14 DAY TRIAL // NBC Salt Lake City affiliate KSL TV is opting out of the network’s new series, “Hannibal,” which is a spinoff on the “Silence of the Lambs” franchise and stars Mads Mikkelsen. The reason cited is the show’s extremely violent content.
Variety says that KSL TV has ties within the Mormon Church and a history of yanking shows they believe do not go with their brand image, such as “New Normal,” “Saturday Night Live” and “The Playboy Club.”
In a brief statement on the official Facebook page, KSL TV says that, “After viewing the past few episodes, as well as receiving numerous complaints from viewers, KSL-TV will cancel the airing of the NBC show ‘Hannibal’ on Thursday evenings.”
“This decision was made due to the extensive graphic nature of this show. The time slot will be replaced with a special edition of KSL 5 News at 9 p.m.,” the statement reads.
KSL TV adds that fans disappointed in the cancelation can still see it online or on other media, so they should not really feel bad about it. As they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way.