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 am anticipating the next season of Merlin. I hope SYFY picks it up so I can see it!!!!
I LOVE “MERLIN” can’t get enough of it! I have it scheduled to record but it has never shown up for 2011. All I’ve gotten are a few re-runs. When is it going to air in the US? Please bring it back. It’s better than any other show….. better than”camelot” on HBO. My parents love it and my 2 sisters and brother.
PLEASE TELL ME WHEN WILL IT AIR FOR US 2011???????
GOTTA HAVE IT
pkbowles
awsome that there is another series coming. I can’t wait.
I watched the first season in Annapolis, Maryland and I watched Season 2 on Netflix and I watched season 3 on my computer through a blog. I will watch it for as long as they keep making a series. I have always loved Knights of the Round table and any people trying to do the right thing!
Is there someone in the US to contact to get it here on my television?
My wife & I Love the Merlin show! Please keep it going!
Thank you!
Yes would like SYFI Channel to show MERLIN Season 4 as soon as possible, due to fact that the BBC Channel in UK as of October 1, 2011 has begun allowing tv reviewers to watch on Saturday nites. Executives need to listen to what tv reviewers want therefore the ratings for their station would go up.
i love the show. i really hope it begins in us soonb
I love this show. Even named my cat Morgana. Cant wait to see the new season. Keep them coming.
Yes and Yes Please. I love this show.
I’ll be watching for Oct 1, 2011 and Oct 8, 2011 as I understand Merlin will return on these days. PLease be it so…..
Liz » I don’t think so. It’s supposed to return in 2012.
Merlin is the highlight of my day I look forward to watching the prgram and I have been anxiety waiting for its’ return. Please continue this series.
This is one of the best series on the air. I look forward to seeing it every season. I have been watching from the beginning, and hopefully for many seasons to come. Please keep this series Syfi!
Merlin is #1 on my program manager. I have been waiting for season 4 and hope it is back on ScyFy.
I have loved this show from the very start. The actors are great, the plot is well thought out and it is refreshing to have other options besides reality tv! The X-factor is not for everyone and I love watching Merlin try to get out of tight spots! I hope Syfy decides to continue with Season 4!
Please let me know when it will be on again in America. We love the show .
Current TV right now is awful. Merlin is one sh0w I go out of my way to watch. Not airing season 4 would surely be a mistake. I even have kept season three in my Q to watch periodically until the DVD comes out. Thanks for showing the first 3 seasons; looking forward to the fourth.
I hope that Merlin comes back this year. We have been following it from episode #1. Not all the UK shows are worth watching, but this one certainly is well worth the watch.
Norm and Chris
Would so love to see Merlin back on Syfi. It is so much more entertaining than the silly “reality” shows.