NBC debuted their new fantasy-adventure series, Merlin, last night. Did many people tune in to watch this new take on an old tale? Will it be allowed to run its course or has the magic tale failed to excite viewers?
Merlin stars Colin Morgan as a young sorcerer who arrives in Camelot, a city where magic has been outlawed by King Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head). While there, Merlin learns that he has an important part to play in the future of Camelot and residents like Prince Arthur (Bradley James), maid Guinevere (Angel Coulby), and seer Morgana (Katie McGrath). Others in the cast include Bionic Woman’s Michelle Ryan, Richard Wilson, and John Hurt as the voice of The Great Dragon.
Though many British shows have been remade for American audiences over the years, Merlin supposedly marks the first time a UK drama has aired on a major US network in over 30 years. But, how long will it last?
Last night, Merlin debuted to an average of just 5.35 million viewers for its two-hour premiere, putting it in second place behind CBS reruns. The supernatural show was also in second place for the 18-49 demographic with an average of a 1.4/4 rating/share.
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That performance certainly isn’t a magical one for the network and the ratings will very likely decline for subsequent installments. Considering that it’s Summer and that NBC hasn’t spent much money to acquire the series, it looks very likely that the network will air all 13 installments of this season.
While the show’s future on NBC isn’t certain, Merlin will continue on nevertheless. The series has been a hit for BBC One and they commissioned a second season last December. Production is expected to begin soon and will film on location in Wales and France. Unless ratings pick up, it seems doubtful that NBC will be buying it.
What do you think? Should Merlin be cancelled before season one even finishes? Will NBC make the second season available to network viewers? So, cancel or keep Merlin?
Image courtesy NBC.
Wow. This is stupid. Why in the world would NBC want to cancel a show that gets them almost as many viewers as CBS?? Wouldn’t they want to keep it? Plus, I’m hooked. I absolutley love the show. It has decent effects for a movie about the old ages, and I think that the story line is good. I think it is good that we actually get to see some better shows than the crap that’s usually on tv. If it does go out, I would buy the dvd instead of watching it on tv with my family every Sunday… Read more »
me and my dad watch it every sunday! we love it! I would be devastated if it was cancelled and would have to try and find all future episodes online and watch them that way!
btw its my new fav show too!
It is the only show ever that I could actually watch a repeat performance. I would be so upset if they took it off.
Merlin isn’t that good of a show because it’s first 3 episodes were about “poison” so it makes you think that they can’t come up with anything great to put in the show. And it’s special effects are not that great as well, reminds me of some 70’s movies.
My new favorite show!!
this show better not be canceled its so unique and fantastic i love this show.
Love this show, Please Keep the show on the Air, Great show, should have been better marketing.
I had never even heard of it until I saw it on hulu on accident! I’m now caught up on all the episodes and can’t wait till the next one. Way to drop the ball NBC on that whole advertising thing!
please please please keep the show atleast until the first season is over. i love this show and i think if the marketing were better more people would watch it. Please show the second season too, I’ll cry if u don’t. i love this show.
Don’t cancel it! It’s really quite good.
This show is great. I love the whole medieval feel to it. 🙂
it was a great show…..but nbc can’t market a show to save their life…..i had no idea about this show untill i just happened to be roaming the channels.
Please keep this show i love it.
I love this show after the first episode i was addicted i watched every episode and i can’t wait for season 2 if they cancel this i will be so upset this show rocks.
Love this show! Please keep in on the air!