“Seriously, we could not even attempt another mouthful” is the word coming from NBC regarding it’s decision to end the not-for-the-squeamish thriller series Hannibal.  The Silence of the Lambs prequel series created by Bryan Fuller will see out it’s 13 episode third season on NBC, Thursday nights at 10pm.

“NBC has allowed us to craft a television series that no other broadcast network would have dared, and kept us on the air for three seasons despite Cancellation Bear Chow ratings and images that would have shredded the eyeballs of lesser Standards & Practices enforcers,” Fuller said in a statement. “[NBC Entertainment exec] Jen Salke and her team have been fantastic partners and creatively supportive beyond measure.Hannibal is finishing his last course at NBC’s table this summer, but a hungry cannibal can always dine again. And personally, I look forward to my next meal with NBC.” 

Talk of so-so ratings and a possibility of a licencing clash over the character of Clarice Sterling (portrayed by Jodie Foster in Silence of the Lambs) that Fuller wanted to bring into season 4 are currently being thrown around for the cancellation.

It’s a possibility however that not everyone has had their fill.  The De Laurentiis Company, which produces Hannibal, tweeted that the company is “exploring other options for future seasons,” adding “others have expressed interest in partnering with us.”

Here’s hoping Hannibal can open up shop somewhere else!