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[ivysaur12]

How many ad slots does $185k buy on Hannibal?

Other way around.

This isn't my forte, but let's play a game.

http://adage.com/article/media/tv-ad-prices-football-king/244832/

These are the average upfront sales for the 2014-15 season. Let's lowball and pick a comparative show given its ratings this season. How about... The Originals? Sure. That went for about $39,000 per 30 second spot. Dramas run at about 42 minutes, which means 18 minutes of ads. Some of those are promos. Let's low ball and say there are 15 minutes of actual ads.

That's about $1,170,000 (this is not an exact science, this is not my area of expertise, and there might be other costs I'm not aware of). Now, take away $185,000 from that. That's $985,000, or ad revenue you'd make per episode (again, I dunno! Maybe this is wrong!).

While, yes, NBC could do better, that's a pretty healthy stream of profit for a show that airs in the summer that's not really taking a timeslot from anything else. So, like, what?

I think syndication is where you really make the big bucks in television, and I doubt NBC with the 185k investment per an episode were getting a lot on the backend.

I think most television is profitable on the major networks, and just being a little profitable is not enough for them.

NBC would get nothing on the backend of Hannibal anyway, just like they'll get nothing on the backend of The Blacklist*, or ABC will get nothing from Modern Family or Fox will get nothing from Gotham. While corporate profits are nice, the networks themselves make their money in ad revenue. That's their only source of income. We haven't gotten to a place (yet) where networks are just farms for their own content

Spoiler

unless you count ABC.

Also, NBC seems to give less of a shit compared to other networks about buying from outside studios.

 

[petethepanda]

I'd love to blame NBC, but people just didn't want to give this one a chance. I almost didn't myself, just assuming it'd be a lame "remake" cash-in.

 

[Dan]

I must say I'm a little confused about the streaming rights. That Deadline article mentions Hannibal was part of a deal with NBC Universal alongside a couple other shows. I would have expected Gaumont to be handling that...

So even if it cost NBC basically nothing and would still make money, why would they cancel it? Why would they cancel it and tell us RIGHT NOW, only three episodes into the season, instead of letting us watch our show and then tell us the bad news then? Is there a strategy to this or...? I'm so confused I wish we could've watched the season without thinking "Is this the end? Will it get picked up?" :\

Well, Gaumont probably wants to act sooner rather than later on prepping another season if there will be one. The show may have just started airing, but Gaumont began shooting the thing last October. There are surely various practical and contractual issues at play on their side of things that would prompt them to want some certainty. Whatever calculation NBC made at this point probably wasn't going to change later in the season, so holding off a decision wouldn't serve to help anyone. Doing this now is the nicer, more amicable thing to do.

 

[xxracerxx]

Hoping someone else will pick this up as soon as possible.

 

[ivysaur12]

I must say I'm a little confused about the streaming rights. That Deadline article mentions Hannibal was part of a deal with NBC Universal alongside a couple other shows. I would have expected Gaumont to be handling that...

Me too. International co-productions are so weird. It sort of reminds me of indie films and always looking for outside financing.

 

[Mr. Pointy]

So even if it cost NBC basically nothing and would still make money, why would they cancel it? Why would they cancel it and tell us RIGHT NOW, only three episodes into the season, instead of letting us watch our show and then tell us the bad news then? Is there a strategy to this or...? I'm so confused I wish we could've watched the season without thinking "Is this the end? Will it get picked up?" :

EOFY is coming up. More time to get S4 contracts made up.

I have a gut feeling the NBC cancellation is more of a Gaumont/De Laurentiis thing and that they got a better offer from someone other network or service. And that we'll hear about it after July 1st.

 

[Dan]

That would lead me to assume that NBC Universal was paying for even more domestic rights, sublicensing the show to Amazon for the streaming window, which would only mean the show was even more profitable for NBC than the ad revenue would suggest. Who knows how that tangle of deals will sort itself out.

 

[yami4ct]

I'd love to blame NBC, but people just didn't want to give this one a chance. I almost didn't myself, just assuming it'd be a lame "remake" cash-in.

That was me as well. I didn't think there was anyway a Hannibal TV show could be good. I then heard so many good reviews of the show I decided to check it out and I fell in love instantly. Picked it up between Seasons 1 and 2.

Me too. International co-productions are so weird. It sort of reminds me of indie films and always looking for outside financing.

So, are we sure NBC is a pure licensee or do they have some skin in the actual production budget? Perhaps the amount we're seeing paid is just the license to air it and they also agree to pay some percent of the budget? I seriously doubt it, but as you said international co-productions are weird and I'm trying to find a way that makes these numbers seem less crazy.

 

[Maengun1]

IMO, Hannibal became *the* best show currently on tv the second after Mad Men ended. It's brilliant. I really can't be mad at NBC, they've done well by the show. It's frankly insane what they let Fuller get away with (it's gorier and more disturbing than anything HBO or showtime have ever made), and it's viewership ratings are atrocious (those 2 facts likely go hand in hand).

NBC could have justifiably cancelled the show 2 years ago based on ratings, but they let Fuller follow his vision 100% for 3 full seasons. I actually appreciate them being so upfront and quick about the cancellation rather than leaving the fans hanging for months more.

It seems like the show has a decent shot at moving elsewhere, so I'm holding off on mourning it for now. Somebody save it!

 

[jett]

I only made to like s1,ep6 before giving up. Dexter blows it away.

 

[ivysaur12]

That was me as well. I didn't think there was anyway a Hannibal TV show could be good. I then heard so many good reviews of the show I decided to check it out and I fell in love instantly. Picked it up between Seasons 1 and 2.



So, are we sure NBC is a pure licensee or do they have some skin in the actual production budget? Perhaps the amount we're seeing paid is just the license to air it and they also agree to pay some percent of the budget? I seriously doubt it, but as you said international co-productions are weird and I'm trying to find a way that makes these numbers seem less crazy.

The only actual major studio that I thought had any sort of investment in Hannibal was Sony, because they own AXN.

I have no idea! International co-productions are weird!

 

[Candeldandel]

I must say I'm a little confused about the streaming rights. That Deadline article mentions Hannibal was part of a deal with NBC Universal alongside a couple other shows. I would have expected Gaumont to be handling that...


Well, Gaumont probably wants to act sooner rather than later on prepping another season if there will be one. The show may have just started airing, but Gaumont began shooting the thing last October. There are surely various practical and contractual issues at play on their side of things that would prompt them to want some certainty. Whatever calculation NBC made at this point probably wasn't going to change later in the season, so holding off a decision wouldn't serve to help anyone. Doing this now is the nicer, more amicable thing to do.

EOFY is coming up. More time to get S4 contracts made up.

I have a gut feeling the NBC cancellation is more of a Gaumont/De Laurentiis thing and that they got a better offer from someone other network or service. And that we'll hear about it after July 1st.

Oooh, okay, that makes a little more sense. Thanks guys. Still kinda depressing to think about all season, but, if we hear about the bolded soon, or by the end of the season, I suppose it's not all doom & gloom.

 

[ivysaur12]

Prediction: It'll get picked up by Amazon and announced at Comic Con.

 

[yami4ct]

The only actual major studio that I thought had any sort of investment in Hannibal was Sony, because they own AXN.

I have no idea! International co-productions are weird!

I always knew Hannibal was made in an odd way that made it a bit ratings-proof, but I didn't know it was this weird. Given everything we're learning about what this show is really costing NBC, it only makes sense something insane would happen with its cancellation.

Prediction: It'll get picked up by Amazon and announced at Comic Con.

Seems like a good bet. Either there or Fuller will announce on Twitter right after the finale airs and we'll get an Amazon press release the day after.

 

[jerry113]

it's NBC and the slow pace (lots of scene panning) didn't help the show.
Heroes Reborn is likely be cancelled too.

I wonder if this will go to Amazon Prime. If Amazon is even interested

Netflix has a history of picking up cancelled shows though, like The Killing. Maybe it's time for Amazon to jump on the goodwill bandwagon. Up to this point they're developing their own original shows but this seems like a good opportunity to attract an already established fanbase to its show ecosystem.

However they really, really need to overhaul their obtuse browsing system. It makes Netflix's horrible interface look manageable.

Is Hannibal currently available to stream on amazon prime? Checked: yes it is.

 

[BertramCooper]

However they really, really need to overhaul their obtuse browsing system. It makes Netflix's horrible interface look manageable.

Amazon needs to make a standalone Prime Instant Video website that looks and functions differently than the mothership.

The way their digital video content blends into the rest of the site makes for kind of a clunky browsing experience.

 

[Candeldandel]

Prediction: It'll get picked up by Amazon and announced at Comic Con.

Good call! I sincerely hope this is the case. Do we... know any Gaffers that are 1) huge Hannibal fans, 2) going to SDCC and 3) could fight their way into the panel and see first hand for us? I mean, probably not, but a girl can dream, right?

 

[ivysaur12]

Amazon needs to make a standalone Prime Instant Video website that looks and functions differently than the mothership.

The way their digital video content blends into the rest of the site makes for kind of a clunky browsing experience.

Yup. Very much so. It really doesn't translate well into the Amazon website's template.

 

[yami4ct]

Netflix has a history of picking up cancelled shows though, like The Killing. Maybe it's time for Amazon to jump on the goodwill bandwagon. Up to this point they're developing their own original shows but this seems like a good opportunity to attract an already established fanbase to its show ecosystem.

However they really, really need to overhaul their obtuse browsing system. It makes Netflix's horrible interface look manageable.

Is Hannibal currently available to stream on amazon prime? Checked: yes it is.

Not only is Hannibal on Prime, Amazon has the exclusive rights to stream it in the US. Since the NBC rights would be US only anyway, that's what would make Amazon a good bet. As you mention, it would be a great way to draw attention to their original programming. It could sort of do for Amazon Instant what Arrested Development did for Netflix originals.

 

[Sober]

NBC just shot themselves in the foot.

I don't know how much the rest of you know about the culinary arts (I'm an expert), but cannibalism and inflicting massive psychological trauma are huge parts of it. It's not like it is with Gordon Ramsay where you can become successful by simply being an asshole. If you all you can do is yell at your contestants, they will just cry for a bit on camera and get over it. And to top it all off, he's not even a closeted cannibal.

What this means is Fannibals and connoisseurs of prestige television, after hearing about this, are not going to want to watch any other shows about cannibals, nor will they watch anything on NBC. This is HUGE. You can laugh all you want, but NBC has alienated an entire market with this move.

NBC, publicly apologize and uncancel Hannibal or you can kiss your business goodbye.

 

[adamsappel]

Goddamnit! Best show on tv. Hope it's picked up elsewhere.

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

Prediction: It'll get picked up by Amazon and announced at Comic Con.

Hope so!

NBC just shot themselves in the foot.

I don't know how much the rest of you know about the culinary arts (I'm an expert), but cannibalism and inflicting massive psychological trauma are huge parts of it. It's not like it is with Gordon Ramsay where you can become successful by simply being an asshole. If you all you can do is yell at your contestants, they will just cry for a bit on camera and get over it. And to top it all off, he's not even a closeted cannibal.

What this means is Fannibals and connoisseurs of prestige television, after hearing about this, are not going to want to watch any other shows about cannibals, nor will they watch anything on NBC. This is HUGE. You can laugh all you want, but NBC has alienated an entire market with this move.

NBC, publicly apologize and uncancel Hannibal or you can kiss your business goodbye.

Heh heh heh

 

[SargerusBR]

At least it will manage to end at Red Dragon.

 

[Shaanyboi]

Dammit! First Constantine now this... Although my expectations are high that someone else will pick Hannibal up

yup to both.

 

[BUNTING1243]

It'll get picked up somewhere else, right? It has too.

I've really been loving season three so far.

 

[Shanlei91]

In a post-Shenmue 3 announcement world I'm not bothered by this decision to cancel Hannibal. I have faith the show will go on in either this decade or the next.

 

[saunderez]

NBC just shot themselves in the foot.

I don't know how much the rest of you know about the culinary arts (I'm an expert), but cannibalism and inflicting massive psychological trauma are huge parts of it. It's not like it is with Gordon Ramsay where you can become successful by simply being an asshole. If you all you can do is yell at your contestants, they will just cry for a bit on camera and get over it. And to top it all off, he's not even a closeted cannibal.

What this means is Fannibals and connoisseurs of prestige television, after hearing about this, are not going to want to watch any other shows about cannibals, nor will they watch anything on NBC. This is HUGE. You can laugh all you want, but NBC has alienated an entire market with this move.

NBC, publicly apologize and uncancel Hannibal or you can kiss your business goodbye.

Now that's how you do a "shot themselves in the foot" post. Bravo.

 

[Mr. Pointy]

When S4 starts on Amazon, do you think we'll get to see

Spoiler

Mads' dong?

 

[Shanlei91]

When S4 starts on Amazon, do you think we'll get to see

Spoiler

Mads' dong?

Will Graham sure hopes so. Das lurv.

 

[captjohnboyd]

I have no question in my mind this show will get picked up. It's far too good not to be. That is all

 

[SCHUEY F1]

Been a huge fan from day one. Hope someone saves it.

 

[ivysaur12]

NBC just shot themselves in the foot.

I don't know how much the rest of you know about the culinary arts (I'm an expert), but cannibalism and inflicting massive psychological trauma are huge parts of it. It's not like it is with Gordon Ramsay where you can become successful by simply being an asshole. If you all you can do is yell at your contestants, they will just cry for a bit on camera and get over it. And to top it all off, he's not even a closeted cannibal.

What this means is Fannibals and connoisseurs of prestige television, after hearing about this, are not going to want to watch any other shows about cannibals, nor will they watch anything on NBC. This is HUGE. You can laugh all you want, but NBC has alienated an entire market with this move.

NBC, publicly apologize and uncancel Hannibal or you can kiss your business goodbye.

lolololol

 

[Dany]

God I hope the show is saved. It has to be

 

[Mr. Pointy]

How much would the TV rights for SotL cost?

 

[Dec]

meh. season 3 seems like it has more slow motion than that surge of bad 3D movies a few years back.

Just awful to watch.

 

[Currygan]

yeah, this age definitely sucks. Fuck this, honestly

 

[Turin]

Fuck everything.

 

[Psychoward]

meh. season 3 seems like it has more slow motion than that surge of bad 3D movies a few years back.

Just awful to watch.

yeah, 1 and 2 were much better at this point

this is way too self-indulgent and meandering

 

[Nappuccino]

Dammit.

Everything I love burns to the ground.

 

[Transhuman]

Hannibal was too good not to be cancelled anyway.

 

[Plasticine]

So, are we sure NBC is a pure licensee or do they have some skin in the actual production budget? Perhaps the amount we're seeing paid is just the license to air it and they also agree to pay some percent of the budget? I seriously doubt it, but as you said international co-productions are weird and I'm trying to find a way that makes these numbers seem less crazy.

Gaumont International produces Hannibal and completely foots the bill for it. I'd be willing to bet AXN is the reason for the crazy low US licensing fee. AXN has rights for a huge number of countries. Their continued support is more important than anything that happens in the US. As long as they keep airing the show, it'll remain dirt cheap in the US, so somebody should pick it up.

 

[a secret-boss]

Netflix has a history of picking up cancelled shows though, like The Killing. Maybe it's time for Amazon to jump on the goodwill bandwagon. Up to this point they're developing their own original shows but this seems like a good opportunity to attract an already established fanbase to its show ecosystem.

However they really, really need to overhaul their obtuse browsing system. It makes Netflix's horrible interface look manageable.

Is Hannibal currently available to stream on amazon prime? Checked: yes it is.

I only mentioned Amazon because Hannibal is airing on it
and Amazon is more likely to fetch it

 

[carlsojo]

I'll be totally honest, I have no idea why Hannibal was renewed for a third season. Not that it's a bad show, but the ratings have been pretty terrible all the way through. The pacing of the third season certainly hasn't done it any favors.

 

[Nappuccino]

I'll be totally honest, I have no idea why Hannibal was renewed for a third season. Not that it's a bad show, but the ratings have been pretty terrible all the way through. The pacing of the third season certainly hasn't done it any favors.

NBC was barely funding it.

Also, I have a feeling that Hannibal would have a better shot at renewal elsewhere had it been cancelled last year. Though . . . maybe Amazon doesn't really need that many people watching to make it "justified." The should would definitely add an extra level of prestige to their line-up. Right now they have Transparent and . . . ?

 

[Ashok]

meh. season 3 seems like it has more slow motion than that surge of bad 3D movies a few years back.

Just awful to watch.

Speak for yourself. Season 3 may be my favorite season yet. I LOVE Bedelia and Chiyoh.

 

[cocopuffs]

the problem with hannibal is that its way too artsy fartsy up its own ass. no, hannibal staring at food for 10 minutes, 20 minutes of slowmotion panning through your nice cinematography, and 5 minutes of something actually happening doesnt make good TV.

the season 3 finale was the best episode of the show cause shit actually happened. granted this is still kinda disappointing because it was one of the better shows on tv but i cant blame nbc.

 

[Lijik]

 

[anaron]

NBC just shot themselves in the foot.

I don't know how much the rest of you know about the culinary arts (I'm an expert), but cannibalism and inflicting massive psychological trauma are huge parts of it. It's not like it is with Gordon Ramsay where you can become successful by simply being an asshole. If you all you can do is yell at your contestants, they will just cry for a bit on camera and get over it. And to top it all off, he's not even a closeted cannibal.

What this means is Fannibals and connoisseurs of prestige television, after hearing about this, are not going to want to watch any other shows about cannibals, nor will they watch anything on NBC. This is HUGE. You can laugh all you want, but NBC has alienated an entire market with this move.

NBC, publicly apologize and uncancel Hannibal or you can kiss your business goodbye.

lol an actual funny "shot themselves in the foot" post

 

[mariachi507]

I'm just thankful that we are going to see Red Dragon adapted. Ever since the show started airing I've been praying to the tv gods that we would at least get to see that before the show got canned.

 

[Prophet Steve]

Please other networks/companies, I'm not entirely sure if it it a feasible financial situations to pick it up but do it anyway.

I'm not able to handle a cliffhanger.