Hannibal Episode Pulled by NBC Given "Cultural Climate" in Wake of Boston Marathon Bombings

"Given the cultural climate right now in the U.S., I think we shouldn't air the episode in its entirety," creator Bryan Fuller said of choosing not to air the episode

Hannibal's fourth episode has been pulled from NBC's schedule in the wake of this week's Boston Marathon bombings and the earlier school shooting in Newtown, Conn., E! News has confirmed.

NBC will instead air the new drama's fifth episode on Thursday, April 25, which will move the season finale's airdate to Thursday, June 20.

Variety first reported news of the decision to shelve the episode, which centered on a storyline involving guest star Molly Shannon's character brainwashing children to murder other children.

Creator Bryan Fuller revealed he called NBC and suggested they not air the episode "given the cultural climate right now in the U.S., I think we shouldn't air the episode in its entirety."

He adds, "We want to be respectful of the social climate we're in right now."

Variety notes that viewers shouldn't expect any continuity confusion.

Earlier this week, ABC pulled a bomb-related episode of Castle from its schedule; the episode will now air on April 29.