While Merlin has had a bit of a rocky journey here in the states, it continues to be a success overseas. The fantasy series has just been renewed for a fourth season by the BBC.
Merlin presents a different look at the younger days of the legendary fictional sorcerer. The series stars Colin Morgan, Angel Coulby, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Anthony Head, Richard Wilson, and John Hurt (as the voice of the dragon).
The fantasy show ran on NBC during the summer of 2009 but was cancelled due to low ratings. Happily for fans, season two surfaced this summer on Syfy, the niche cable channel that’s also owned by NBC-Universal. It performed well enough on Syfy to be renewed for a third season back in August. Season three has begun airing overseas and is expected to begin airing on Syfy in early 2011.
The BBC has now commissioned a fourth season of Merlin. It will be made up of only 10 episodes versus the typical 13 installment order. It’s unknown if this may be an indication that interest in the series is beginning to cool. Filming is due to get underway in Wales and France in March 2011 and episodes are expected to air in 2012.
Of the pick-up, FremantleMedia Enterprises Global CEO David Ellender said, “With Merlin now in 183 countries and a fourth (season) under way, it is a truly global brand.”
Ben Stephenson, the controller of drama commissioning, said, “Merlin continues to perform outstandingly well against The X Factor and offers audiences an alternative treat on Saturday nights.”
There’s no word if Syfy will decide to air the fourth season when it becomes available. That decision will most likely be made after Syfy execs see how season three performs.
What do you think? Are you glad to hear Merlin’s been renewed? Do you want Syfy to air it?
Image courtesy BBC.
I’m a big fan of this series [Merlin], and I’m truly happy to know that it will be back on the air!
YAHOO!
Love love this show!
I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st Season on NBC and was thoroughly disappointed when it didn’t materialize this past summer. Since I don’t have cable, I’ll have to keep an eye out for “Merlin” on DVDs. Or maybe I’ll have to reconsider cable … remember when cable was premium TV because it didn’t have all the commercials that … well, commercial TV had? Remember, since you were paying for it, the commercials on cable were minimal. Now, most TV stations on cable have more commercials than commercial TV! Yes, NBC did cut Star Trek, but Star Trek was so advanced &… Read more »
i hope they pick it back up soon my whole family love this show i’m so tried of all my favorites being stop …sooo…please syfy pick it back up soon, thanks wendy
Yay for season 4 of Merlin! now we just need access to season 3 in the US! hurry up!
Can’t wait for it to come back. It’s been away too long!
It’s killing me to wait for Season Three in the US!!!! Thank you SyFy for picking up the series. Hopefully for many seasons to come. Boo to NBC, but then the were the ones to drop Star Trek after thier first season. . . .
3rd season 🙂
I love this show Merlin. I want SyFyto air it . It’s a great show
Love, love, love this show. I’m missing it terribly and can’t wait till it starts again. For the record, I’m probably way older than the shows usual demographic.
YES! I love Merlin an so does my daughter. We can’t wait until SyFy airs season three and season four. We love this show and anticipate each and every one of them.
I absolutely want SyFy to air Merlin Season 4. I’m looking forward to season 3 and for season 2 to be out on DVD. It’s a great show.
YES I want SyFy to air it! But as much as I love the show it cant go on forever….even though has it gotten better with each season.
OMG!!!!!! I love this show I watch all the time 🙂
Yes, I’m pleased to know that ‘Merlin’ has been renewed and I’d love for Syfy to air season three and season four when they are available! Thank-you for the informative article!
I truly enjoy Merlin and was thrilled when SyFy picked up the show. I hope they will consider airing ALL episodes filmed.