10 Horror TV Shows That Had No Right To Be This Good

Ah, Hannibal. Few shows have had such a high potential to go in a completely opposite direction, only to end up being one of the best horror shows of the decade.

Much like fellow prequel Bates Motel, remaking a story most familiar to audiences through one of the best horror films of all time in The Silence Of The Lambs was always going to be a delicate prospect. Even lead actor Mads Mikkelsen himself admitted to being “reluctant” to open up that “can of worms” prior to meeting showrunner Bryan Fuller. After all, what actor wouldn’t be apprehensive to follow up not only Anthony Hopkins’ Oscar-winning performance, but also the less well received spin-off films that trailed its success? We’re looking at you, Hannibal Rising.

The fact that NBC, a commercial broadcast network not exactly known for dark, gory, prestige drama, actually greenlit the show for three full seasons is little short of a miracle in itself.

Rather than fail to live up to or even meet expectations of the franchise it hinges on, Hannibal instead managed to overshadow its predecessors for many dedicated fans, becoming their premier depiction of these iconic characters. In fact, Hannibal was so excellent and so beloved, that fan campaigns to pick up the show that was cancelled back in 2015, with full endorsement of the cast and writers, are still ongoing!