Hannibal (2013 — 2015)

Hannibal (2013–2015), a psychological horror-thriller series developed by Bryan Fuller for NBC, is based on characters from Thomas Harris’ novels Red Dragon (1981), Hannibal (1999), and Hannibal Rising (2006). The show centers on the dynamic between FBI special investigator Will Graham and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who becomes Graham’s greatest adversary yet also the only person who truly understands him. It premiered on NBC on April 4, 2013, with a 13-episode first season ordered. The pilot episode was directed by executive producer David Slade. Despite being renewed for a third season in 2014 and premiering on June 4, 2015, low viewership led to its cancellation after three seasons on June 22, 2015. The series finale aired in Canada on City on August 27, 2015, followed by its U.S. airing two days later on NBC.

FBI profiler Will Graham is brought on board by Jack Crawford, the head of Behavioral Sciences at the FBI, to assist in solving a series of murders in Minnesota. As the intense case takes its toll on Graham’s mental state, Crawford appoints forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter as his supervisor. Little does Crawford know, Lecter himself is a notorious serial killer with a taste for human flesh. Inside the bureau, Lecter begins to carefully manipulate the situation to his advantage. Meanwhile, his growing relationship with Graham becomes a threat to his own well-being. With an eerie fascination for Graham’s unusual ability to understand psychopathic minds, Lecter pushes him to his limits in an attempt to mold him into a killer. The series was highly praised, with the performances of the lead actors and the show’s visual style specifically standing out. It was a recipient of multiple accolades, including two Saturn Awards for Best Network Television Series in its first two seasons. Additionally, Mikkelsen and Dancy were recognized as Best Actor and Laurence Fishburne won for Best Supporting Actor in season two. In its third and final season, the show received the inaugural Best Action-Thriller Television Series award and guest star Richard Armitage was awarded Best Supporting Actor. Its devoted following and critical acclaim have solidified its reputation as one of the greatest horror series of all time, particularly among network TV shows.