As Merlin wraps up its second season on the air in the UK, the cast and crew have received some good news. They’ll be going back to work for a third round of episodes.
Merlin tells the story of the legendary wizard’s early adulthood, living in the court of King Uther, Arthur’s father. The series features Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Katie McGrath as Morgana, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Richard Wilson as Gaius, and John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon.
In the UK, the ratings were strong enough for BBC One to renew Merlin for a second season back in December 2008. Season two began airing in September 2009 and will finish on December 19th. While viewership has dropped a bit, the ratings are high enough for BBC One to greenlight a third season.
In a statement, Controller Drama Commissioning Ben Stephenson said, “With its mix of magic, adventure and humour, Merlin is perfect Saturday-evening family television, and we are thrilled that Shine Television will be creating a new series for BBC One. I’m looking forward to seeing what adventures our popular young wizard, and his friends in Camelot, will go on in series three.”
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Johnny Capps, Executive Producer of Shine Television (which produces the show), added, “Merlin is ready to burst back onto BBC One with more action, romance and, of course, magic to delight fans of all ages. After the thrilling finale of the current series audiences will be left wondering what happens next — and with so many of Merlin and Arthur’s adventures yet to unfold, we can’t wait to continue the story.”
Unfortunately, it’s still up in the air as to when or if the second or third season of Merlin will be shown in the US. An NBC network spokesperson tells us that the network has yet to make a decision on whether they will air another season. The ratings for season one weren’t very strong so, realistically, the chances don’t look all that good.
If NBC decides to air season two of Merlin, the series probably won’t come back until next summer, at the earliest.
If NBC doesn’t want it, the series could be picked up by another outlet. Or, at the very least, fans will eventually be able to purchase season DVDs. The first season has already been released in the UK and will no doubt be released in the US.
What do you think? Would you like to see NBC air the second and third seasons of Merlin? Would you buy them on DVD?
Image courtesy BBC One.
If NBC doesn’t air Season 3 of Merlin I will be severely upset. However, I would buy the seasons on DVD regardless of air time, it’s just THAT good.
Merlin is a wonderful show! I don’t miss an episode. I love the comedy, drama, fantasy, specials effects, and all of the characters. I was very upset when I heard that it may not be back at all in the USA. I will buy all of the dvd’s as they come out. NBC has to renew this great show and give us some great quality family shows as a replacement for some of the violence that is on every channel. Don’t get me wrong, I do watch the crime and drama shows also, but sometimes it is just nice to… Read more »
This show has to be picked up by NBC or any other US TV network. I’ve been watching all the season 2 Episodes online, and they’ve all been really great. I don’t want to have to feel the void of no new merlin for eight months, but I’ll try my best. We need these DVDs as soon as possible, I’m dying here. I have withdrawals, it’s ridiculous. Season 2 needs to be aired here NOW, with 3 quickly following. Hey NBC, here’s an idea for you to pick up some ratings: Put the show on a better timeslot than SEVEN… Read more »
We in Canada LOVE this show please NBC pick this winner up !!!!!!
I can tell you AMERICA that Merlin Season 2 is worth getting it on TV is the best Saturday Night show on TV & The BBC know how to make great Drama in any show.
Woooo! I really enjoy it! I love the Merlin and Arthur and so many magic stuff. Love Love Love
This show is so entertaining,bvery enjoyable to watch,it’s a BIG hit at our house. NBC would do well to air this great great show!!!! With so much garbage on T.V. Merlin is a breath of fresh air please ,please, NBC pick Merlin up. Thanks!
This season has been awesome so far. We really NEED the DVD’s HERE. PLEASE. I’ll be one of the ones buying the box set if and when it ever reaches us poor Region 1 people…
They better air it!!! I want to find out what happens!!!!!
I’ve been watching each ep of S2 online since NBC felt Jay Leno or informercials were a better use of its airtime. It’s been a great second season so far. The two part troll eps were tops with a really fine performance from the guest actress.
Absolutely. Loved the show, the cast and the story is a classic. It was fun and entertaining. Not everything can be a cop show or reality series. There are some sci-fi/supernatural fans in the world too.
I REALLY , REALLY HOPE THEY AIR IT! I HAD HEARD OF MERLIN WELL BEFORE IT AIRED IN THE U.S AND WAS REALLY HOPING THEY WOULD AT LEAST BRING IT TO BBC AMERICA. IF THEY DECIDE NOT TO AIR IT, THEY SHOULD AT LEAST MAKE SEASONS 2 AND3 AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE HERE IN THE U.S ON OUR FORMAT.
I hope NBC airs it…. I really like Merlin.
NBC better air it, I don’t want to wait for DVD releases
NBC should air the second and third seasons.