Written by PTC | Published July 15, 2014
Among the shows the Emmys snubbed was “Hannibal,” a series with cable panache and good reviews to match. But it hasn't earned strong ratings, and its graphic portrayals of elaborate murders may be one reason why. “‘Hannibal’ is, and I think most people in this room would agree, one of the best shows we have creatively and one of the best-reviewed shows this network has had since I've been here, and we still struggle to find an audience for it,” Greenblatt said. “It's great, we're keeping it going,” he added. “The minute you try to do something that is dark and subversive and frightening and gets into that territory, you start to peel away the mass audience.” “And they just pitched the next season and it blew us away,” added NBC entertainment president Jennifer Salke.It’s worth noting that the ratings for Hannibal are subpar, and even softer this season than last, but that didn’t prevent Greenblatt and NBC from renewing it anyway. So which is it, Hollywood? Do you just “respond to the audience,” or does your desire to be “dark and subversive” actually outweigh your desire for good ratings? Sadly for parents and families, you’ve already answered that question. Any reasonable and responsible business decision would lead Greenblatt to cancel Hannibal and replace it with something that appeals to a broader audience.