NBC’s “Hannibal” series ran for three seasons, beginning in 2013 and ending in 2016. “Ending,” however, is somewhat up in the air, considering almost everyone involved in the series is adamantly and openly interested in continuing it. The show still has a very active fanbase, and the writer, Bryan Fuller, has remained involved in said fanbase. He has also stated he has numerous ideas for potential future seasons. This isn’t surprising,given statements that make it clear each season was treated as though it could’ve been the series’ last. Those involved seemed to have been surprised that the show was airing at all; possibly all the more so after season three was released, when the more network-unfriendly aspects were amped to 11.
It’s almost surprising that the series managed to release three seasons, given how insane it objectively is. The fact that they were able to create a series based around the well-known character of Hannibal Lecter and turn it into an artistic exploration of gay love, mental illness, manipulation, perception and more is amazing. The series, particularly the third season, is quite experimental. The first season had some level of a formula, with each episode essentially featuring a new serial killer. This formulaic entry is pretty standard for network television to get established before allowing the creators free rein. By season two, there is more focus on the two protagonists and their very complex relationship.
While some fans claim they would’ve been more satisfied had the series ended after two seasons, season three was well-received by many. As I mentioned, season three seemed to be doing away with network TV standards and formulas, which some people don’t like. While I have my complaints about the season (primarily with the primary antagonist), it was very artistically creative. I really enjoyed how overt the relationship between Will and Hannibal was during this season, as we only got a real hint of it at the end of season two. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Season three ended on a cliffhanger (sorry), and like the season two finale, works as a satisfying and crushing end to the series, while also being open to continuation. A fourth season could go in any number of directions, but we know that it would allow us to see Hannibal and Will’s relationship more closely, and particularly what life looks like for Will, now that he’s made a complete (seemingly) transition into being the person Hannibal perceived and encouraged him to be. Much of the series explored this darkness in Will, with it being entirely unclear if it even existed or was a projection from Hannibal.
Will’s “last” act was him trying to destroy that part of himself that he can no longer deny. In failing to do so, there is much he can wrestle with. We may see him simply end up exactly where Hannibal is when we met him. Along with that, while we were able to get some information on the backstories of both characters, it was extremely limited, specifically for Will. A fourth season would be an opportunity to expand on that.
The cancellation of the series after season three was not surprising given the subject matter, high costs and relatively low viewership. Some think the low viewership had to do with poor marketing. It wasn’t clear that the premise of the show is as character-focused and artistic as it is, which I can attest to because I was very hesitant to watch the series. I figured there was nothing in it I would enjoy (especially as someone who hates gore). “Hannibal” is a bit niche, and a cult classic in the sense that the fans are very dedicated, but few and far between. It isn’t a series with mass appeal. Despite this, it seems just about everyone involved in the making of the series is incredibly dedicated and interested in continuing with the stories and characters, with a fanbase that will most certainly tune in.
Some are concerned about a possible season four simply because they really enjoyed how it ended thus far. I’m not concerned about that particular worry given the track record of each season finale, all of which wereincredibly strong. They got progressively better, and when someone nails the season finales three times in a row, my confidence in their ability to do so again only increases.
“Hannibal” is incredibly unique and has very dedicated creators who care about the characters and the story deeply. Since the series has an established fanbase, it is ripe to be renewed for a fourth season. The show would probably be more suited for streaming given it never fit into the confines of network TV very well, but streaming services have also canceled many strong series, so who knows. All that us “Hannibal” fans can do is hope.