"Hannibal" could return for a shorter season, producer Bryan Fuller hinted in an interview with TV Insider.
The show-runner said the TV show may come back in "a different form" and that "a new venue" would be an opportunity for them to adjust the number of episodes they would do. The update came after NBC announced last June 22 that the cult drama would not get a fourth season.
Fuller has earlier voiced a desire to cut back on the season's original 13 episodes to nine or ten. He also confirmed ongoing conversations with "multiple parties" about a potential revival of the TV series.
""It feels so digestible. Tightening up the story and shoring up the narrative by three episodes is exciting. It can make things tighter and move quicker," he said.
Meanwhile, the producer expressed his appreciation for Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment, for "fighting the show's corner."
"She's been in there with her sleeves rolled up, fighting the fight internally at NBC. There are a lot of people who wanted it off the air because mathematically, with the low ratings, it doesn't make sense (to keep it)."
NBC said in a statement reported by Digital Spy that it remained "tremendously proud" of the critically-acclaimed series based on Thomas Harris's books.
"Bryan and his team of writers and producers, as well as our incredible actors, have brought a visual palette of storytelling that has been second to none in all of television, broadcast or cable," the studio said.
"We thank Gaumont and everyone involved in the show for their tireless efforts that have made 'Hannibal' an incredible experience for audiences around the world."
Meanwhile, stars Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy have been released from their contracts even as the show continues to search for "a new home." Both actors have expressed interest in returning to the show should it have a fourth season, according to Deadline.
"Hannibal" will continue to air the remainder of Season Three on NBC on Thursday nights.
