Brian Fuller announced on Twitter yesterday that both Netflix and Amazon have passed on picking up a fourth season of Hannibal.

@MikeBarbre I'M SORRY TO REPORT @amazon AND @netflix HAVE PASSED ON #HANNIBAL S4 BUT WE'RE STILL INVESTIGATING POSSIBILITIES — Bryan Fuller (@BryanFuller) July 6, 2015

In the case of Netflix it’s not very surprising as they were hamstrung by the exclusive rights Amazon holds to the first three seasons of the show. It would be difficult for them to build an expanded audience without access to the show’s entire run. There’s no definitive word on why Amazon passed but early word, when the fans were first reaching out to ask them to consider picking it up, was that Amazon was only interested in original material for their streaming. A somewhat foolish stance if true, as none of their shows have caught fire in the way that Netflix shows have. Although it does make it more financially viable for them.

Fuller clearly hasn’t lost hope and says there are other suitors in the conversation. While some have compared this to the Constantine debacle where fans held their breath hoping for a savior, Hannibal’s position is a little different. Long hailed by critics as a radical new direction for network television it has often been described as a cable show running on commercial television. Rumors have abounded for years that one of the main reasons NBC stood by it is because they knew that there was interest from cable networks in picking it up should they drop it.

One has to wonder, however, if one of the reasons Hannibal was relegated to the Summer schedule was to settle the matter once and for all. If it had kept its ratings from previous seasons it would have been a solid contender to return next Summer as the competition is so much lighter during this season. Having hit abysmal new lows instead, NBC has made the show look far less attractive to any white knights who might contemplate a rescue.

One thing is sure though, a show like Hannibal deserves better. It was the first sign that network television might be willing to start growing up. The production values, challenging stories and amazing acting was far more suited to an AMC or HBO production and the peacock network could be proud of the kudos they received for continuing to stand by it. Unfortunately it’s good will finally ran out and it will no doubt be replaced by a soapy melodrama or another human cockfight reality show.

I’m still holding out for a hero, even with hope dimming. I want it saved not just because I will miss it as a fan but also because I want this type of quality to be rewarded. We all know it’s time for a new paradigm of what a successful show is, where quality and social network support are taken in equal measure to the nearly obsolete Nielson ratings. Hannibal should be the show that ushers in the new age.

Join the continuing social media campaign this week by registering at Thunderclap and live tweeting this Thursday night.

#SaveHannibal