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 really love watching the Merlin episodes,when I first saw the advertisement I knew that this was going to be a great TV show and when I watched the first episode I couldn’t wait for the following episodes.I really hope that the 4th season will be released…I will definitely watch it!
Finally something to watch on Friday nights!
Please keep Merlin… I love it. Something worthwile on Friday nights!
I was so hopeful that Syfy will pick up season 4. I watch it every week and look forward to the show progressing. Please don’t let it end with this last episode!!
We have great hopes that Syfy will pick up Season 4 of Merlin. What a delightfully satisfying series.
I LOVE MERLIN PLZ BRING IT BACK, KARINA CRIES ALL THE TIME
I am a big fan. I hope the SCFY channel will renew the 4th season. When the series appeared on NBC, I didn’t know anything about it until two days before the show aired. That’s because I was watching the SCFY channel and saw the trailers. I knew that a show like Merlin would not survive on NBC, not because it’s not a great show, but due to lack of advertising, and promotion. The same thing happened with ROME on HBO. I was driving around my neighborhood one day, and saw a poster on a bus stop bench — about… Read more »
Merlin is a wonderful show. Fun, and exciting, and moving. syfy = PLEASE pick season 4 up and put it on as soon as possible.
We are HUGE fans of the show….MAD that we have to wait until 2012 for the next season. It is very awesome watching how the legends all started!!! Please renew 10 seasons!!!
Would love to see Merlin renewed for a fourth and more seasons.One of our favorite shows.Very enjoyable.Please renew
I hope SYFY renews Merlin…it’s my favorite show and I look forward to Friday nights for that reason. I never fail to watch it…please, please, SYFY bring it back!
I love the show I hope syfy will run the 4 season . The cast is great.
I would like to see season 4 on DVD. I would to see Arthur realize Merlin has magic, and become Friends. and the relationship between Guinevere and Arthur progress.
I really enjoy watching the show I hope that it will be on for another season.
Big fan of anything having to do with king arthur. Hope they continue the series to the point where we see the knights of the round, and King Arthur. Most of All I hope to see Arthur discover that Merlin has magic and that they become the legendary friends they were meant to be.