Despite poor ratings, the peacock network has decided to renew Hannibal for a second season. There will be 13 episodes once again and they won’t start airing until mid-season at the earliest.
The first season of Hannibal is still airing and is currently averaging a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 3.13 million total viewers. Last week’s installment drew just a 1.0 in the demo and 2.69 million. The season is expected to wrap on June 20th.
Here’s the NBC press release:
NBC RENEWS “HANNIBAL” FOR SECOND SEASON
Bryan Fuller Drama That Details the Life of Dr. Hannibal Lecter Will Return for 13 Episodes
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – May 30, 2013 – NBC has given a 13-episode second-season renewal to its critically applauded drama “Hannibal.” The new season will air no earlier than midseason.
“Hannibal” is based on the characters from the novel “Red Dragon” by Thomas Harris and was developed for television by Bryan Fuller, who also serves as writer and executive producer.
The announcement was made by NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke.
“We’re so proud of Bryan’s vision for a show that is richly textured, psychologically complex, and very compelling,” Salke said. “There are many great stories still to be told.”
Critics have strongly embraced the series. Alan Sepinwall of Hitfix.com said “Hannibal” “is the last of this season’s serial killer shows. It’s also, by a very wide margin, the best.” Jeff Jensen of Entertainment Weekly called “Hannibal” “finely acted, visually scrumptious and deliciously subversive” while Matt Roush of TV Guide said the show is “feverishly twisted, fascinatingly macabre and visually remarkable.”
The series stars Hugh Dancy as expert criminal profiler Will Dancy, who has a unique ability to peer into the mind of serial killers. Mads Mikkelsen stars as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a psychiatrist who is helping with the cases and, unbeknownst to Will, is also a serial killer himself.
Laurence Fishburne stars as Jack Crawford, the head of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit. Caroline Dhavernas and Hettienne Park also co-star.
Through its eight original telecasts to date, “Hannibal” is averaging a 2.0 rating, 6 share in adults 18-49 and 4.7 million viewers overall in “most current” results from Nielsen Media Research. “Hannibal” is the youngest drama on ABC, CBS and NBC, with a median age for its audience of 45.7. It’s also an upscale drama, indexing at a 111 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes (with 100 indicating an average concentration of those homes).
Additionally, “Hannibal” is heavily time-shifted, with its 18-49 rating growing by 75% going from next-day “live plus same day” ratings to “live plus seven day” results.
In addition to Fuller, Martha De Laurentiis, Jesse Alexander, Chris Brancato, Sara Colleton, Katie O’Connell, Elisa Roth, Sidonie Dumas and Christophe Riandee also serve as executive producers.
The series is produced by Gaumont International Television, Dino De Laurentiis Company and Living Dead Guy Productions, and co-commissioned internationally by Sony Pictures Television Networks.
What do you think? Are you glad that NBC has renewed Hannibal? Considering the ratings, does the renewal make sense? How about the episode order?
Although I hate thrillers that leave you begging for more, this Series has made me a believer in NBC. I’m so glad someone picked up the story and ran with it. Beautifully shot, the planning that went into each and every shot was very evident and elegant. Even with the subject material, the blood and gore, my eyes were always pleased. I cannot wait to see where this story leads to in the next season. My only disappointment is the long wait until next season.
One of the best written shows on television. Finally, a network recognizes quality well layered characters we can love and hate and can’t wait to find out their fates. Looking so forward to next season!!! Bryan Fuller is a masterful writer! Hope NBC can promote it so more people get to experience and love it!
This is a very fine drama. It’s excellent. I usually watch little television. But, this is one I will make an effort to watch when it airs each week. . It’s become my favorite .
Thank goodness, I was so worried that they were going to cancel Hannibal. PEOPLE, WATCH THIS SHOW! You don’t know what you’re missing out on; excellent, quality television.
I was reluctant to see this show, because I feel this premise has been overdone, but the high reviews and user ratings compelled me. I’m glad I did, and I’m glad it’s been renewed.
I think part of the reason for the renewal is the fact that it’s co-produced by and co-airs in European markets, keeping NBC’s costs low.
I am pleased to hear Hannibal will be returning for another season… I Love the show!!!!
Great characters, great set,and great stories…
Finally, some intelligent decision making; cannot even compare to “The Following” with Keystone Cop FBI agents never having any success, doing dumb things, can’t fight a lick and making the”followers” look like Delta Force combatants (also, please dispense with the wife already!)
Tried to watch it and it was not my thing. I am happy for those who watch it that it was renewed. I look forward to Bates Motel’s second season
Amazing show, so glad they renewed it!
Oh, I just love how NBC renews this even with its low ratings, but cancels “Go On” after they carelessly switched it to another night. Yeah, good thinkin’ NBC. (Sarcasm)
Hannibal is a major step up for network TV. An excellent show all the way around. Delighted they’ve decided to renew it for next season and, hopefully, many more…
Maybe there is hope yet for Network Television. But I doubt it. This show is absolutely phenomenal.
Best news I’ve heard all year!
Maybe if they put the show back on Hulu Plus; I would of watched more than the first episode.
I don’t have a PC dedicated to my telivision only a ps3.
I have never seen ads for this tv show…I just happend to stumble across its existance while googaling tv for thursday night. They need to ramp up publicity for this show because it is EXCELLENT. Very well acted and crafted. Very good plot in the ep I watched. Im very happy it was renwed so I can check out more