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.
 Loading ... |
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 would love to see more of this show. I caught it for the first time while vacationing in Ireland this summer and absolutely fell in love with the show! The witty banter between Merlin and pretty much everyone is awesome. We also don’t have too many period shows in primetime. I really want to see this show take off…with so much potential, please give it a chance!
light fun and clean iam sick to death of reality shows get with the program we ot all dopes out here.
My family and I watch and TIVO the show so we can watch it again..It’s nice to have something else to watch but football season is just beginning. I think you should move Merlin to Saturday there’s nothing to watch on TV in the evening. Please don’t cancel the show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I looooove Merln! Great acting stunning clothes! The entire project is a must for those of us that hate reality TV and CSI this and Law and Order that! Please keep the Brit show! So refreshing
Please do NOT cancel Merlin. My family and I watch and record it every week. We have been sad that it has not been on the last few Sundays. Please allow it to return in the fall. We will gladly watch it over reality shows.
Please please please don’t cancel Merlin. I love it. It’s a wonderful show. Even though they’ve done some interesting changes with the original characters of Camelot…
We need a touch of Fantasy SOMEWHERE, I didn’t even know about it before it aired. Maybe if you advertised it a little more, people would watch!
And the show itself is delightful. Merlin’s character and the other main characters, are just becoming truly three dimensional. Please give it more time!!!
Merlin is a terrific, wholesome, quality show that definitely deserves to be brought back! I was immediately riveted to the intriguing plot and the adorable characters! I adore the hints of relationships and I love the drama and suspense it has! Each episode is a brilliant excuse to duck out of reality, even if just for a little while. I recommended this to my friends and they instantly became hooked! BRING BACK MERLIN! 🙂
Merlin is a fantastic show. I reccomeded it my grandchildren and friends children. It is the basis for humanity and civilization. I like the way it the program depicts the stuggle between Christianity and the Druids. There are so many life lessons for the kids. This programing is refreshing, educational, whimsey and so far from the cheap (morally and financially) reality shows today.
PLEASE KEEP THIS PROGRAM! I watch it faithfully and it is Not on tonight, which is why I am on this web site.
Merlin was one of those shows I stumbled over on a Sunday night. What a pleasnt surprise to see a quality show on a Sunday night. With all the reality shows crammed down out throat we finally get to view a realy great series. I do hope that others will take the time to see what this series is all about. Creative stories and exceptional acting roles. I give the series season one an A+ and hope season 2 will be aired here in the fall also.
I was about to boycott NBC if Merlin was to be cancelled. It was a relief to know that it will be back in the Fall.
@mary: I think you’re referring to a UK article that incorrectly reports that the show will begin airing in the US this Fall. As you know, it’s already aired here. NBC hasn’t announced any plans to bring it back for season two thus far.
I found out yesterday that Merlin will be returning in the fall. It had never occured to me that it would’nt. Then it dawned on me that it might not. I searched for the website in a panic and was relieved to find out it would be back after football season. I’m sure all the fantasy lovers out there are watching or soon will be. Merlin is such an imaginative show. I love the twist on the whole story line and the characters. I find myself riveted to the stories week after week. Now there is nothing to watch on… Read more »
Merlin is the best show I watch now. Special the story. It explain how things the way they were comparing to his future adult life when he become who he was. And the people in the show are also doing an excellent job. NBC should put that $$ on the side and threat this show as long term investment. The rating METER is not always right. There are many stupid shows that they kept for some stupid reasons. Give this show a chance to mature.
I love Merlin, ME and my kids watch it every sunday! Finally something on these networks that don’t include cussing in it! It seems like any decent show gets cancelled but the ones with the vulgar language and things not suitable for kids make it. Why is that?
Merlin is a gem. It has production similar to a full length movie. I am biased because I love Magic and all its enchantments. This is escapist fare and honestly we all can use this. I look forward to it each week. If it does not come back then the network people are morons. How many reality crappy shows can be on television. Yes, Merlin can do this better, and if it comes back they probably will. I am a Boomer and I watch it faithfully . Please keep on keeping this on. TV has so many lousy programs that… Read more »