Bryan Fuller
"Hannibal" showrunner Bryan Fuller has delivered another update about the fate of the series. Pictured: Fuller at San Diego Comic-Con on July 11. Getty

Showrunner Bryan Fuller isn’t too optimistic about the future of “Hannibal.” NBC axed the serial killer drama after low ratings, but Fuller said he would seek other outlets to finish telling the story. After Netflix and Amazon both turned down “Hannibal” Season 4, it seems the options are running out. Fans aren’t the only ones who suspect the show might be over.

“It doesn't seem like there is any imminent rescue,” Fuller admitted to TV Guide. Still, the executive producer believes that there might be another chance once Season 3 finishes.

“None of the networks the studio has talked to about picking up a fourth season knew how this season was going to end,” Fuller explained. “They were just going off the assumption that it was just going to be another season. … After the finale, I'd love to perhaps reopen the conversation with potential networks or streaming options once they clearly understand what the story is that we've told.”

Fuller remains optimistic about the future, but he also seems to be preparing fans for the possibility that the show may not be saved. Hugh Dancy (Will) recently did the same when he assured fans that the Season 3 finale could function as a satisfying series end if necessary. “I think that should that be our farewell, it would be a fitting one,” Dancy told TV Line. “But you could’ve said the same thing about the end of the first season and the end of the second season. Bryan has described to me what he had envisioned moving forward into the next season which would be justified by the way we end this year.”

Indifference from networks isn’t a good sign, but steady ratings might help their case. “Hannibal” fans proved their loyalty in the ratings on Saturday night. The show’s first weekend airing garnered 1.2 million viewers, according to TV Series Finale. The last Thursday airing captured 1.4 million viewers, which isn’t a huge difference. It shows that “Hannibal” fans are willing to stick with the show no matter where it is, which might attract someone to save the show if the fans keep it up until the August finale.

“Hannibal” Season 3 airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. EDT on NBC. Have you given up hope for a Season 4 or do you think there is a change of renewal? Sound off in the comments section below!

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