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 agree that it is so nice to finally see a show that is family friendly. I find it very interesting and don’t miss an episode. Please keep it rolling!
DO NOT CANCEL!! PLEASE. This show keeps getting better and better. It would be a real pity to get all into it and then not be able to see how it all turns out in future seasons!!
It is family friendly and entertaining. Who cares if it is not completely accurate to the legardary stories. That’s the beauty of these kinds of shows and films (Mists of Avalon?). They don’t have to follow a fixed line of history or story line.
I am enjoying it!!
Keep it! I am hoping that last night’s absence of Merlin doesn’t mean that it is gone the way of the do-do. I agree that the North American audience should be given a chance to let the show develop its characters and scripts and show us some of Merlin’s “magic”.
I like that the show is family friendly. At first I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I’m hooked on it now and haven’t missed an episode yet.
Don’t cancel it! Why because it doesn’t have any sex or violence. It is something new and different. It is about the only family friendly show on TV.
If NBC airs season 1 it should air season 2, because why leave viewers with a cliff hanger. If they do not, even if they do I’ll be seeing them online as soon as possible becasue I do not want to wait until next summer to see season 2. Though if NBC does are it next summer I will still watch it, even if I see them online first.
They should not cancel Merlin! If they do I’ll just be forced to watch online. And I’m positive I won’t be the only one.
I just discovered Merlin as I am sure many others will. This show is wonderful, it is very entertaining for everyone to watch. NBC should NOT cancel this show. It is very well written, and acted! Come on NBC, keep some quality programming! Give this show a chance to find it’s audience.
NBC should not cancel Merlin. It is a good and entertaining tv show and it proves that people will watch things unrelated to sex and gory drama. If it is getting picked up for a second season in the UK NBC should take another hint. BBC usually puts out very entertainting shows…the office now a hit on NBC. Magical type of stories have been for business…Harry Potter?! and on Disney Channel Wizards of Waverly Place is a nice show for tweens. Merlin is light but suspensful enough to keep the audience wanting more!!! Keep it NBC!
OMG, please do not cancel Merlin. It is one of the best shows that I have seen in a while. If people would tune in or NBC would run a few encores I think this show can really succeed. I would be devisted if this show did not make it!
One the best shows out there, hopefuly NBC keeps it gone!
NBC should keep it going, Its a fun show to watch. With Reality clogging the airwaves, along with the guts and gore and not to mention sex, sex and more sex on tv, its nice to see something that anyone can watch and enjoy.
PLEASE don’t cancel yet another truly good – family- tv program!!! It’s teaching children (and many adults) morals! Some of us are sick of the “reality,” “kill just to show blood & gore” and “date match” shows that have absolutely no redeeming value or interest to those of us who appreciate being mentally stimulated by a decent plot. There hasn’t been a show like this since the Robin Hood series that aired on PBS in the 80s! Not all who watch tv are morons, thank you. I wish shows weren’t totally judged on ratings and, thus, the money the bring… Read more »
This was my favourite series! please don’t cancel it.
PLEASE!!!! Don’t cancel Merlin. Oh of course, there isn’t blood and gore and murder and malice so I can see why they would want to cancel it, after all you shouldn’t enjoy TV, should you…you must shock the audience at all costs, right? WRONG!!! Get with it NBC!!! Don’t cancel Merlin