We've stepped away from the table a bit in our 'Hannibal' season 2 coverage (those Friday nights are killer), but the Fannibals have much reason to rejoice. The good Dr. Lecter and Will Graham will officially return for another course in 2015, as NBC has officially given Bryan Fuller's 'Hannibal' the season 3 renewal we've been waiting for.

The renewal came a bit down to the wire, particularly as ratings have only shown a moderate improvement from the first season, while its late Friday airtime could have proven especially harsh in light of the "Friday night death slot." Still, the show's rich international following and co-production make 'Hannibal' something of a low investment for NBC, allowing Mads Mikkelsen's darkly delicious take on the character to endure.

The current season saw Raul Esparza’s return as Dr. Frederick Chilton, along with ‘X-Files‘ vet Gillian Anderson as Hannibal’s therapist Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier, and Eddie Izzard as Dr. Abel Gideon. 'Hannibal' also introduced ‘Sex and the City’ vet Cynthia Nixon, ‘Homeland‘ player Martin Donovan, ‘Justified‘ Emmy winner Jeremy Davies, ‘Arrested Development‘ star Chris Diamantopoulos, ‘Boardwalk Empire‘ alum Michael Pitt as iconic literary Hannibal villain Mason Verger, and ‘Being Human‘ star Katharine Isabelle as his tortured sister Margot.

We'll circle back to 'Hannibal' before its upcoming season 2 finale, but what do you think? Are you glad NBC opted for a third course of the prequel drama in 2015?

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