hash">#HANNIBAL</a>
—@BryanFullerFinally, comedian Hannibal Buress couldn't help but make a joke or two at the same-named show's demise, responding to fellow comic Kumail Nanjiani's eulogy for the show. A perfectly timed word play, or shameless self-promotion? You decide.
Farewell Hannibal. You were better than we deserved & shorter-lived than we wanted.
—@kumailnI'm fine Kumail but thank you. <a href="https://t.co/6ziNjfe9Lj">https://t.co/6ziNjfe9Lj</a>
—@hannibalburessHannibal, starring Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy, will finish out its current 10-episode run on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET.
with files from the Associated Press