NBC’s depraved Hannibal – an update

By: American Decency Staff

As the joke goes, “I have some good news and some bad news.”  Since you can’t tell me which you’d like first, I’ll begin with the good news.  And, actually, the good news is really only “cautiously optimistic” news.

After increasing the pressure upon Kohl’s, which had become a regular sponsor of  NBC’s repulsive show “Hannibal,”  the good news is that  Kohl’s did not advertise on the latest episode of “Hannibal!” 

As Kohl’s turned a deaf ear to expressions of concern by you, our readers, we targeted them even more specifically last week Monday, asking you to call and email the corporation directly.  We believe many of you did just that.

In addition, Kohl’s was featured in our June monthly newsletter sent to thousands of readers.  In each month’s newsletter we include two postcards to be sent to certain corporate offenders.  The postcards are pre-written and addressed so that senders only have to sign their name and mail it, which, hopefully, floods a company’s mailbox with our colored postcards.  Last week Kohl’s should have begun to receive those postcards.

(On a side note, if you would like to receive our monthly newsletter, email your mailing address to kimberly@americandecency.org.)

We believe Kohl’s decision not to sponsor Thursday’s episode of “Hannibal” was a direct result of these expressions of concern – calls, emails, and postcards – by disgusted customers.  However, corporations rarely let us know they are pulling their ads – they don’t want to “encourage” our efforts or let us know we are having an impact!

As I stated above, the news is “cautiously optimistic.”  We aren’t going to hang our hats on one week’s monitoring results.  The proof will be if Kohl’s continues to stay away from sponsoring future episodes of “Hannibal.”

However, we encourage you to keep the pressure on the sponsors of “Hannibal” and the other shows we monitor.  Your expressions of concern do make a difference!    See below for advertiser list and “take action” link.

Now for the bad news, unfortunately.  NBC recently announced they have renewed “Hannibal” for a second season, but has only ordered 13 episodes which will air as a mid-season replacement. 

The surprising renewal announcement flies in the face of logic.  The ratings for “Hannibal” have been dismal – coming in dead last among all networks for its timeslot week after week after week.  Once again, the latest episode drew only 2.3 million viewers and an incredibly low 0.9 demographic share.  These are the lowest ratings yet for this depraved show. 

It certainly can’t be the ratings that led NBC to renew “Hannibal.”    Viewers certainly aren’t tuning in, but yet the critics have given glowing praise for this sickening show – describing the horrific violence and cannibalistic themes as “artistic.”  In addition, online and cable networks have stated they would pick up “Hannibal” if NBC cancelled it.  So, it appears that NBC renewed the show out of pride – not common sense.  The network wanted to be viewed as “avant-garde” by airing a show considered “cool” by their elitist media peers.

NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke praised Bryan Fuller, the producer/creator of “Hannibal,: stating:  “We’re so proud of Bryan’s vision for a show that is richly textured, psychologically complex, and very compelling.  There are many great stories still to be told.”

So many “great” stories to tell about killing people and eating their body parts??

Even among the few avid fans of “Hannibal” there is surprise that NBC airs such gruesome content.  While these cannibal-loving viewers were thrilled with NBC’s renewal of “Hannibal,” some commented online:

“… I'm surprised it's even on network television as the show puts out some seriously hard imagery for a non-cable program.”

“Sometimes the (g)ods smile upon an amazing TV show that no one is watching. I friggin love this show.”

“ … I am shocked by some of the stuff that gets on network with this show."

The viewer commenting above isn’t the only one that is shocked by the content of “Hannibal.”  Any person with a modicum of morality would be as well.

Help us keep the pressure on the advertisers who are empowering the disgusting imagery and themes of “Hannibal.”

Take Action!  Click here to send a message to the sponsors of “Hannibal.”

Advertisers include:

Target
Olive Garden
Yoplait yogurt
Chevrolet
Lexus
Visa
Mazda
Gatorade
Cortizone 10
Zantac
ACT mouthwash
T-Mobile
American Express
Dyson vacuums
Kia
Verizon
AFLAC
iRobot

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American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

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