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.
Love this series. I sure hope that SyFy will air the 4th season. I hope it keeps on going! Very enjoyable.
We have watched and love all of the Merlin episodes and would love to see LOTS more. Hope there’s a Season 4, 5, 6, and more on SyFy. We’ll definitely be watching!
Amen to the reality and crime shows. Entertainment is what I want when I watch T.V. Otherwise I’ll turn on the news. Starting watching this with my grandson, because he loved the various monsters. Now I watch it for me. Always loved any Arthurian legend, and this version is no exception. Please renew it for next season, and the next, and the …….
My wife and I never miss a showing of Merlin. We have watched all 3 series and will be very dissapointed if SyFy does not show Merlin Series 4. We are so tired of nothing but reality shows and crime shows on the regular networks. Please continue to provide entertainment like Merlin so that we are not “stuck” with CBS, NBC, ABC’s boring, cheaply made programming.
Perhaps if the Merlin series was advertised and promoted on the regular networks, viewers would tune in to see this amazing, entertaining series.
Merlin has been one of the best series i have ever watched. i wish they extend the contract for more seasons.
I just watched all three seasons of Merlin online in only four days. Once i got started i couldn’t stop watching. The ending for season three was amazing and i can’t wait for season four. Syfy should definently air this show. I love it!!!!
I love Merlin. I never miss an episode. I am hopint it will be renewed for the fourth season.
It does not matter whatth the networks do. I have already finished watching the third season on fastpasstv.com and am waiting for the 4th. I just wish they would censor the nudity in the series. Every episode there is some one topless
I’m glad for a 4th and possible 5th season. I have seen every show shown here thus far. I can’t get enough of it.
I love Merlin. It is fun to escape from ordinary life and let yourself wander into the make believe past where good still out shines evil. Hooray for Merlin!
please please air season. i’m british iving over here in the states and i love watching Merlin.
I just ordered the 3rd season from amazon.uk – the packaging for the first 2 seasons is so much better in England than the crap Warner Bros sells in this country. I sold the ones I bought here first. Also, I don’t have to wait for it to be available on amazon here. Its usually available 6 months earlier from their British site. This is a super show and I can’t figure out why is bombed on NBC.
What a fantastic escape from the mundane world we live in.
Merlin is by far the best “take me away to a magical place” show.
I need to relax from teaching, and Merlin is -IT-.
this tv seris good no no no no no very good and tanks for biuld
This is one of my favorite shows iv been watching it since the begining. The end of season 3 is amazing and leaves for the 4th season to be in HIGH expectations.. This needs more publicity and better publicity in america and it would do a lot better. If syfy dosen’t pick this serious up they are ruining there “Rep” its a magic show for crying out loud. Screams syfy!
I agree! I love this show! I will be truly broken hearted if it does not air in America for the 4th season & renewed thereafter. This season has gone by so fast! I’ve been so disheartened of late due to so many great shows being cancelled. I also believe it’s due to the advertising – if you want folks to buy your product, tell them about it! I am so sick of “reality tv.” It has taken over the air waves. Gee, cancel some of that crap & leave the good stuff alone! I get enough reality in my… Read more »