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?
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Please do not cancel the series. It’s wonderful to watch. Though many libertys have been taken with the myth, the stories are great.
Dan
Keep Merlin! I enjoy the characters and the costumes – the twist on the traditional merlin – Arthur legend is refreshing. Please do not cancel this series!
It is so much fun to watch…I have read extensively books on the Arthurian Legend and it is absolutley riveting to watch this interpretation.. Please do not cancel!
I started watching on accident and to be honest merlin has become a favorite of mine. i would like to watch it for a for a few more seasons. justin 30 orlando
Please pick up the second season of Merlin. I am 71 years old and I enjoy it very much as well as the Robin Hood series that used to be on.
It is a welcome change from all that is on TV today. Between reality shows and detective/polic shows there is not much else to watch. Please bring it back.
Thank you,
Jim
Please do not cancel Merlin it’s a refreshing change from all the detective shows, great for teens and adults.
KEEP MERLIN – WE ENJOY IT IMMENSLEY.
NO MORE REALITY SHOWS. THIS CERTAINLY IS REFRESHING.
DARE TO BREAK AWAY FROM SAME OLD SAME OLD SHOWS.
DO NOT CANCEL..this show is great to watch on a Sunday night. We put on too many shows that I have NO clue why they stay on for as long as they do but this one is not one of those. What a great show. I want to keep watching more and more.
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL MERLIN!!! This show is great and great for the whole family. How many shows can you sit down to watch AND WANT TO WATCH with your kids? HELLO! Many people are watching this show. I don’t know where they get their ratings from, but clearly this is not a true cross section of what America is tuning into. There are way too many doctor, nurse crime investigation etc shows out there. We need a show like this! Its a refreshing change. Hey, this show is a hit in the UK and around the world. I think… Read more »
Please keep Merlin on the air!!! First, NBC pulls the plug on the Listener, which I loved, and now there’s talk of Merlin getting axed too? It’s such a refreshing show to have on TV, especially when there’s not much novelty in TV programming these days.
I have been totally enthralled with Merlin from the very first time I watched it this summer. Quality rules in acting, story line, dialogue, especially in the short amusing quips between Merlin and Arthur that brings some current relevancy. Loved the nobleness of those ancient times along with the danger. Great family entertainment and young people could be really turned on to the books of this medieval time especially of Merlin and all his magical powers and his quest to right the wrongs of his world. Soooo many commercials but will endure. This program is ever so worthy of another… Read more »
Merlin is a nice choice over all the other shows out there. It would be a shame if NBC didn’t pick Merlin up for a second season and NBC should let the first season of Merlin finish out before making hasty judgments. I may not get time to watch the tv on the appointed day and have to catch up via online runs of a program but there are alot of people out there that enjoy this show and will watch it with out without you NBC.
Mriswith
Join this Merlin Fan Site- http://www.merlintvshow.com/thread
Merlin is a great family show. The alternate storyline is entertaining. Season 2 will be great, hopefully we get S2 here in the States.
Merlin Rocks!!
Why can’t I purchase Season I of Merlin. It does not seem to be available in the US, only in the UK. I don’t understand that..if the show is being shown in the US, then why is the DVD not available in the US?
Please don’t cancel this show, so many others have been cancelled which was a BIG mistake. Why can’t the BIG execs give new shows a chance to see what they can do? This show is original and entertaining.
I t definetly should not be canceled i think cause i am a big fan of the show it rules man so dont cancel it or ill be pissed off plz dont
thxs Tasheena papin