Yet another crime-based series has entered the realm of television. However, some may find this one more dark and disturbing than the others because of its incorporation of one of mankind’s greatest taboos, cannibalism.

NBC’s “Hannibal” focuses on FBI Special Investigator Will Graham, whose empathy toward serial killers enables him to mentally recreate crimes, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist and (unbeknownst to others) a cannibal. The series is based on the novel Red Dragon, by Thomas Harris.

In the opening episode, the show depicted violent, bloody murders, slit throats, and the consumption of human lungs by Lecter.

People had different opinions in regard to the graphic show.

Sophomore Madeleine McGee said, “I haven’t seen the show, but it sounds really gross.”

While some found the content of “Hannibal” unsettling, others found it compelling.

Junior Danielle Bickel said, “It does sound interesting but very weird. I am curious though and may watch an episode to learn more about the show.”

Sophomore Madison Norman was uninterested in “Hannibal” because of the already excessive amount of crime shows on television: “There are a lot of shows currently on TV that are crime dramas and it seems like most of them have the same general plot.”

People have opposing views on how the show and crime dramas in general reflect on American society.

McGee said, “I find it disturbing how much much violence is in the media. I think it says bad things about society.”

Others think that the shows are actually beneficial for Americans.

Bickel said, “I have read that people who watch shows like this are more likely to help people in danger in real life [dangerous] situations, so I believe that even though these shows are fictional, they still have positive impacts on society.”

Whether a fan or foe of violent crime dramas, it will be interesting to see how “Hannibal” fares over the course of its first season.