Ratings: NBC’s ‘Hannibal’ falls again, ‘Wayward Pines’ rises against NBA Finals

Let’s start this article off with the following statement: You are not going to find a bigger group of “Hannibal” fans than here at CarterMatt. However, it is starting to get very difficult to rationalize some of the ratings that the show is putting up. Last night, the second episode of season 3 drew a dismal 0.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic. For a reference, there are only a few shows on The CW that draw lower numbers than this.

Is it easy to claim that certain factors hurt it? Sure. Take, for example, the NBA Finals, which continues to draw huge ratings thanks in part to it being such competitive basketball. However, how do you explain this show falling more than 20 percent, and yet “Wayward Pines” rising slightly to a 1.2 rating for a big episode? Maybe it is benefited by coming on earlier in the game, but we have a hard time thinking that this many “Hannibal” fans chose to watch the NBA over it.

Also, remember here that the show does not have any other tangible competition on Thursday night, and while it is summer, it airs late enough that it’s not really interfering with anyone going out for the day and enjoying the sunshine.

The reality here is that “Hannibal” is not a show designed to appeal to the masses. It is strange, stellar programming, but it is always going to appeal to a small group. At this point, we wonder if it would be better suited for cable / streaming, since we cannot see it renewed (even with lower direct cost for NBC and critical acclaim) with those ratings.

Why do you think the “Hannibal” ratings are falling? Share below, and head over here to read our review of this past episode. Also, you can sign up here to get some other TV updates on all we cover, courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)