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.
I love Merlin!!! Please don’t cancel it and put another reality show on. People need to have something light and fun and fantasy like to get out of the real world problems for at least an hour a day!! My mom even like it and she was never a magic/sci fi/ famtasy show type. She wont miss an episode. The characters are great, very well done.
Thanks
Kim
Love the show, hope it does not get cancelled want to see more even a second season would be great. great fun to watch!!!!
When will the rating system include first time viewing on Hulu?
Afterall, some of us have moved to streaming to watch TV shows.
So, your ratings are a little more slanted.
You now have to include the internet with various recording devices to see the true picture the rating for a program.
there is just something missing from this show. It should be cancelled or at the very least go back to the drawing board and figure out how to make it not look like a failed comedy.
I love the show and hope that it doesnt get canceled!!! All the shows that i start to watch and love end up getting canceled and they dont even end the show in a way that satisfies the viewers!!!
Please do not cancel this show !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Merlin has some inconsistencies as far as how Camelot storyline has always previously been portrayed (i.e., Guinevere was ALREADY living in Camelot and had already fallen for Lancelot AND Merlin NOT Arthur?). I think this show has tremendous potential and it just a lot of fun to watch. The special effects are great and intro to the characters makes for interesting watching – I mean when was Morgana ever portrayed as such a loving and kind girl? Or when was Arthur previously shown to be a spoiled and pompous boy who cannot hide his goodness even when he tries. I… Read more »
Love this show! Love the cast and characters. LOVE that it’s so out of the ordinary doctor, lawyer and mediocre reality fare.
Of course, this means that in all likelihood, NBC will continue in its infinite capacity to let me down and cancel it.
Here’s hoping SyFy will pick it up.
We love the show! Merlin and Arthur (Colin Morgan & Bradley James) are both stars! Please don’t cancel it, and you must renew for the 2nd season too!
07/12/09 I continue to watch Merlin and like it more and more with each new episode. I think the acting is good. I really enjoy the sets and costumes. For me, they fit that period of history – they are simple and not ostentatious or over-the-top! I love when then have a feast or celebration, it is low key – sets just the right tone. I absolutely love that when the characters speak to each other, you can hear them clearly – they’re not drowned out sporadically by background sounds & loud music. I really like that! THERE IS MUCH… Read more »
I actually missed the first episodes and caught up on line! The show is fantastic!
The comedy, wit, satire, drama and, fantasy all in one show! This may very well be the best show since M.A.S.H. (even though M.A.S.H. did not have the fantasy aspect)
FYI I did not watch the Law and Order for the first three months and now I am a die hard fan.
The new show SoUTHLAND should just be deep sixed.
One of my favorite shows. Keep it.
07/10/09
I liked “The First Knight” and I’m really crazy about this BBC series – Merlin!
It’s fanciful, fun, magical, escapist fare; and I want more, more, more! (I wish NBC would buy the rights to sell the DVD’s so I could purchase a set at a store soon!)
MERLIN IS A KEEPER!
norma from nevada
Merlin is one of the BEST shows you have put on TV this year on NBC. Everyone is TIRED of the cop shows that are real to life. We are having all types of problems in the world and a show like Merlin lets you take a fantasy adventure from reality. I am tired of Reality Shows. Like shows from other channels like Xena and Hercules. Those had a big following after a while. Give the show a chance and give it a good time slot and you will see the fan base grow. Here you bring in Merlin, which… Read more »
Whatever happened to the concept of giving a show a chance to get an audience before cancelling it? Only 5 installments of the show have aired, and already the question is out there as to whether or not to cancel it?!? Frankly, IMHO, that is ridiculous. First of all, since, I am not a big watcher of NBC (surprise, surprise), I had no idea this show was even airing until a friend mentioned it. Now, I can catch up on the NBC website, or Hulu, but, then, apparently, I don’t “count” as a viewer, even though there are advertisements during… Read more »
Merlin is my new fave show…i hope they don’t cancel it!!!