Serial killer dramas aren't for everyone. It's one thing to approach a crime drama from the perspective of the investigators trying to track down the killer. It's another to take us inside the mind of the killer on a weekly basis. Hannibal has been doing that, perhaps not as openly as say, Dexter does, in terms of letting us into Hannibal's mind, but about as graphically as the Showtime drama when it comes to the blood. And it is for that reason that Utah's Salt Lake City station KSL-TV has decided to pull Hannibal from the air. But all hope is not lost for residents in the area looking for more Hannibal.
The Utah TV station made the announcement on their Facebook page yesterday, noting that they'll be airing news during the Hannibal hour at 9:00 p.m. ET on Thursday nights.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: After viewing the past few episodes, as well as receiving numerous complaints from viewers, KSL TV will cancel the airing of the NBC show “Hannibal” on Thursday evenings.This decision was made due to the extensive graphic nature of this show. The time slot will be replaced with a special edition of KSL 5 News at 9 p.m.NBC remains a valued partner to KSL TV. KSL is confident that with the proliferation of digital media, those who wish to view the program can easily do so.
EW notes that KSL is owned by the Church of Latter Day Saints and has a history of pulling shows they deem objectionable, including The Playboy Club and The New Normal. I wouldn't argue with the comment that Hannibal's a graphic series that really does push the line in terms of violent and disturbing content, but when it comes to television, I'm generally of the mindset that if you find something offensive, change the channel. Of course, KSL TV wouldn't want people doing that, or worse, boycotting their station altogether, so their decision isn't particularly surprising.
While fans of Bryan Fuller's serial killer drama won't be able to find it airing on NBC in the Salt Lake City area, EW says their sources say Hannibal might end up airing on the local CW affiliate. NBC has made no official statement on the matter.
