'Hannibal' Season 3 Release Date Coming This Summer, NBC Announces

"Hannibal" die-hard fans would have to wait until summer this year before they can see new episodes of the gory crime drama series, NBC announced on Friday.

NBCC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt confirmed that the network is actually pushing for the show to extend a bit longer, according to Entertainment Weekly.

But the network executive failed to disclose the official date for the Season 3 premiere during the Television Critics Association (TCA)'s Winter press tour.

"It's a show we love, it's critically-acclaimed. We love it. And we also love summer. We have exciting plans for summer," Greenblatt told reporters.

The announcement almost came to no surprise since previous seasons of the critically horror show had premiered in summer.

But the news was a disappointment for some who took on Executive Producer Bryan Fuller's earlier statement that the show might come back in April or May.

Given the show's modest ratings, just continuing to have new "Hannibal' episodes is a network blessing of sorts.

Last week, "Hannibal" was seen resuming production in Canada after the first half of its third season was filmed in Italy last month.

After going on a holiday hiatus, the show resumed its production in Ontario and will continue filming in the Toronto area until April, the Toronto Film Office confirmed.

Stars Mads Mikkelsen plays the lead role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter while Hugh Dancy Mikkelsen portrays the role of Will Graham, Hannibal's nemesis.

Earlier, David Tennant, the actor known for being the 10th actor to play the iconic role of the British doctor in the TV series "Doctor Who," will reportedly join the NBC horror series.

Earlier, Tennant confirmed meeting Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller, hinting about the special appearance he would make in the series.

This would not be the first time for Tennant to join the cast of "Hannibal." In July last year, Fuller said he would love to work with the actor and is open to writing a script only for him. Tennant previously appeared in shows like "Gracepoint" and "Broadchurch."

The new season of "Hannibal" will reportedly explore some aspects of the plot in "Silence of the Lambs" and "Red Dragon."