Best TV Shows To Watch If You Miss Hannibal

Hannibal received critical acclaim for its character study of the iconic psychologist, serial killer, and cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The series is anchored by incredible performances from Mads Mikkelsen in the titular role, and Hugh Dancy as FBI criminal profiler, Will Graham. The series unfolds as a game of cat-and-mouse, whereby Lecter aims to manipulate the FBI from within whilst also trying to push Will Graham to become a killer. The series always maintained strong critical reviews but never garnered a huge following, with the series eventually being canceled due to low viewership.

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Due to the show’s quality, it went on to become a cult classic, with many people watching the series after its cancellation, with many still holding out hope that the show will be revived. The cast is still interested in a revival of the show, with Mads Mikkelsen stating in 2024 that they all “want to go back” for a new season. But for fans who miss Hannibal, what are six shows to watch?

6

Mindhunter

An Exploration Into How Serial Killers Think

Another show canceled before its time, Mindhunter, tells the story of the formation of the behavioral science unit at Quantico. Directed by David Fincher, the series sees FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, played by Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, interviewing convicted killers in an attempt to understand how they tick.

The series heads down dark paths with Holden Ford exhibiting similar traits to Will Graham, empathizing with the killers whilst aiming to keep his head above water. The show features incredible performances across the board, stellar writing, and is an interesting exploration into the minds of serial killers. This makes Mindhunter a perfect watch for fans who still miss Hannibal.

5

Black Bird

A Convicted Felon Is Offered A Deal To Escape Prison

Black Bird

9/10

Based on a true story, Black Bird sees Taron Egerton in the lead role as convicted drug dealer, James Keene, who is offered a chance to escape his sentence by eliciting a confession from serial killer, Larry Hall. The show is packed full of tension with Keene aiming to avoid suspicion as an informant, whilst Hall remains an elusive and dangerous figure throughout.

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The series has lots of twists and turns, with the game of cat-and-mouse between Keene and Hall being incredibly well written, and the performances from Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser stealing the show, never allowing the audience to feel at ease. If fans miss Hannibal, this AppleTV limited series is definitely one to watch.

4

The Following

A Psychological Thriller Starring Kevin Bacon

The Following

Release Date

January 21, 2013

Network

FOX

Directors

Kevin Bacon

The Following sees Kevin Bacon as a retired FBI agent aiming to recapture a serial killer that has escaped from prison and amassed a cult willing to do his bidding. Written by Kevin Williamson, who launched the Scream franchise, this psychological thriller sees the killer and FBI agent dynamic that many loved from Hannibal.

The series features great performances from its leads, Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy, with their lives intertwined and Purefoy’s killer Joe Carroll looking to take everything from Bacon’s Ryan Hardy. For fans who miss Hannibal, The Following is worth a watch.

3

Barry

A Hitman Wants To Become An Actor

Barry is a violent character study of a former soldier who becomes a hitman upon his return to civilization. After stumbling into an acting class, he wants to leave his past behind to pursue his new passion. Bill Hader delivers a huge performance in the lead role, providing excellent depth to a character forced to continue committing awful acts to maintain his new life.

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Barry and Will Graham similarly suffer from tortured pasts, and someone is always looking to push them further into darkness, with Fuches consistently pushing Barry into contract killing in an attempt to continue his lucrative lifestyle. For those who miss Hannibal, Barry will have them hooked from start to finish.

2

Luther

Hunting Down Killers On The Streets Of London

If viewers like their protagonists dark and gritty, then look no further than DCI John Luther. The BBC series starring Idris Elba delivers a flawed detective who, after letting a child murderer fall seemingly to his death, returns to the police force to solve murders whilst dealing with a troubled home life.

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Luther is packed full of action, suspense, and great performances from its cast, with Idris Elba winning multiple awards for playing the detective. Throughout the show, he tussles with various different killers, aiming to keep the streets of London safe, whilst his first case’s perpetrator, Alice Morgan, plays mind games showing Luther he’s not too far detached from the murderers he catches. For fans who miss Hannibal’s psychological games, this series is a must-watch.

1

Dexter

The Blood-Spatter Analyst And Serial Killer

Dexter is the story of a blood-spatter analyst by day, serial killer by night, who operates with a code put in place by his father, Harry. The show features a great performance from Michael C. Hall, who fully embodies the character, with Dexter being hounded by both law enforcement and other killers.

The show features some great twists and turns along the way, with Dexter nearly being caught on multiple occasions. The series provides a great character study of the mind of a killer and the psychological impact that trauma can have when shaping someone’s future. The series itself features some great performances with great writing. However, many fans signify a drop in quality following season four. For fans who miss getting inside the mind of a killer from Hannibal, Dexter could be the perfect show.

Hannibal

Release Date

2013 – 2014

Network

NBC

Showrunner

Bryan Fuller

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