Several weeks ago, it was announced that Merlin was renewed for a fourth season to debut in 2012 overseas. Though that’s good news for fans of the show, some have been concerned because the series was renewed for only 10 episodes versus the usual baker’s dozen. Does this mean that the show is coming to a close?
Merlin showrunner Julian Murphy tells SFX that the reduced episode order came down to finances. He said, “Merlin is an expensive show… and what we are not prepared to do is cut its budget or production values. The BBC has had a really tough [financial] hit.”
On the positive side, Murphy noted that, “We are now discussing the fifth series with the BBC, and I think [the 2011 break] potentially preserves the program for longer. There is [also] talk of specials [and other] ways we can fill in the gap, but these are tough times for British broadcasters.”
Merlin has been renewed for a third season here in the states and that will debut on Syfy on January 7, 2011. Murphy teased that fans can look forward to “three or four absolutely iconic moments” in the final episode of the third season.
He added, “The last two are very special episodes because probably there are more crucial moments from the legend in them than in any other… The changes that happen in [episodes] 12 and 13… set up the direction that series four is going in. You get a good glimpse of the future.”
Syfy hasn’t decided to pick up the fourth season of Merlin yet and will likely wait to see how well year three performs in the ratings.
What do you think? Would you like to see Merlin continue for a fifth season or end after four? How long can it go on? Any ideas about what could be done for a special?
Image courtesy BBC.
Merlin has to return for a fifth season 🙁 i cant imagine merlin coming to an end.
I used to watch BBC’s robin hood too, sad that came to an end.
Dont let merlin come to an end too… :/ find ways to work around it insted of taking the easy option and finishing it 😀
I can wholeheartedly “ditto” what Jeremy said! I’ve loved the show since day one, but I am so pleased that the calibre of the writing, acting, and production values is just getting better and better with each episode. I say let’s go on and on and on! I’ll watch this show for as long as the BBC cares to offer it.
This show is awesome! The actors have such great chemistry, great comedic timing, a real feel for the period. Plus, they have a genuiness and ablility to draw you in that lends a new feel to the story itself. It is also a great family friendly show that is safe to watch with my children for a change. As a fan I am really happy to see it renewed in the recent demise of so many other fantastic scifi genre shows. A show of this caliber should be able to continue for many seasons to come if the level of… Read more »
im from the states and i found merlin on netflixs i jsut love this show i cant wait till season 4 i have seen all of seasons 1-3 and yes the way season 3 ends makes me want to see #4
I’ve enjoyed Merlin since day one and I’m very excited to see season 3 on Syfy again since I’ve already seen it online. There is a lot they can do with this legend, as long as they drop the silly pointless episodes they will make good TV. When the story is going strong, they can go on forever and I’ll be happy.
I LOVE Merlin, and hope it continues for seasons 4 and 5.. maybe 6 and beyond? 😀 Will watch whatever they give me 🙂
I’d really like to see more of the series – fifth season and even more.
Merlin is an amazing series. can’t wait for season 4… and hopefully 5 🙂
Best series for the whole family ever. We can’t wait for season 5. Way to go
I would Say i Love merlin british tv SHow!
i hope it keeps going for a bit till the end.!! =]
can’t w8 for season 4.. hehe
I and my daughter thorough enjoy watching Merlin. We would very much like the series to continue her in the states. So many of our series we watch have been canceled over the past two years and would really be disappointed if this, too, joined the ranks of the ones that were cancelled. Please continue to air this series here in the states. We love this show!!!
Love the series.
Woo hoo!
Great, Great show… I hope SyFy keeps the coming.
Absolutely I’d like to see the series continue for another several seasons! As long as the quality can be maintained, why not? It’s great to see programs of this caliber, from this genre, and suitable for the entire family.
One of the things I love about British shows is that they try not to drag on for too long. I don’t mind seeing Merlin end, if they end it well, tie up the loose plotlines and give us a bang of a finale.
There is no possibility of stopping. its just so good. i get so angry when an episode finishes :p