Summary

• Clarice deserves another season to further develop its characters, world-building, and explore Starling's perspective.
• Despite low ratings, the show proved it can stand out without Hannibal Lecter, focusing on Starling's story effectively.
• Amazon's potential reboot of Clarice should prioritize continuing the series over creating new spin-off content.

Although Clarice takes place after The Silence of the Lambs and before the events in the movie’s sequel, Hannibal. Clarice is often compared to other properties in the extensive The Silence of the Lambs universe, including another show and four films.

Clarice’s cast brought new actors to revive some of the film’s original characters, though notably, one was absent from the show. The show’s season aired to notably low ratings, with a common criticism being its formulaic procedural storytelling. However, the predictability doesn’t mean the show doesn’t deserve another season to continue world-building and character development within The Silence of the Lambs cinematic universe.

Clarice Made A Solid Case For Season 2

The Show’s Finale Lays The Foundation For A Season 2

new Hannibal Lecter replacement for Clarice to face.

Part of the reason Ridley Scott's Hannibal failed for many viewers is that it relegated Starling to second-tier status. Clarice, by contrast, leans more into Starling's point of view.

By focusing more on Starling's perspective and backstory, the show leans into the greatest strength of the original The Silence of the Lambs story. Part of the reason Ridley Scott's Hannibal failed for many viewers is that it relegated Starling to second-tier status. Clarice, by contrast, leans more into Starling's point of view. Clarice also took a more progressive approach to the original story, adding a trans character to address the complicated legacy of Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs. This elevated Clarice far beyond the typical recycling of the classic Hannibal storyline.

Why Clarice Season 2 Hasn't Happened

The Show’s Low Ratings Were Detrimental To Its Budding Reputation

After receiving the lowest ratings of the early 2021 CBS show list, Clarice did not return to CBS’s fall 2021 lineup. Disappointingly, the show did not meet the network's expectations regarding viewership ratings or profitability. While CBS did not officially cancel Clarice season 2, the show has not yet returned to network television. With an oversaturation of crime procedurals on television already, Clarice found it hard to stand out – despite its iconic central character.

Clarice is loosely adapted from the Red Dragon novel series by Thomas Harris.

As with most spin-offs, there are some continuity issues, as some of Lecter was essential to Clarice’s story. However, Lecter's absence means Clarice is able to concentrate more on Starling's perspective, giving it its unique voice.

Amazon's Likely Reboot Should Be Nixed In Favor Of Clarice Season 2

Amazon Prime Video Now Has The Opportunity To Reboot The Show

Clarice was long involved in rights issues involving content from The Silence of the Lambs. In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, which co-produced Clarice. Before the merger, a financial dispute between CBS Studios/Paramount and MGM curtailed the series' move to the Paramount+ streaming service. The Amazon-MGM merger means a new take on the series is likely in the works now that Amazon has the rights to the Clarice Starling character and some of The Silence of The Lambs' intellectual property. With that potential series in mind, Amazon should try to revive the Clarice storyline before creating new spin-off content.

In 2013, NBC, who owns the rights to the Hannibal character, released another content about Hannibal Lecter is already highly concentrated, with Clarice being the only show that does not mention the cannibalistic doctor. This unique perspective is necessary for the continued growth and success of The Silence of the Lambs franchise. Only Clarice has been able to provide this fresh take and deserves another chance at streaming to expand that world.

Though the run of Clarice was brief, the show deserves much more praise than it received in 2021. Clarice was merely following the format of crime procedurals that have been tried and tested for decades. Though some found this tiresome, the show proved that The Silence of the Lambs series doesn’t need Hannibal Lecter to continue the story. Clarice Starling is a compelling and intelligent female lead in both films and television. Additional seasons of Clarice would give the show another chance to prove that it has the unique characters and plot necessary for streaming success.