Hannibal to wrap after 3 seasons, but fans campaign for renewal

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.

Comedian Hannibal Buress uses the news for perfectly timed word play

Jonathan Ore CBC News Posted: Jun 22, 2015 9:25 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 23, 2015

NBC announced that the psychological thriller and horror show Hannibal will end after its third season, citing poor ratings. The show's fans, who call themselves Fannibals, instantly embarked on a campaign to save it from cancellation. (Sophie Giraud/NBC via AP)

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 studioDeLaurentiisCo., 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."

#Hannibal was always in danger of cancellation due to subject matter, and others have expressed interest in partnering with us.
—@DeLaurentiisCo

We will share with our #Fannibal family any news about new partnerships. Until then, let's keep it all positive, please. #Hannibal
—@DeLaurentiisCo

Hannibalis based on a character portrayed in several Thomas Harris novels. Another Harris novel,The Silence of the Lambswas the source of the 1991 movie thatwas followed by a 2001 sequel.

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 #Fannibalsalso 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 Hulumeant that, almost immediately, Hannibal's cancellation became a campaign for Hannibal's survival.

Join us in sending a message to other potential partners: #SaveHannibal
—@DeLaurentiisCo

Soooo, @Netflix, will you please #SaveHannibal before it's too late? pic.twitter.com/oCk1NtaNyi
—@JohnnyZito

#Hannibal 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 @nbc dropped #Hannibal; it's why @FoodNetwork hasn't picked it up yet.
—@jackynmoore

Hannibal executive producer Bryan Fuller fannedthe flames for the Fannibals, tweeting entirely in capital letters as he typically does.

BEDTIME IN PARIS! THANKS TO ALL THE #FANNIBALS FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT TODAY! WE WOULD'VE NEVER MADE IT THIS FAR WITHOUT YOU! #HANNIBAL
—@BryanFuller

Finally, comedian Hannibal Buresscouldn't help but make a joke or two at the same-named show's demise, responding to fellow comic KumailNanjiani'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.
—@kumailn

I'm fine Kumail but thank you. https://t.co/6ziNjfe9Lj
—@hannibalburess

Hannibal,starring MadsMikkelsenand HughDancy, will finish out its current 10-episode run on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET.

with files from the Associated Press

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Hannibal to wrap after 3 seasons, but fans campaign for renewal

Comedian Hannibal Buress uses the news for perfectly timed word play

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