After more than a year’s absence from our screens, NBC’s “Hannibal” makes its long-anticipated return on June 4, and judging by the first three episodes previewed for critics, Bryan Fuller’s macabre drama is every bit as atmospheric, operatic and opulent in its third season.

Following season two’s finale bloodbath, Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) has escaped America with his former therapist Bedelia Du Maurier (Gillian Anderson), and taken up residence in Europe, where our titular cannibal has wasted no time sampling the local cuisine. Freed from the pretense of his psychiatric practice and cat-and-mouse game with the FBI, season three’s Hannibal is an altogether different beast, unrestrained in his impulses — which is bad news for anyone he invites for dinner.

In Variety’s exclusive sneak peek from the season three premiere, “Antipasto,” we find Hannibal and Bedelia living a fairytale existence in Italy — but can the troubled pair find a happily ever after?

“Hannibal” season three premieres Thursday, June 4 at 10 p.m. on NBC.