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 this show everybody in my family watches it and we are all into it. There are no other shows like it and the story just keeps getting better every week please don’t cancel it.
We all love this show. It is nice to have an entertaining show with a compelling story. Please do not cancel it. It is one of the only shows we make sure we see each week.
Please don’t cancel !!!!
My husband and I love Merlin it is a
nice change to our other options!!!!!
I love this show! It’s clean, I don’t have to worry about language or nudity. There are very few shows like that on TV anymore. Please keep it on the air NBC!
Don’t cancel Merlin. My husband and I think it’s great fun.
Dump this. It’s an exercise in failed imagination, and it never belonged on NBC. Cable, maybe (Spike, anyone?). it’s strictly for the Dungeons and Dragons crowd, despite marketing that insists otherwise.
I am a fifty-seven year old man and I implore you to keep Merlin going. I just finished watching the first season and I cannot remember a show that I so enjoyed as this one.I would love to see a second season as soon as possible.
SO PLEASE KEEP MERLIN, IN YOUR SCHEDULE
LOVE this show. It’s nice to watch something thats not all about sex. PLEASE do not cancel Merlin. When will it start up again.
Please do not cancel this show!! This became the highlight of my week!!Please put it back on the air as soon as possible. Thanks
I was about to send a message to NBC about the Merlin series and
then I found this site. This series is wonderful and awesome and it’s
encouraging to see a major network aire a series that is in tune with
family viewing versus all the anti-family shows on TV. My family and
friends and I were so glad to have the Merlin series to look forward to each week. In fact, we missed it as we waited for Sundays and we
hope that NBC sees its value to families and aires a 2nd season!!
.
This show is wonderful. I have not enjoyed ANYTHING on TV until Merlin. I absolutley love everything about it.(especially Merlin and Arthur!) Keira Knightley does an outstanding job also. In fact all the actors do. It’s also written very well. Please, please continue the series!!!
I love this show and I cant wait to see the next season. Even if it means watching it on line. I read some where it will show on NBC after the football season. I hope they are right. I am sick of reality shows. We need a good fantasy like this one.
Love the show! I am definitely glad it is BBC, as I love that it is already renewed, despite it’s probably light showing in the US. Not surprised of the low ratings, I stumbled upon the show, it wasn’t very well advertised, and it definitely wasn’t shown at a very good time. I hope we in the US get to see it in a timely fashion, but if not, I will look forward to it on DVD.
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL!!! I just started watching this show on accident and it is one of my favorites now. At least give it a chance to take off.
Please…there is enough reality, medical, and cop shows on television, please do not get rid of a new classic. I’m a 26 yr old male who thinks this type of show covers all age ranges from pre-teen to 80+. I enjoy NBC shows such as Heroes and the Office, I believe this show is as good as those shows. Please continue the quality programming that you’ve bestowed upon us over the summer.