NBC’s annual upfront came and went without one specific announcement: whether the critically-acclaimed, but very low-rated “Hannibal” would be back for a second season.
Patience proved to be worthwhile for fans, however, as NBC confirmed Thursday that the series will return for a second season.
The show will return with a thirteen episode order and is due to air “no earlier than midseason,” according to NBC. As NBC already mapped out its fall schedule during upfront week, there was no real opportunity for a fall “Hannibal” return.
“We’re so proud of [executive producer Bryan Fuller’s] vision for a show that is richly textured, psychologically complex, and very compelling,” said NBC’s Jennifer Salke. “There are many great stories still to be told.”
A weak ratings performer even in non-competitive weeks, “Hannibal” got crushed in its airings opposite ABC’s red-hot “Scandal” and CBS’ freshman “Elementary.” But NBC notes that the series is very successful on DVR and also attracts young, affluent viewers.
With a median age of 45.7, its audience is the youngest of any drama on ABC, CBS or NBC. It also has an above average skew with those households earning $100K+.
