NBC renews ‘Hannibal’ and ‘About a Boy’

NBC renewed two more series Friday, ordering additional seasons of “Hannibal” and “About a Boy.”

Based on Thomas Harris’ novel “Red Dragon,” “Hannibal” follows the relationship between FBI investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen).

Currently in its second season, the gory psychological thriller has never been much of a ratings star -- its most recent Friday-night outing at 10 p.m. brought in only 2.76 million viewers -- but because of a international co-production deal, the series is relatively inexpensive for NBC. It is also a critical darling, and has held steady in the ratings despite a move to Friday nights this season.

Freshman series “About a Boy,” based on the Nick Hornby novel and Chris and Paul Weitz film of the same name, will also be back. From “Parenthood” and “Friday Night Lights” scribe Jason Katims, it stars David Walton as a caddish bachelor who forms an unexpected friendship with the sensitive, socially awkward kid next door, played by Benjamin Stockham.

The midseason replacement debuted in February and has averaged 8.3 million viewers in its first season. Though NBC has has struggled with comedy this season, which saw the demise of freshman laffers “Sean Saves the World,” “The Michael J. Fox Show” and “Welcome to the Family,” “About a Boy” is the first new comedy to earn a renewal. It performs particularly well for NBC with younger audiences, averaging about 3.1 million viewers among the coveted under-40 set.

“Hannibal” and “About a Boy” join previously announced renewals “Parks and Recreation,” “Chicago Fire,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Grimm,” “The Blacklist” and “Chicago P.D.”