As we reported back on June 23rd, NBC ordered Hannibal to be canceled because of its low ratings in June. But creator and executive producer for the show, Bryan Fuller (Dead Like Me), has been looking for another network to pick up season 4. On Monday Fuller tweeted, “I’m sorry to report Amazon and Netflix have passed on Hannibal S4, but we’re still investigating possibilities” (via Variety).
Amazon seemed like the more likely of the two streaming services to pick up Hannibal, but Amazon will not take on season 4. Currently, Amazon has the exclusive rights to the streaming of the previous seasons of Hannibal and it was speculated to be Fuller’s best option (via Deadline).
While the critically acclaimed thriller does not have a home for season 4, fans and Fuller seem to be hopeful in its revival. Hannibal is based on the novel, Red Dragon, written by Thomas Harris. The show focuses on the relationship between FBI agent, Will Graham and cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Will Graham is played by Hugh Dancy (Elizabeth I) and Hannibal is played by Mads Mikkelsen (King Arthur). Hannibal averaged at about 1.98 million viewers a night, which was not enough for NBC to renew it.
Both NBC and Fuller made statements about the show when the news of its cancellation broke. NBC stated that they “have been tremendously proud of Hannibal over its three seasons”. Although the show never won over a large enough audience, it did achieve critical acclaim. Fuller added, “Hannibal is finishing his last course at NBC’s table this summer, but a hungry cannibal can always dine again” (TV Series Finale). Fuller was hopeful after its cancellation and he is still hopeful after its rejection from both Netflix and Amazon.
Although Fuller remains optimistic, with the rejection of both streaming services the options for Hannibal‘s return to television are slimming.
While Fuller seeks a home for the next season of the show, the final episode of Hannibal can be seen on NBC on August 27, 2015.