Bryan Fuller's television adaptation of the Hannibal novels created a substantially different narrative by shifting focus from the original protagonist Clarice Starling to FBI profiler Will Graham, a change driven by licensing limitations on Harris's characters. This led to a story centred on Graham's relationship with psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, forming the emotional core of the series.

The adaptation is credited with surpassing the source material, particularly through expanded female characters who gain narrative significance and agency compared to their literary counterparts. The series reframes Will and Hannibal's connection beyond pure opposition, instead exploring a psychologically layered dynamic infused with possessive and romantic qualities. Mikkelsen's interpretation of Hannibal is highlighted as establishing a powerful reinvention of the character.